Canine Physiotherapy
Canine Physiotherapy sessions are undertaken at your home, allowing dogs to be treated in the comfort of their own surroundings without the stress of having to visit a veterinary practice. Sessions take approximately 1 hour with the first session occasionally longer depending on your dogs requirements and their stamina/ tolerance. The cost for canine Physiotherapy is £60 for the initial appointment, all reviews and routine checks after this are £55 plus travel (see price list). You will receive a report giving details of the session by email following your dogs treatment. A copy is also sent to your vet for their records after initial assessment and also on review if there is anything of concern. Veterinary consent will be obtained for all dogs with a diagnosis (not required for routine/ maintenance sessions) prior to assessment as per legal requirement set out by the Veterinary surgeons act 1966
When can Physiotherapy be used?
whether you have a working dog, agility dog or they are simply your furry companion they can all benefit from Physiotherapy and in some cases it becomes essential. Below is a brief list of just some situations where Physiotherapy can help
- Routine checks
- Arthritis
- Agility maintenance
- Muscle soreness/ injury
- Wound healing
- Spinal surgery
- Conservative management
- Cruciate rehabilitation/ post surgery
- Pre surgical assessment
ASSESSMENT
Assessment of your dog starts with gaining information on booking. When you book an appointment a link to an online form will be sent for you to complete with information about your dogs current diagnosis or problem (if any) and their general routine and care. At the appointment your dog is observed for any obvious signs of conformational abnormalities, wounds, swelling etc. Movement evaluation takes place where possible usually by going for a short walk. A physical examination then takes place which includes spinal and joint motion and basic neurological examination. Your dog is then palpated over the whole body to check for heat, swelling, tension, pain, trigger points etc which helps to formulate a plan of appropriate treatment.
TREATMENT
Following assessment a problem list can be created to note what needs to be treated. This could be poor spinal movement, muscle soreness, scar tissue and core weakness. Treatment options include: joint mobilisation, massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, muscle stimulation (electro therapy machine), laser, red light therapy, electromagnetic therapy, ultrasound, taping, polework, stretches, core strengthening exercises and rehabilitation programmes to follow
AFTERCARE
If your dog is particularly sore a follow up check is advised within the next 2-4 weeks. Dogs who need general maintenance such as for arthritis may be reviewed every few months to monitor their functional ability and pain. Dogs on a rehabilitation programme following injury or surgery will require regular follow ups during this time which can range from every 2 weeks to every 4-6 weeks depending on progress until they have recovered. Exercises and advise is given depending on their individual needs
Peak Performance Veterinary Physiotherapy 