Physiotherapy Treatments
Manual Techniques
Manual techniques allow the therapist to utilise hands on methods to apply pressure to soft tissues and manipulate joints with the aim of decreasing pain caused by muscle spasm, tension or joint dysfunction. They can also be used to isolate specific tissues or joints that are causing the primary issue
Massage
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Reduce muscle tension
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Improve joint range of motion
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Decrease pain
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Improve muscle flexibility
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Reduce muscle soreness post exercise
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Warm up soft tissues for exercise
Passive Range of Motion
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Increase joint movement
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Utilised post-orthopaedic surgery
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Improve synovial fluid production and joint health
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Increase circulation
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Reduce pain caused by restrictions
Stretching
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Decrease muscle restrictions and improve extensibility
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Increase joint range of motion
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Reduce the risk on injury long-term
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Aids in post-exercise recovery
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Improve soft tissue blood flow
Electrotherapies
Thermotherapy
Low-level Laser
Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
Electrotherapies utilise various electrical energy to treat an array of conditions and symptoms. The can be used to relax muscle tension, increase circulation, re-educate muscles, relieve pain and address scar tissue
A heat pad placed on the animal allows continuous heat delivery at a comfortable temperature to soft tissues and joints
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Decrease pain
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Enhance circulation and nutrients to damaged areas
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Improve muscle extensibility
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Stimulate neural responses
Laser utilises visible and infrared light which is absorbed by the cells to up-regulate and optimise tissues natural processes
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Improve wound healing
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Enhance circulation
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Reduce inflammation
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Decrease pain
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Increase nerve regeneration
PEMFT emits electromagnetic waves that influence the cells ions and metabolism to optimise healing
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Decrease pain
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Reduce inflammation
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Enhance bone healing
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Stimulate nerve regeneration
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Reduce muscle tension
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency mechanical vibrations that is converted to acoustic energy and subsequently absorbed by tissues
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Break down scar tissue and adhesions
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Improve soft tissue elasticity
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Increase circulation
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Promote tissue healing
TENS and NMES
Low-voltage electrical currents are used to stimulate motor points and sensory nerves to evoke muscular contractions​
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Decrease pain
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Improve blood flow
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Global relaxation
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Muscle re-education
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Slow down atrophy post-surgery
Remedial Exercises
Exercise plans will be tailored to your individual animal in relation to their specific requirements. Remedial exercises can be used to improve muscular strength, increase range of motion and enhance proprioception whilst strengthening balance and posture. The long-term use of exercises between physiotherapy appointments will reduce the risk of injury, improve mobility and optimise performance. Prescribed exercises will be demonstrated and adaptable for you and your animal. Examples can include stretching, pole work, proprioceptive training, kinesiology taping and passive range of motion
Canine Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy utilises many beneficial properties of water to allow exercise within an aquatic environment without ground reaction forces or gravity. This can be especially useful for post-operative patients and chronic conditions where weight bearing is painful as well as for athletes and sporting dogs who benefit from the increased cardiovascular effort without additional muscular stress. Hydrotherapy is often used for conservative management of orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia due to the benefits of increasing muscular strength, improving range of motion and decreasing pain without excessive joint force. Different techniques can be used to target specific requirements for each individual dog dependent upon their capabilities and condition