Small Animal Physiotherapy

The first stage of any treatment involves assessing the Dog from the all angles to identify muscle balance, conformation, weight distribution and many other factors. The findings of this can start to give an indication of how the dog is utilising its body and how it may move. If the dog favours one side, or is offloading weight from a particular structure onto another, muscle imbalances, tension & pain will result.

After static evaluation, the dog will be assessed in walk and trot from the front, side and behind. First soundness will be assessed, followed by movement pattern & compensatory mechanisms.

Following static range of motion assessment of the joints, palpation takes place to assess the condition of the muscle tissue, tendons, joints ligaments & fascia, a targeted treatment plan will be formed based upon findings. Sophie uses a combination of manual therapies, mobilisations, electrotherapies & stretching to restore muscular function, improve healing of damaged tissue or maintain the condition of tissues.

After every treatment targeted exercises will be provided to help improve any weaknesses. A report of sophies findings & treatment as well as a tailored exercise plan will be emailed to you after the appointment.