Every dog is different, which is why each appointment begins with a comprehensive canine veterinary physiotherapy assessment. This allows us to understand your dog’s movement, comfort, mobility and overall musculoskeletal health before creating an appropriate treatment or rehabilitation plan.
The assessment begins with a static observation while your dog is standing naturally. This allows us to assess posture, balance, weight distribution, muscle symmetry and any visible signs of tension or compensation.
A dynamic assessment will then be carried out to observe how your dog moves. This may include walking, trotting, turning, sitting, standing and completing other suitable movements. Watching your dog in motion can help identify changes in gait, stiffness, weakness, reduced coordination or compensatory movement patterns.
A thorough range of motion assessment will also be completed to evaluate the flexibility and movement of relevant joints. This is followed by careful palpation of the muscles, joints and surrounding soft tissues to identify areas of tightness, tenderness, swelling, muscle loss or discomfort.
Throughout the assessment, your dog’s wellbeing will remain the priority. Their body language and behavioural indicators will be closely monitored for any signs of pain, anxiety or discomfort. The assessment will always be adapted to suit your dog’s confidence, tolerance, age and individual needs.
The findings from the assessment will help guide a personalised canine physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation plan. This may support recovery after injury or surgery, improve mobility, manage stiffness and discomfort, maintain strength and help your dog move as comfortably and confidently as possible.