Not just dogs and horses.. Here's Oskar the Maine Coon enjoying some treatment π±
#veterinaryphysiotherapy #vetphysio #animalphysiotherapy #animalmassage #catphysiotherapy #mainecoon #catsofinstagram
The importance of SLOW exercise π
I often ask owners to perform their dog's (and horse's!) exercises very slowly - for example slow leash walking, slowly stepping over poles or performing a slow figure-of-8, etc.
The specific exercise chosen depends entirely on the individual dog/case, however the benefits of carrying it out in a slow deliberate manner are similar:
πΎ Improve proprioception (awareness of limbs).
πΎ Improve neuromotor control.
πΎ Encourage even weightbearing between limbs.
πΎ All of these help to improve coordination and strength.
This interesting article from Vital Vet discusses in more detail the importance of slow movements for all levels of dogs, even athletes! https://vitalvet.org/blogs/news/why-does-your-dog-need-slow-movement-exercises
** Always consult a physio/ rehab professional before undertaking new exercises with your dog**
#veterinaryphysiotherapy #vetphysio #ktvetphysio #animalphysio #animalrehab #veterinaryrehabilitation #vetrehab #vetrehabbers #caninephysiotherapy #caninerehab #dogphysio #canineconditioning #dogexercises #caninefitness #hampshire #animaltherapy
April is #caninefitnessmonth so I thought I'd share a little bit of what Rodney and I have been working on. πͺ
As he is only 4 months old, it is all about gentle introductions and building strong foundations. The exercise in the video shows us working on a bit of hind end awareness. This is hard work for him so we keep the reps very low and the training sessions to only a couple of minutes at a time.
As you can see he loves it and after 1-2 reps begins to anticipate what I want him to do! Next session we will concentrate on slowing him down and staying square π
#animalmassage #dogmassage #caninemassage #vetphysiostudent #veterinaryphysiotherapy #vetphysio #caninerehab #canineconditioning #dogrehab #dogconditioning #puppy #caninefitness
Myofascial trigger points
Commonly known as a "knot", many of us humans have experienced these, but did you know that animals can get them too? In fact, I find them in most animals that I assess!
Often caused by injury or chronic overuse, trigger points are localised areas of tenderness and constant contraction within a muscle. They can create a twitch and pain response, and if left untreated can lead to further pain, disuse and consequent compensatory issues.
Massage and myofascial techniques are extremely effective in releasing trigger points, improving muscle tone and easing the associated pain, leading to happier animals πππ
#animalmassage #dogmassage #caninemassage #horsemassage #equinemassage #animaltherapy #veterinarymassage #studentvetphysio #studentveterinaryphysiotherapist
A little bit of fun to brighten #bluemonday... π° My super cheeky bunny Dennis testing out the new cavaletti rails. As you can see in the last clip, knocking the poles down quickly became the new fun game π
#animalmassage #animaltherapy #veterinarymassage #vetphysiostudent #vetphysio #veterinaryphysiotherapy #bunny #rabbit #bunnyolympics #bunnyjump #agility #bunnyagility
Apologies for the radio silence - my new year's resolution is to remember to post more often!! π
Whilst I'm unable to carry out massage treatment during lockdown (unless urgent/ compromised welfare), I have been keeping very busy getting stuck into the final 6 months of my degree π€
Sunday afternoon spent planning for the week ahead... My main focus this week is my professional development plan assignment π€© and my dissertation presentation πΆ (to be delivered at a seminar in a couple of weeks - eek π¬)
#animalmassage #studentvetphysio #vetphysio #veterinaryphysiotherapy #dogphysio #horsephysio #dogmassage #horsemassage #vetphysiostudent