Our Range of Services 

Uses light energy to help stimulate healing. It reduces nerve signaling of pain during post-operative or injury recovery, and is often used to manage pain and swelling in osteoarthritis. It may also add benefit to patients being treated for other conditions including wounds, lick granuloma irritation, otitis (ear) or gingivitis (oral) inflammation, and post-surgical incision pain and swelling.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

A form of low level electrical stimulation used to modify pain perception. It can be used in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease, muscular spasm, arthritis, and lumbosacral disease.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

Uses low-level electrical stimulation to facilitate muscle contraction and strengthening and to enhance joint movement after limb immobilisation. It is used for neurological and orthopaedic injuries.

Dry Needling & Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a tight band of tension in muscle tissue which keeps the muscle tight and weak. This tension may cause pain locally, or create referred pain in nearby areas such as joints affected by this tension. Myofascial trigger point release incorporates manual techniques and dry needling in order to relieve the trigger point and provide pain relief and restore mobility.

Disease Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOAD)

These are FDA approved and very safe alternative treatments with few side effects, often comprised of individual components or the “building blocks” of healthy cartilage and joint fluid. They reduce inflammation and pain by acting as “food for joints”, encouraging blood flow and nutrition to be delivered to joint tissues. They help cartilage to retain its cushion-like effect and stimulate cells of the joint capsule to produce healthy joint fluid which lubricates stiff joints.

We use next generation II Zydax DMOAD, which is administered by a veterinarian weekly for 4 weeks. This will usually provide 3-6 months of relief after which a booster course can be administered.

Nutraceuticals & Nutritional Support

Nutritional support is of great importance in athletic dogs. Correct nutrition is also important for maintaining lean body mass in older pets and managing obesity in overweight pets where increased weight can overload wearing joints. Disturbance in adipose (fat) cells may also affect joint tissue directly contributing to low-grade inflammation.

There is a growing interest in alternative modes of therapy. There are several options to assist in relieving discomfort and slowing down the progression of joint degeneration.  There are many nutraceuticals and supplements available, however not all are created equal and it is important to make sure that ingredients are ethically sourced and of high quality so that they have the appropriate effect. We often prescribe alternative therapy in combination with traditional pharmaceuticals. This can be particularly helpful for pets that do not tolerate some medications or are not adequately managed on traditional pharmaceuticals alone.

THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND

Used to reduce scar tissue and adhesions. Also enhances tissue extensibility and healing for tendon, ligament, joint capsule, and muscle injuries.

JOINT MOBILISATION

Joint motion is a fundamental aspect of locomotion. Mobilisation is used when joints are tight or stiff especially after surgery, injury or in response to chronic conditions.

soft tissue mobilisation

Pain from injuries can lead to muscle tension, loss of muscle mass, and weakness. Various techniques are used to improve body awareness and reduce pain by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles and releasing endorphins.

Range of motion (ROM) & stretching

Promotes optimal function after injury, surgery, or in patients with chronic conditions. It helps with scar tissue remodeling, improved tissue motion to manage contracture and prevent future injury.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

Used to improve range of motion, encourage weight bearing, build strength, and increase balance to allow faster return to weight bearing after surgery or injury.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Customised to suit your pet’s personality and lifestyle, these programs are designed to maintain the strength and condition gained during physical rehabilitation therapy. It is especially important in reducing the risk of re-injury in working or performance athletes. It is also helpful in providing mental stimulation and positive psychological effects in active pets.

EDUCATION & SUPPORT

We take the time to go through home-care exercises with you so that you feel confident managing your pet at home. We also provide you with handouts and ongoing contact and support to promote wellness for life.

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