Our services
Canine Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy
Typically 25% longer than average appointments. Never feel rushed or unfinished. Fully regulated and insured, with highly skilled, expert therapists.
For equine please see Equine.
Initial Consultation
Nose to tail assessment for each new starter and treatment planning. Performed by Sarah, our Clinical Director, or our Veterinary Physiotherapist.
- Full review of clinical and owner history
- Thorough musculoskeletal assessment
- Neurological examination
- Gait and static analysis
- Objective and subjective goal setting
- Clear, progressive treatment plan set, including prescribed exercise programme
- Introduction to therapy tailored to findings
- Home care advice
McTimoney Chiropractic
Think of 'chiropractic' and think bone crunching and joint popping? Think again! It's a holistic, whole body treatment using precise, skilful and gentle adjustments using short lever techniques on the skeletal system, aiming to realign and restore correct function of the musculoskeletal system and improve regulation of the nervous system. All dogs, regardless of the activity level, can benefit.
Typical clinical signs for a dog in need (not exhaustive):
- Limping, leg stiffness
- Unexplained drop in performance
- Signs of pain or stiffness during or after exercise
- Slow or laboured laying or raising from a laying position
- Difficulty walking upstairs or getting into cars
- A reluctance to play or exercise
More signs, benefits and when to consider it
- Showing signs of discomfort when being stroked
- Excessive grooming
- Unexplained panting
- Signs of aggression when petted
- Behavioural changes, dog becoming shy or less affectionate
The benefits of chiropractic treatment for dogs:
- Improved joint flexibility and range of movement
- Stride length increase and a balancing of limb loading
- Muscle elasticity increases resulting in more dynamic movement
- Improved co-ordination, great for sports dogs
- Improvement in blood circulation resulting in improved recovery after exercise
- Relief from pain and discomfort
- Dopamine release helps decrease stress levels
- Improved healing rates when injury does occur
- Less muscle soreness and fatigue post exercise
When to consider canine chiropractic treatment: Certain breeds predisposed to musculoskeletal issues (such as Labradors predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia) and those engaged in any type of regular sports activity should all be having check ups, at the very least, as part of a decent health & well-being plan. If you have an injured dog they will have compensation patterns throughout their body which will need addressing as part of their rehabilitation journey with us. You may also be seeing subtle changes in your dog or have a feeling something isn't quite right. Contact us if you would like to chat through signs you're seeing with your dog.
Chiropractic / physiotherapy treatment sessions: review of clinical signs, static analysis, gait and functional analysis, pain evaluation, continuation or amendments of treatment plan (includes laser or electrotherapies where needed).
Physiotherapy
What is small animal physiotherapy? Small animal physiotherapy follows the exact same principles as the human equivalent that a lot of you would have already experienced. After illness, surgery, injury or disability our dogs benefit hugely from physiotherapy. We can help restore movement whilst reducing pain, improving strength and ultimately improve their quality of life.
What conditions are helped with physiotherapy? The most common conditions, but not limited to, are:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation such as spinal conditions, CCL repairs, patella luxation stabilisations and fracture fixations.
- Management of chronic conditions such as osteo arthritis and degenerative myelopathy.
- Patients who are not surgical candidates and conservative management is advised.
- Sports performance dogs where the handler has noticed a slight change in technique or times, or would like an overall check.
Every dog is an individual, therefore all treatment programmes will be tailored to your dog's individual needs.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is controlled, reduced weight-bearing exercise in our aquatic treadmill in heated warm water, supported and guided by our expert hydrotherapists. Full session in our aquatic treadmill, with complementary laser if needed. A vet referral is required for all hydrotherapy.
Performing exercise in a reduced weight bearing environment relieves pressure and load on their joints, reducing pain and encouraging a better range of movement. Our hydrotherapists may also provide tactile stimulus to encourage the best possible gait quality, joint range of movement and / or proprioceptive enhancement, perfect for providing industry-leading rehabilitation for post-operative, neurological and conservative patients.
Conditions that benefit and the benefits of hydrotherapy
Common conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy:
- Pre and post-operative orthopaedic conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Soft tissue injuries
- Degenerative and medical conditions
- Weight management
- Pain management
- Balance training
- Fitness
- Mental health and well being
Benefits (short & long term):
- Improved joint range of movement & mobility
- Improvement of respiratory function
- Improved cardiovascular function
- Improved strength and stamina
- Reduction of swelling/stiffness
- Increased blood flow
- Increase in muscle mass and tone
- Provides mental stimulation
Laser Therapy
Review of clinical signs and laser therapy to the area(s) of concern. The physiological responses to Low Level Laser Therapy involve stimulation of the body's natural healing processes, optimising repair and helping to restore normal cellular function. Although research on precise mechanisms continues, three key effects have been identified:
1. Stimulating the healing response through: increased ATP and protein synthesis, improved cell proliferation, change in cell membrane permeability to calcium up-take.
2. Pain relief through: increased endorphin release, increased serotonin, suppression of nociceptor action.
3. Immune system support through: increasing levels of lymphocyte activity, photomodulation of blood.
(information provided by Omega lasers)
Feel-Good Massage
Provided by Holly Homer, our qualified canine massage therapist. Feel-Good Massage is for any dog, including dogs having it as a treat to feel good. It is not a replacement for physiotherapy.
- A 45-minute appointment, with time to settle in
- Massage tailored to your dog's comfort, with breaks whenever they need them
- No rushing, and no expectation to stay perfectly still
The introductory price is £28 per appointment until the New Year. Come once or return for more: unlimited sessions are available at the introductory price, subject to availability and suitability.
A veterinary referral is required before treatment, to check that massage is safe and appropriate. We can arrange this on your behalf.
Book Your Appointment
Fitness & Conditioning
Whether you're looking for a one-off musculoskeletal MOT or a fitness & conditioning package for your dog, we can help! For sporting, athletic or working dogs we provide:
- Musculoskeletal assessments (including pre and post season checks)
- Tailored physiotherapy sessions focussing on dynamic function (great for agility & athletic dogs required to perform over obstacles)
- Specialised chiropractic sessions focussing on musculoskeletal symmetry (fantastic for show dogs)
- Conditioning packages to improve subtle dysfunction and strengthen weaknesses (completely tailored to your dog following a thorough assessment)
- Fitness hydrotherapy (intense sessions to strengthen and improve cardiovascular system)
Ask us about our mobile treatment clinics and workshops for clubs throughout Kent. Discounted bundles are available: please contact us for our range of treatment packages.