Rehabilitation

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The assessment begins with a discussion about your dog’s condition, their medical history and lifestyle and your concerns and goals. This will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination that includes analysis of conformation, posture and gait, palpation of joints & soft tissues and assessment of pain, movement, joint mechanics and function.

I allow 75 minutes for initial assessments and will also start appropriate treatment within that first session. An individually tailored rehabilitation plan will be devised for your dog to help assist them towards a full recovery. I will also give advice on any changes to make at home as well as provide you with suitable home exercises so you can help support your dog's recovery

PHYSICAL THERAPIES

Treatments and exercise regimes are tailor-made to meet the specific needs of your pet. The number of treatments sessions required depends on your dog's condition and other factors such as coexisting conditions, age, lifestyle etc.

Each dog is individual and the speed and rate of recovery may vary. Some cases require a more intensive course of treatment and can be discharged from physiotherapy when the injury has resolved. Patients with long term conditions, such as arthritis and developmental joint disease may benefit from longer term therapy and maintenance treatments to help them achieve a consistent level of comfort, mobility and function.

Physiotherapy treatments are 45 minutes long and will vary according to your dogs individual needs but usually consist of:

Soft tissue massage / myofascial mobilisation
Joint mobilisation
Passive joint range of motion
Stretches
Core strengthening / stability
Gait re-education
Proprioceptive exercise
Exercises to restore strength & function
Electrotherapy (LASER, NMES, PEMFT)
Appropriate home exercises
Advice (Lifestyle, nutrition, nutraceuticals, exercise modification, equipment and mobility aids)
Supports, aids, equipment and orthotics

I believe in combined land and water-based rehabilitation and this approach works really well for the longer term management of arthritis and other chronic conditions. When hydrotherapy is recommended, we can put you in touch with your local CHA or IRVAP-ICH registered hydrotherapy specialist in your area and work alongside then to ensure your dog has the to achieve the best possible results for your dog

LIFESTYLE & MAINTENANCE

Successful rehabilitation and management of longer term conditions involves a holistic approach, adequate pain management and appropriate physical therapy. Should adjunct pain relief need addressing, we can arrange this through your local vet practice and discuss possible alternative options such as acupuncture.

I can advise on appropriate exercise, nutrition & weight management and lifestyle & environmental adaptations to help manage chronic conditions and improve the longer term outlook for your pet's future.