Canine Physiotherapy

A lot of canine conditions will result in weakness in the back end. What happens with these conditions is that the dog over compensates with its front end to enable it to get around which often results in the front limbs and shoulders becoming sore. Pressure point work on these sore areas will relieve the tension and pain.

Physiotherapy treatment may benefit your dog if it suffers from any of the following:

• Hip/elbow dysplasia
• Joint problems- including degenerative disease/arthritis, pain/injury/stiffness in joints eg. elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture
• Spinal stiffness/soreness or intervertebral disc disease
• Back, neck and pelvic pain- including intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral stenosis
• Age related joint stiffness and decreasing mobility/function
• Muscle, tendon and ligament strain/tears
• Lameness
• Wounds
• Osteoarthritis
• Rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery or a fracture
• Neurological conditions
• Neoplasia (cancer)
• Pain or discomfort
• Difficulty with function eg. jumping, stairs
• Reluctance to play or exercise
• Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour
• Trauma and soft tissue injuries to tendon, ligament and muscle
• Weight or inactivity/obesity problems 

The sporting and working dog

The sporting or working dog is an elite athlete. Physiotherapy can help the dog to achieve working and sporting goals through prevention and treatment of injuries and pain.

The injured dog

Physiotherapy can help in the treatment and rehabilitation of dogs that have suffered from fractures, muscle and ligament injury. Working in liaison with the veterinarian the treatments the physiotherapist uses can reduce pain, enhance healing and restore the dog’s movement following injury.

Congenital and orthopaedic conditions

Congenital problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and cruciate disease are common. These conditions can cause pain and loss of function reducing the dog’s quality of life. Physiotherapy can help to manage pain, and provide programs designed to help the dog improve and maintain function.

Neurological problems

Physiotherapy can help in the rehabilitation of animals with neurological problems such as spinal disc disease whether a conservative or surgical approach is decided on. Treatments employed by the physiotherapists can reduce pain and help to improve movement via gait re-education and exercise programmes.

After surgery

Following surgery due to orthopaedic or neurological diseases and fractures the physiotherapist can help in the rehabilitation process working closely with the veterinarian. Early intervention and treatment with physiotherapy can enhance recovery and help in the prevention of complications.