Physiotherapy

Manual therapies includes a variety of massage techniques, joint manipulations and stretches. Owners are taught the massage techniques.

Electrotherapies is the use of therapeutic machines such as laser, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation.

Therapeutic Exercises are tailored to the parient’s specific condition, ability, and physio aims. Exercises include things such as sit to stands (the equivalent to a squat).

Management Advice is given on the home environment, exercise routine, and management of patient specific needs at home.

Initial consultation:

• Gait assessment.
• Static weight bearing and posture assessment.
• Musculoskeletal assessment.
• Joint range of motion assessment.
• Application of manual therapies.
• Teaching of massage techniques.
• Electrotherapies where appropriate.
• Home and exercise review.
• Advice on adaptations required.
• Development of a therapeutic exercise programme.

Follow-up consultation:

• Gait and posture review.
• Palpation and assessment.
• Review and advancement of therapeutic exercise programme.
• Continuation of manual and electrotherapy treatments, as appropriate.

Massage plays a vital role in animal physiotherapy, with owners learning essential techniques during the initial session to continue treatment at home.

Canine massage offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhancing joint function, mobility, and overall health
• Alleviating pain, stiffness, and inflammation
• Restoring muscle strength and function post-injury
• Reducing compensatory muscle tension
• Improving rest and sleep quality
• Supporting mobility in senior dogs
• Boosting performance and minimizing injury risk for sporting dogs
• Aiding in muscle evaluation for puppies and young dogs

Interested in learning how massage can benefit your pet? Speak to our Animal Physiotherapist today – call Sophie on 0116 279 3054

Therapeutic exercises are a crucial component of your pet’s physiotherapy plan, supporting rehabilitation from injury or disease. They also play a key role in maintaining strength as your dog ages, while helping younger and working dogs build muscle and resilience.

The benefits of therapeutic exercises include:

• Enhancing joint flexibility and range of motion
• Increasing strength and restoring movement
• Improving gait and posture
• Reducing pain and supporting healing
• Preventing muscle wasting due to immobility or disuse

When musculoskeletal tissues are left inactive, they undergo changes – most notably muscle atrophy. This leads to reduced strength and compensatory issues, often from altered movement patterns or excessive weight-bearing on other limbs. Carefully tailored therapeutic exercises help counteract these effects, ensuring the best possible recovery for each individual pet.

Just like in human physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises form the foundation of a successful rehabilitation or conditioning programme. However, consistency is key, so they’re incorporated into a structured home exercise plan for the best results.

Examples of exercises include:

• Sit to Stand (the canine equivalent of a squat)
• Biscuit Stretch
• Plank
• Three-Leg Stand
• Weight Shifting

Clients receive detailed exercise guides via email, providing a helpful reference for their pet’s home exercise routine.

Curious about how therapeutic exercises can benefit your pet? Speak with our Animal Physiotherapist today – call Sophie on 0116 279 3054

Enrichment involves engaging your dog in activities that stimulate their mind while keeping them physically active. It provides essential mental and physical stimulation, offers a healthy outlet for natural behaviors, and helps prevent boredom and related issues.

Enrichment can take various forms, including sensory experiences like exposure to different scents, cognitive challenges involving food-based rewards, or simply presenting meals in a creative way.

In Animal Physiotherapy sessions, enrichment plays an important role—whether through food rewards on licki-mats or teaching new skills and movements as part of therapeutic exercises.

It’s especially valuable for dogs on restricted exercise or cage rest, where the key is balancing engagement with calmness.

Mental stimulation through training or enrichment can be just as exhausting as physical activity! Adult dogs need around 14 hours of sleep daily. Every dog is unique—some activities may be too easy, ending too quickly, while others might be too challenging and lead to frustration.

Want to learn more about how enrichment can support your pet? Speak to our Animal Physiotherapist today – call Sophie on 0116 279 3054