Dog physiotherapy can be used for a number of conditions. If your dog has difficulty getting up, is limping or needs rehabilitation after an operation, these are all signs that may require physiotherapy. A professional veterinarian can help determine whether your dog needs physiotherapy and, if so, what type of treatment is recommended based on his condition.

Dog physiotherapy can involve a variety of treatments:

• Physiotherapy: classically, all physiotherapy treatments start with physiotherapy. In general, physiotherapy is based on manual movements, pressures and corrections that relieve pain in the muscles, joints, bones and nerves. The main aim is to relieve pain and restore the pleasure of movement and mobility.
• Hydrotherapy: with the help of an underwater treadmill, thanks to the buoyancy of the water, we can develop the muscles of the animal in a joint-friendly way, increasing the range of joint movement thanks to the gentle load.
• Laser therapy: laser beams penetrate deep into the tissue to promote cell regeneration, improve blood circulation and oxygenation of cells. They have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help to reduce oedema, speed up wound healing and reduce muscle tension.
• Ultrasound therapy: during the treatment, ultrasound waves penetrate the damaged tissue, increasing blood circulation and cavitation, helping to speed up the cellular healing process, which in turn helps the damaged tissue to heal faster, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Electrotherapy, also known as TENS, uses small electrical pulses to reduce pain and stimulate muscle movement.
• Light therapy: polarised light therapy can also be successful for our pets as a complementary or stand-alone therapy, especially when wound healing is the goal. It is excellent for treating inflammation, skin and joint problems, pain relief and rehabilitation.

What can we expect during a treatment?

When treating a dog or cat with physiotherapy, our therapists will first carry out a thorough assessment to understand your pet's specific needs. The treatment itself may vary depending on the condition and type of treatment. Usually treatments are weekly, but in more severe cases they may be needed more frequently.

All physiotherapy treatments unique and personalised, when it comes to our pets. The first visit usually starts with a thorough assessment, where the physiotherapist will get to know your dog's individual needs. This includes a review of the dog's health history, an understanding of its current condition and the formulation of treatment goals. The assessment is followed by the actual therapy, which may include

1. Exercises: specially designed movements to increase joint mobility, develop muscle strength and improve coordination.
2. Hydrotherapy: aquatic exercises that use the buoyancy of water to gently move and strengthen muscles. The pressure and resistance of water is particularly useful for dogs recovering from serious injuries.
3. Passive movements: controlled movements performed by a therapist to help maintain and increase joint range of motion, especially in dogs that are unable to move actively.
4. Muscle stimulation: electrotherapy devices, such as TENS machines, can help activate muscles and relieve pain without straining the damaged areas.
5. Functional training: exercises that model or support the dog's everyday activities, helping the dog to return to daily life.
6. Manual Therapy: mobilisation of joints and tissues by hand to help relieve tension, stimulate circulation and relieve pain.

It is important to monitor your pet's responses and wellbeing throughout the treatment. If necessary, the therapist will adjust the intensity of the treatment to make it as comfortable and beneficial as possible for your dog. Additional therapeutic tools may be used during the sessions, such as special padding or support equipment to help the dog maintain correct posture and movement during the exercises.

"After the treatments, the therapist often provides the Host with specific advice and exercises that can be done at home, so that they can continue rehabilitation in the home environment."

These instructions are very important because constant care and attention will contribute to the long-term recovery and health of your pet.