Physiotherapy

There are many benefits of Physiotherapy, primarily we aim to reduce pain, promote healing and restore function.

Physiotherapy Treatment Techniques & Plans

We offer a variety of treatment techniques including manual therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and remedial exercise along with prescription of a home exercise programme to be performed between sessions.

After a thorough physiotherapeutic assessment of the dog’s musculoskeletal system we formulate a rehabilitation plan of what treatments will be beneficial for this dog, what frequency they will need performing at and what exercises can be performed at home between sessions. At every session they will be re-assessed, and the plan altered accordingly.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves the manipulation of tissue to improve function and involves massage, joint mobilisations and stretches. Massage is applied to soft tissues to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and improve extensibility. Joint mobilisations involve the movement of the joint through its functional plane of motion to lubricate the joint and improve or maintain range of motion. Stretching is generally performed after massage or exercise and involves extending the joint to the end of its range of motion and maintaining this for 15-30 seconds to elongate soft tissue.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the application of an energy source (electrical, light, sound or magnetic) to the tissue to improve function. Laser therapy is used for reducing inflammation, accelerating healing and providing pain relief. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a device also used in people for providing pain relief. NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) is used to promote muscle fibre recruitment.

Remedial Exercise

Remedial exercise is essential for improving strength and coordination, gait re-education, improving active joint range of motion and improving fitness. We have various balance and strengthening equipment to target specific muscle groups and challenge them in different ways. You will be sent home with exercises to do between sessions tailored specifically towards the needs of your dog. Our Physiotherapists are also trained in hydrotherapy and can provide both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in a combined treatment programme.