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Animal Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy employs a scientifically based approach to treatment, aimed at promoting healing and restoring strength following injury. Although its principles have roots stretching back centuries, physiotherapy has continually evolved through evidence-based research and clinical practice.

The application of physiotherapy to animals began in the early 20th century, when its benefits for both companion and performance animals became increasingly recognized. This development has contributed significantly to enhancing their mobility, performance and overall longevity.

Modern physiotherapy incorporates a wide range of techniques tailored to the specific needs of each patient—human or animal—supporting the recovery and maintenance of optimal movement and function.

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Equine lameness. Horse trot up. Horse chiropractic treatment. Equine physioterapy.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton
Dog relaxed during a physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment. Black labrador. Senior dog management.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton
Horse having his cervical vertebrae palpated. Equine relaxed during a chiropractic treatment.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton

​Physiotherapy treatments used at HT Animal Rehabilitation are :

Manual Therapies

This can include:

  • Massage techniques 

  • Myofascial release. 

  • Passive range of motion 

  • Stretching 

  • Mobilizations

  • Joint traction

These methods enable therapists to work with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system improving mobility, promoting healing and alleviating discomfort.

Electo physical Agents

Electrophysical agents available:

  • Low level laser therapy

  • Therapeutic ultrasound

  • Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy

  • Tens/NMES

Each of these modalities aims to enhance tissue healing and improve the repair process depending on the tissue being targeted and the modality used.

Prescription exercise

A key component of rehabilitation is the prescription of targeted exercises designed for each patient and their specific needs or condition. These exercises aim to enhance  the overall rehabilitation process, build strength and facilitate a return to normal or improved function.

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  • Pain Relief
    Reduces discomfort from injuries, arthritis or surgery without relying solely on medication.

  • Improved Mobility and Flexibility
    Helps dogs move more freely, especially those with joint stiffness or degenerative conditions.

  • Faster Recovery
    Speeds up healing after surgery or injury through guided therapeutic exercises and techniques.

  • Muscle Strengthening
    Rebuilds muscle lost due to inactivity or illness, supporting better posture and balance.

  • Weight Management
    Supports healthy weight loss with controlled activity for overweight dogs.

  • Enhanced Quality of Life
    Keeps dogs active, comfortable and engaged in their daily routines.

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Canine prescription exercise. Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Yellow labrador doing physio exercises. elbow dysplasia. frontpaws on cato board

Benefits of Canine physiotherapy

  • Better Circulation and Healing
    Encourages tissue repair and reduces inflammation through movement and massage.

  • Injury Prevention
    Strengthens weak areas and improves coordination to reduce the risk of future injuries.

  • Neurological Support
    Improves function and mobility in dogs with neurological issues such as nerve damage or degenerative diseases.

Conditions Canine Physiotherapy can help treat

  • Hip or elbow dysplasia

  • Arthritis and joint stiffness

  • Cranial cruciate ligament injuries

  • Inter vertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Post- surgical rehabilitation (e.g. TPLO, spinal surgery)

  • Neurological disorders (e.g. degenerative myelopathy)

  • Muscle weakness or atrophy

  • Obesity

  • Luxating patella 

  • Tendon and ligament strains or sprains

  • ​OCD osteochondritis dessicans 

Dog physio. senior dog physiotherapy. dog chiropractic. senior dog massage. elbow dysplasia. hip arthritis.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton

Benefits of Equine physiotherapy

  • ​​​Pain Relief: Alleviates discomfort from musculoskeletal conditions or old injuries.

  • Enhanced Performance: Improves performance, flexibility and muscle symmetry.

  • Post-Injury Recovery: Supports healing after tendon, ligament or soft tissue damage.

  • Injury Prevention: Identifies and corrects early issues before they develop into problems.

  • Muscle Development: Promotes balanced muscle growth and posture.

  • Improved Flexibility & Movement: Essential for dressage, showjumping, eventing and racing.

  • Support for Older Horses: Helps manage arthritis and maintain comfort in aging equines.

  • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Safe and suitable for long-term use in competition horses.

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Grey mare recieving physiotherpay and McTimoney chiropractic. Equine massage. Horse well being. promoting equine health. Equine sporting injuries. Suspensory desmitits.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton

Conditions Equine Physiotherapy can help treat

  • Back pain and stiffness

  • Sacroilliac joint dysfunction

  • Kissing Spine (overriding dorsal spinous processes)

  • Tendon and Ligament Injuries (e.g. suspensory desmitis)

  • Muscle strain or imbalance

  • Lameness not caused by hoof issues

  • Poor performance or behavioural changes

  • Arthritis and age-related mobility issues

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

  • Neurological deficits (e.g. ataxia, wobblers)

Equine exercise. Horse trot poles. CPL horse and pony. hock arthritis.Canine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton Equine physiotherapy wincanton, gillingham, shaftesbury, salisbury, dorchester, amesbury, sturminster newton, ringwood, yeovil, crewkerne, south petherton
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