HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY DOG NEEDS PHYSIOTHERAPY?

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• Lameness or gait abnormality

• Decrease in athletic performance

• Altered behaviour

• Looking sad

• Lethargy or increased time spent sleeping

• Loss of appetite

• Licking

• Difficulty getting up 

• Unable to climb stairs

 

CANINE PHYSIOTHERAPY HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF BENEFITS:

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• Pain relief

• Pre and post-operative rehabilitation

• Enhance tissue healing

• Restoring, improving and maintaining musculoskeletal and

        neuromuscular function

• Improving flexibility and joint range of motion

• Increasing muscle mass, strength, endurance 

• Address muscular imbalance

• Improve posture

• Manage chronic conditions

• Optimise athletic performance

 

 

IF YOUR DOG PRESENTS WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

CONDITIONS, PHYSIOTHERAPY MAY BE OF BENEFIT:

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• Soft tissue injuries

• Wounds

• Swelling or oedema

• Back, neck or pelvic pain  

• Nerve injuries

• Joint injuries

• Osteoarthritis

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Cruciate ligament injury

• Patella luxation

• Fractures

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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A TREATMENT

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VETERINARY CONSENT

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Veterinary physiotherapists are required to treat under veterinary referral or consent in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Authorisation from the animal’s veterinarian will therefore be required prior to treatment.

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We can obtain veterinary consent on your behalf or alternatively you can ask your veterinarian to complete the form and return to Laura prior to physiotherapy treatment. 

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CASE HISTORY

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A full clinical history will be taken, discussing any relevant medical history along with the aims that you have for your horse. It may be useful to have made a note of any clinical history, including dates, prior to the physiotherapy treatment.

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STATIC ASSESSMENT

 

A static assessment of the dog will be performed. 

 

DYNAMIC ASSESSMENT

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The dog will be observed in walk and trot on a flat surface.

 

PALPATION

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A full musculoskeletal assessment will be performed through palpation in order to assess any muscular tension, pain, soreness, spasm, asymmetries, soft tissue adhesion, joint range of motion, swelling and abnormalities.

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TREATMENT

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After a thorough assessment and interpretation of findings, Laura will develop a treatment plan to meet individual patient requirements, however physiotherapy treatment usually consists of manual physiotherapeutic techniques including massage, myofascial release and passive stretching and electrotherapy.

 

AFTERCARE AND REMEDIAL EXERCISE

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Where appropriate, remedial exercise will be prescribed. Necessary and appropriate adaptations to the home environment and general management will be discussed with the owner.

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DURATION OF TREATMENT

The duration of treatment sessions is likely to be between 60 and 90 minutes. 

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