Initial Canine assessment & treatment

Service Description

Before our first session, I’ll contact your veterinary surgeon for consent if physiotherapy if needed for an existing condition. This ensures your dog’s care is safe, appropriate and fully supported by their veterinary team. What to expect from your first physiotherapy session Static assessment I will observe your dog while they are standing to evaluate their conformation, stance, posture and weight distribution. Dynamic Assessment I’ll ask you to walk and/or trot your dog in straight lines and on a circle. This allows me to assess their movement, stride quality, and joint use, while identifying any gait abnormalities or compensatory movement patterns. Palpation I’ll gently feel over your dog from head to toe, to assess their muscles – checking tone, texture, mass to feel for any areas of tension swelling or scar tissue. Limb Joint range of motion Each of your dog’s limb joints will be carefully moved through their natural range of motion. This helps identify any restrictions, swelling, discomfort or abnormalities. Spinal assessment I’ll assess your dog’s spine, from neck to tail, to check for any restrictions or signs of discomfort along the different regions. Neurological assessment (if required) For dogs with a diagnosed neurological condition, I may carry out a neurological assessment. This provides a useful benchmark, helping track whether your dog is improving, maintaining or declining over time. Treatment Using the findings from theses assessments, I’ll create a treatment tailored to your dog’s individual needs. This may include hands-on therapies such as massage and stretching, alongside electrotherapies, all designed to ease discomfort, improve mobility and support recovery. Aftercare At the end of the session, I’ll provide tailored advice and simple at home exercises to continue supporting your dog between sessions. Whether their goal is rehabilitation, maintenance, or improved performance. All assessments and treatments are carried out calmly, gently and at your dog’s pace to make sure they feel safe, relaxed and comfortable throughout.