Canine Appointment
Every appointment is calm, patient and tailored to your dog. They will be given time to feel comfortable, and nothing will be rushed or forced.
1. Meeting You and Your Dog
When I arrive, I’ll meet you and allow your dog time to become accustomed to my presence. I will initially avoid approaching or engaging with them directly, giving them space to observe and investigate me in their own time.
2. Initial Observation
While we discuss your dog’s history, lifestyle and current concerns, I’ll observe how they behave and move naturally around you. This may reveal subtle signs of pain, stiffness, weakness or discomfort.
3. Movement Assessment
Your dog will be observed walking and moving on a flat, even and non-slip surface. I’ll look for:
- Lameness or changes in weight-bearing
- Asymmetry between the limbs
- Unusual gait patterns
- Stiffness or restricted movement
- Changes in posture or balance
4. A Gentle Introduction
Once your dog appears comfortable, I’ll introduce myself gradually and allow them to choose how quickly they interact with me. Their confidence and wellbeing will guide the pace of the appointment.
5. Hands-On Physical Assessment
A gentle physical assessment will examine your dog’s joints, muscles and surrounding tissues. This may include checking:
- Joint movement and range of motion
- Muscle tone and symmetry
- Areas of tension, weakness or discomfort
- Posture and flexibility
- Responses that may indicate pain
6. Treatment
Following the assessment, I’ll explain my findings and select the most appropriate treatment for your dog. Depending on their individual needs, this may include:
- Therapeutic massage
- Gentle stretching
- Passive range-of-motion exercises
- Remedial and strengthening exercises
- Mobility and balance work
Treatment will always remain within your dog’s comfort level and can be adapted or stopped if they become worried or uncomfortable.
7. Home Rehabilitation Plan
You’ll receive a tailored home treatment or rehabilitation plan with practical exercises to support your dog between appointments. I’ll demonstrate each exercise and explain how often it should be completed safely.
Equine Appointment
Every appointment is calm, patient and tailored to your horse. The assessment may take place at their yard, stable, barn or field, provided there is a safe and suitable area available.
1. Meeting You and Your Horse
When I arrive, I’ll meet you and allow your horse time to become comfortable with my presence. I will initially avoid approaching or handling them directly, giving them an opportunity to observe me and settle in their familiar surroundings.
2. Initial Observation
While we discuss your horse’s history, workload and current concerns, I’ll observe them standing naturally with you. This can reveal signs of discomfort, stiffness, uneven weight-bearing or changes in posture.
3. Movement Assessment
Where it is safe to do so, your horse will be observed moving on a firm, level and non-slip surface. This may include walking and trotting in a straight line, turning and moving in a circle.
I’ll look for:
- Lameness or uneven weight-bearing
- Asymmetry between the limbs
- Changes in stride length or rhythm
- Unusual gait patterns
- Stiffness or restricted movement
- Postural or balance changes
The movement assessment will be adapted to the facilities available and what is safe and appropriate for your horse.
4. A Calm Introduction
Once your horse appears comfortable, I’ll approach and introduce myself gradually. They will be allowed to investigate me, and the appointment will progress at a pace that supports their confidence and wellbeing.
5. Hands-On Physical Assessment
A gentle physical assessment will examine your horse’s joints, muscles and surrounding tissues. This may include checking:
- Joint movement and range of motion
- Muscle tone and symmetry
- Areas of tension, weakness or discomfort
- Posture and flexibility
- Responses that may indicate pain
- Differences between the left and right sides
6. Treatment
Following the assessment, I’ll explain my findings and select the most appropriate treatment for your horse. Depending on their needs, this may include:
- Therapeutic massage
- Gentle stretching
- Passive range-of-motion exercises
- Mobilisation techniques
- Remedial and strengthening exercises
- Balance and coordination work
Treatment will always remain within your horse’s comfort level and can be adapted or stopped if they become worried or uncomfortable.
7. Home Rehabilitation Plan
You’ll receive a tailored rehabilitation plan to support your horse between appointments. This may include stretches, groundwork, strengthening exercises or recommendations for gradually adapting their routine.
I’ll demonstrate the exercises and explain how frequently they should be completed safely.