Services (Canine)

Physiotherapy is fast becoming recognised for its role in restoring and maintaining mobility, function and performance as well as reducing pain and inflammation. Treatment is most effective in the early stages after injury, illness or surgical intervention and should be recognised as an essential element of primary care. Prompt referral may improve the recovery time and functional outcome for your pet.

Some more chronic issues can go unnoticed due to a slower onset, and dogs are very good at hiding pain, but if you have noticed a negative change in your companion’s demeanour or movement and mobility, this doesn’t have to be an untreatable consequence of ageing. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs and may affect up to 80% of dogs over 8 years of age, as well as a smaller proportion of younger animals. It is considered a welfare concern in companion animals, especially if left untreated. Other conditions that respond well to physiotherapy include:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Muscle and Tendon Injuries
  • Shoulder Instability
  • Cranial Cruciate Disease
  • Patella Luxation
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Spondylosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Neurological Issues
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Post Surgery Wound Management
  • Softening scar tissue
  • Gait re-education
  • Rebalancing
  • and much more
Animal Physio

What to expect

Treatments are carried out in a dedicated treatment room at Vita Vitalis Clinic. At the initial consultation, it is vital that your pet is made to feel relaxed and comfortable and that we get to know each other. I will observe their movement patterns as they explore the room whilst discussing relevant clinical history and understanding your pet’s general daily routine and management strategies. I can also answer any questions you may have about their current condition.

When your pet is comfortable being handled, I will then conduct a physical examination within the boundaries of their tolerance. This will involve observation of standing posture and symmetry, functional postural changes and gait assessment (weather permitting). Where possible I will assess joint range of motion and muscle/soft tissue palpation in a standing and recumbent position. It is vital the first appointment must be a positive experience for the animal, so they remain a willing participant for the extent of the treatment program. Your animal will be provided with physiotherapy using a combination of the modalities detailed below, as appropriate for their condition.

  • Manual therapy
    • Soft Tissue Massage
    • Myofascial release
    • Trigger Point Therapy
    • Joint mobilisations
    • Stretching
  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
  • Photobiomodulation and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
    • Class 3B Spectravet laser
    • Optimus High Intensity LED Cluster
  • Ultrasound (1 and 3 MHz)
  • Intrasound (Novafon)
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Fitness, Conditioning and Therapeutic Exercise
    • Strength
    • Balance
    • Flexibility
    • Proprioception
    • Gait re-education

I will then make recommendations on after care and demonstrate specific therapeutic exercises for you to carry out at home for the interval leading up to the next treatment session. Home visits for mobility restricted animals are available where necessary and by appointment.