What to expect
A veterinary referral is needed before the veterinary physiotherapist treats the animal in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Please ensure you have completed a veterinary referral form beforehand - we can help you with this.
Initial assessments usually take 1 hour and then follow up sessions 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Assessment techniques:
- Static assessment
- Dynamic assessment
- Range of motion of the joints
- Palpation
Through this assessment the veterinary physiotherapist uses their extensive knowledge and training to implement treatment techniques and a tailored rehabilitative exercise plan.
Does my dog need veterinary physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is very beneficial for all dogs. Dogs being dogs can injure themselves when playing, on a walk or just from jumping onto the sofa. Veterinary physiotherapy is necessary for dogs of all ages, even if it is to just maintain good health or to slow down degeneration.
However, these signs may suggest an immediate need for veterinary physiotherapy:
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Abnormal gait (hopping, swaying etc.)
- Sensitive to touch
- Change in their behaviour
- Difficulty getting up from lying down
- Reduced level of activity
- Sitting crooked (with one leg to the side or leaning against something)
- Resistance to activity like walking
- Scraping nails/paws on floor when walking
- Pulling up or refusing a jump
What can veterinary physiotherapy achieve?
Veterinary physiotherapy helps to treat a range of musculoskeletal problems but can also help prevent future injuries, through strengthening structures. The main focus is to alleviate pain and help the animal feel pain free, strong and comfortable.
Veterinary physiotherapy can help:
- Wound healing
- Soft tissue healing and strengthening
- Tendon/ligament damage
- Reduce pain
- Arthritis
- Neurological conditions/problems
- Luxating patella
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cruciate disease
- Fracture repair
Your animal's welfare is our priority, our main aim is for your animal to lead a happy and healthy life for as long as possible.
What is Veterinary Physiotherapy for dogs?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a crucial part in the holistic care of an animal. The therapist is trained in assessing the animal through static and dynamic assessment, range of motion of the joints and palpation of the whole body.
They work with the veterinarian and owner to either maintain good health and increase performance, to help rehabilitate from an injury and to help prevent injuries from occurring.
The techniques we use are:
- Massage
- Stretching
- Joint mobilisation
- Prescribed exercises
Electrotherapies
Electrotherapies can be used to aid the body's own repair system, reduce swelling, pain relief, tissue repair, fracture healing and stimulate muscular activity.
We use:
- Laser Therapy
- TENS
- PEMF
- NMES
Home Exercise Programme
After each session your animal is given a bespoke exercise plan which is tailored to the animals and owners lives and needs. This exercise programme will help with achieving the final desired result.
