Animal Physiotherapy is rapidly becoming recognised for the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of many conditions in our furry companions. Following soft tissue injuries, fractures, trauma or surgery in humans, Physiotherapy is used widely to accelerate the rehabilitation process and restore function. Physiotherapy is now also available to our dogs and cats to help aid and speed recovery of these conditions.

Animal Physiotherapy aims to restore normal movement, strength, muscle mass and function, reduce pain, swelling and inflammation and accelerate the rehabilitation process.

Treatment techniques include:

• soft tissue and joint mobilisations
• massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release
• stretching
• strengthening
• movement re-education
• balance and proprioception re-training
• electrotherapy including neuromuscular electrical stimulation, ultrasound and laser
• heat and ice treatment
• dry needling and acupuncture
• custom splinting and neoprene support wraps and braces
• supply of carts (canine wheelchairs)
• underwater treadmill, swimming and hydrotherapy

Conditions that may benefit from Physiotherapy include:

Orthopaedic Conditions:

• Cruciate ligament injury or surgery
• Surgery following patella luxation
• Femoral head and neck excision
• Hip dysplasia
• Total hip replacement
• Triple pelvic osteotomy
• Shoulder surgery
• Elbow dysplasia
• Elbow surgery
• Multi - trauma / fractures following motor vehicle accident
• Spondylosis / arthritis of the spine
• Arthritis / degenerative conditions
• Muscle strains and ligament sprains
• Ligament and joint surgery
• Corrective orthopaedic surgery
• Deteriorating mobility
• Joint contractures and deformities
• Back pain

Neurological Conditions:

• Spinal Surgery
• Spinal disc disease
• Spinal cord shock / trauma
• Fibrocartilagenous embolism
• 'Wobblers' syndrome ( cervical vertebral malformation)
• Nerve palsies or injuries
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Polyradicular neuritis (Coon Hound Paralysis)

When Should Physiotherapy Commence?

Physiotherapy should commence as soon after the injury or surgery as possible.   In humans, the physiotherapist would visit the patient in hospital on the day of or the day after injury or surgery to start the rehabilitation process as soon as able. This doesn't mean strenuous exercise! Gentle movement and techniques to reduce pain early after injury or surgery can actually stimulate healing, help reduce swelling and stiffness, reduce muscle atrophy or wasting, and reduce degeneration of cartilage, bone and ligament.

This is recommended for our pets also. Physiotherapy is best commenced or as soon as your pet goes home, and in some cases is provided while the animal is still in the veterinary clinic.

There is no need to wait until after removal of sutures. Many of the complications due to immobilisation or confinement of the dog to a 'crate', with no exercise in the first few weeks, can be prevented if Physiotherapy commences early. Individulaised programs and instructions on what exercises to perform should only be provided by a qualified Animal Physiotherapist, working in conjunction with your dog's Veterinarian.

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Plans

On the first visit, we will assess your pet and develop a   rehabilitation plan specific to their needs. Many factors are considered when designing a rehabilitation program and deciding which particular therapies will be suitable for   each animal. These include age, temperament, type of injury and time since injury, any pre-existing conditions and the previous lifestyle or occupation of the dog. Home programs are provided to all Physiotherapy clients to enable rehabilitation to be continued at home on a daily basis.

Veterinary Referral

All patients require a Veterinary referral prior to their first appointment. We then liaise regularly with your pet's veterinarian to ensure continuity of care and ensure any specific rehabilitation requirements are met. A Veterinary referral is important to make sure your dog has a correct diagnosis, all relevant tests and investigations have been performed and any medical or surgical treatment that is required is administered.

Communication between referring Veterinarian and physiotherapist is vital to ensure common goals are set and any specific recommendations or contraindications are followed. Your pet's physiotherapists will liaise with the referring veterinarian and keep them updated on your dog's progress. Your Veterinarian can contact us via phone, fax or e-mail.

Once your Veterinarian has completed a referral form or phoned or faxed through a referral, you can contact us for an initial assessment appointment at the centre'.
Please contact us if you wish to discuss your animal's needs or to inquire about our services