Canine physiotherapy
The aims of canine physiotherapy
Has your dog had recent surgery? Had an injury or accident? Lost the ability to jump into the car or onto a high surface? Developed difficulty going up or down stairs? Lost enthusiasm for playing and running? Become stiff or weak? Shown signs of tenderness to touch? Developed an unexplainable behavioral problem? Become sad or grumpy? Developed arthritis or other conditions associated with old age?
If so, your dog may benefit from physiotherapy. Canine physiotherapy is an evidence-based health care profession, working closely with the veterinary profession, to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment of animals. Physiotherapy aims to restore and maintain mobility, function and performance as well as reducing pain and inflammation and thus recovery time
Treatment can improve:
Mobility and flexibilty
Age related joint issues and osteoarthritis
Recovery from injury
Soft tissue injuries to tendon, ligament and muscle
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation following surgery
Limb function
Hip/elbow dysplasia
Healing time
Healing of wounds, scar tissue and oedema
Performance
Fitness and weight loss
What to look out for. If you’ve noticed physical or behavioural changes in your dog and would like to see them improve, please contact Sanders Physiotherapy today by completing the contact form or calling 07796 326845 to discover what can be done.
Canine Physiotherapy is recognised by vets, dog owners and trainers as an effective and natural treatment for many canine conditions.
An essential complement to veterinary medicine
Dogs, like people, respond well to physiotherapy modalities that include joint manipulation, mobilisation techniques, acupressure, massage, electro-therapeutic modalities and specific rehabilitation/exercise programmes.
Even if your dog doesn't have a specific injury or trauma, it is good practice to have him/her routinely checked. This means that small problems can be detected early and prevented from developing into more serious issues.
Physiotherapy is not an alternative but an essential adjunct to conventional veterinary medicine. Treatment in the early stages of injury is most beneficial and therefore prompt referral to the physiotherapist from the veterinary surgeon is recommended. Many veterinarians do not ask for physiotherapy intervention until all else has failed and the owner is pestering for 'something to be done'. Treatment at this stage is often less effective and this means that 'physiotherapy' is looked upon as a waste of time and money. Physiotherapy should not be thought of as a last resort. It is very effective when used at the appropriate time.
In accordance with the Veterinary Act 1966, it is a requirement that the Physiotherapist has veterinary consent prior to treat your dog. We aim to work as a team alongside your vet and/or trainer to offer your dog the best possible care.
Rehabilitation and pain relief
Animal physiotherapy can be very effective in providing pain relief immediately after surgery and during the rehabilitation process.
Pre-surgical physiotherapy treatments help to lengthen and strengthen soft tissues which become contracted with underuse of a limb. It also ensures that permanent contracture doesn't result, and helps the patient to retain and regain full movement post surgery.Post-surgical rehabilitiation often requires the rebuilding of strength, mobility and the re-education of correct gait patterns. Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in this recovery.
Physiotherapy services are completely mobile, so there is no need to move the patient from the home environment, or vet's surgery until they are ready and comfortable. Dogs are usually much more relaxed at home, enabling a much fuller treatment to be conducted and reducing their stress levels considerably.
With advancements in surgical techniques, and orthopaedic treatment for conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia and disc degeneration now commonplace, the use of animal physiotherapy pre and post-operatively has been proven to enhance the patient's outcome.
Your canine companion was born to move. Walking, running, playing, swimming -- these are things he/she longs to do but can’t if she’s not healthy and fit. Without the ability to move around comfortably, exercise and explore the world, the quality of your pup’s life suffers. Physiotherapy can help restore health and mobility.