Canine Physiotherapy

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy focuses on improving your pet’s mobility, reducing pain and aiding recovery after injuries or surgeries. Just as it is with humans, an animal physiotherapist or veterinary nurse will take your dog through a series of exercises and movements to support their rehabilitation. Physiotherapy can enhance overall wellbeing as well as help manage chronic conditions like arthritis. It’s an approach commonly used for dogs with muscle and joint problems to improve the quality of their life. And it’s widely recognised that dogs who receive physiotherapy after illness or injury enjoy better outcomes.

What animals can benefit from physiotherapy?

Dogs are the most popular patients for animal physiotherapy but that doesn’t mean your other pets can’t benefit. Cats, rabbits, horses and even small animals can also reap the rewards and enjoy treatment too.

Your vet might recommend physiotherapy to help them recover from surgery or an injury but it can also be used to improve quality of life in healthy pets such as dogs who regularly take part in agility sports, helping them to stay strong and injury-free.

What conditions can be treated with physiotherapy?

There are plenty of conditions that can be improved with physio.

Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Ligament injuries
• Tendonitis
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
• Fracture recovery
• Spinal injuries (e.g., intervertebral disc disease)
• Joint stiffness or restricted mobility
• Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after orthopaedic surgery)
• Muscle atrophy (muscle wastage)
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD – a joint condition which causes pain, stiffness and lameness)

Neurological conditions and disorders 

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Peripheral Nerve Injuries
• Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy)
• Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
• Vestibular Disease

Post-operative rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery. For example, cruciate ligament repair, hip and knee surgery and fracture repair
• Rehabilitation after spinal surgery such as fusing of discs, the removal of vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or the removal of spinal tumours

Techniques used in veterinary physiotherapy

Depending on your pet’s needs the physiotherapist will use different treatments to make them more comfortable:

• Massage – They’ll use their hands to gently manipulate the muscles to remove tension, improve circulation and promote relaxation
• Range of motion exercises – The physio will move your dog’s limbs through their natural range of movement to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness, especially after injury or surgery
• Hydrotherapy – Your dog the do the exercises in a warm water-filled tank to support their weight and allow for easier movement
• Laser therapy – A low-level laser may be used to stimulate healing
• Electrotherapy – Small electrical currents are applied to stimulate muscles, reduce pain and help them heal
• Heat and cold therapy – Hot and cold packs may be applied to relax muscles and increase blood flow
• Balance and strengthening exercises – Your dog may do simple things like standing on a balance board or climbing small steps to build muscle strength

How are physiotherapy appointments arranged? 

Speak to your vet first. They’re the best person to tell you what kind of physiotherapy your dog will need. They can draw up a treatment plan and refer you to a pet physiotherapist or dedicated physiotherapy clinic. At Medivet we’re here to help. Our clinics will organise the care your dog needs to feel their best again.

What to expect from a physiotherapy session

At your initial session your physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history, assess your pet’s condition and talk to you about any worries you might have. They’ll create a tailored treatment plan based on your dog’s individual needs.

At each session, they’ll make sure your dog is comfortable and calm before beginning treatment which may be a mixture of physical massage, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy etc.

They’ll keep a close eye on your dog’s progress during each appointment and adjust treatment as needed. They might also give you some exercises to perform with your dog at home. The number of sessions they need will depend on the seriousness of their condition and their progress.

Overall, a physiotherapy session is designed to be gentle and supportive, helping your pet to regain mobility and strength.

Our physiotherapy facilities

Medivet offers a range of physiotherapy options to support a range of conditions.

Electrotherapies

Your dog’s physio may use a TENS machine which delivers a low electrical current to relieve pain. They might also use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Class IV laser

This is used to treat various conditions such as soft tissue injuries, arthritis and incision healing after surgery. It’s non-invasive and can alleviate chronic pain by reducing inflammation and promoting endorphin release.

PEMF

PEMF or Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate cell membranes in turn reducing pain and inflammation while improving healing. It’s like giving your dog a little boost to speed up healing. It’s non-invasive, making it a comfortable option for dogs who need a little extra support.