Small animal physiotherapy supports dogs, cats, and other companion animals by improving mobility, reducing pain, and helping them recover from injury or surgery. Whether your pet is ageing, athletic, recovering, or simply struggling with day-to-day movement, physiotherapy can make a significant difference to their comfort and quality of life.
What Is Small Animal Physiotherapy?
Small animal physiotherapy focuses on assessing and treating the musculoskeletal system to restore natural movement and reduce discomfort. It is ideal for pets experiencing:
Stiffness or reduced mobility
Arthritis or age-related changes
Post-operative recovery (cruciate, spinal, fracture repair)
Muscle tension or weakness
Lameness or compensatory patterns
Sports or working dog injuries
General performance or activity issues
What This Service Includes
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
Each appointment begins with:
A detailed discussion of your pet’s history and lifestyle
Observation of posture and movement
Palpation of muscles, joints, and soft tissues
Identifying areas of pain, restriction, or imbalance
This sets the foundation for a tailored treatment plan.
2. Individualised Treatment Plan
Depending on your pet’s needs, treatment may involve:
Soft tissue massage
Myofascial release
Stretching and joint mobilisation
Trigger point therapy
Range-of-motion exercises
Gentle strengthening and stability work
Neuromuscular stimulation techniques
All work is carried out calmly and at the animal’s pace.
3. Home Exercise Programme
To support long-term progress, you will receive clear guidance on:
Strengthening exercises
Mobility and stretching routines
Environmental changes to support comfort
Activity modification (walks, rest, controlled exercise)
Warm-up and cool-down strategies
These simple, practical plans help maintain improvements between sessions.
Signs Your Pet May Benefit
Your pet may need physiotherapy if you notice:
Struggling to get up, jump, or climb stairs
Slowing down on walks
Hind-end weakness
Stiffness after rest
Limping or favouring one side
Sensitivity to touch
Decreased activity or enthusiasm
Difficulty playing or exercising
Early physiotherapy support can help prevent further strain or mobility loss.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Small Animals
Regular physiotherapy can help:
Improve mobility and range of motion
Reduce pain and muscular tension
Support recovery post-injury or surgery
Build strength and stability
Improve flexibility and balance
Maintain independence and comfort in older pets
Enhance performance for working or sporting dogs
Suitable For
This service is ideal for:
Dogs of all ages (puppies to seniors)
Cats, especially those with mobility challenges
Working or sporting dogs
Pets recovering from surgery
Animals with chronic pain or arthritis
Any pet showing stiffness, lameness, or discomfort
Important Note
Physiotherapy is a complementary treatment and does not replace veterinary care.
If your pet has undiagnosed lameness, acute injury, or severe pain, you may be advised to consult your vet before continuing treatment.