Animal Physiotherapy is now widely accepted as an important component of the treatment of many conditions in the small animal patient. At Dogs In Motion, our physiotherapy programs are aimed at accelerating the rehabilitation process and restoring function and quality of life to your dog or cat.
Why choose Dogs In Motion for Physiotherapy?
At Dogs In Motion Canine Rehabilitation, we provide an animal physiotherapy service second to none. We listen to what you say and work with you to set a program specific to your pet’s needs. We will guide you every step of the way to help your pet reach their rehabilitation goals sooner.
Experience Counts
Dogs In Motion has been providing animal physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to small animals for over 20 years. We keep up to date with the latest research in animal rehabilitation, and our centres are fitted with the latest equipment. We have therapists with expertise in all areas of small animal rehabilitation including:
- Orthopaedic injuries and surgeries
- Sports Injuries
- Spinal injuries and surgeries
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis
The Process
On your pet’s initial visit, we will perform a thorough assessment, and combine this with any information provided in the veterinary referral, to determine which body parts are affected and the impact this has on the overall pet’s mobility and function. We will then discuss our findings with you, and with your input, devise goals of treatment and a rehabilitation plan that suits your individual pet’s needs. From here we can select a variety of treatments to use to get your pet on the road to recovery.
Treatments
Animal Physiotherapy treatments we provide may include:
- Soft tissue and joint mobilisations
- Soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release
- Stretching
- Strengthening activities
- Movement re-education
- Balance and proprioception re-training
- Electrotherapy including neuromuscular electrical stimulation and laser
- Heat and ice treatment
- Dry needling
- Cold laser therapy
- Prescription bedding
- Assistive harnesses
- Wheelchairs
- Hydrotherapy
Cats
Don't let our name fool you! We also see cats at Dogs in Motion for a variety of conditions including
- Pain management for arthritis or mobility issues
- Soft tissue/ muscle soreness from compensatory postures
- Functional limitations- not willing to jumping, difficulty getting in/out of litter tray
- Strengthening and gait re-education
Home advice and exercise programs
In conjunction with treatment provided in the clinic, we want to ensure your pet continues to work towards their rehabilitation goals while at home. Your pet’s physiotherapist will provide you with a comprehensive home exercise and walking program including guidelines for exercise restrictions.
Regular reassessments
It’s important that your pet checks in with their physiotherapist regularly. We need to ensure your pet is progressing with their rehabilitation and update their home exercise program as they improve, so as to reach their goals faster. We are also able to identify if they are not progressing as well as we would like, alter their program to suit their rate of recovery, or refer them back to the vet if required.
When Should Physiotherapy Commence?
Physiotherapy should commence as soon as possible after injury, surgery or diagnosis. Gentle movement and techniques to reduce pain early after injury or surgery can actually stimulate healing, help reduce pain, swelling and stiffness, reduce muscle atrophy and degeneration of cartilage, bone and ligament. There is no need to wait until after removal of sutures. Physiotherapists are highly trained to deliver very precise and often gentle treatments so as not to jeopardise repair of painful or healing structures.
Veterinary Referral
While a veterinary referral is not mandatory, it is certainly preferred. It 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. We will liaise regularly with your pet’s vet to ensure continuity of care and ensure any specific rehabilitation requirements are met. Your vet can simply email the medical history to us prior to your pet's first visit.