Sarah Edge Chartered Physiotherapist and ACPAT Physiotherapist

19/09/2024

Just had to show you this gorgeous boy Trooper who started physiotherapy a few weeks ago for a front leg lameness. Trooper is a German Shepherd x Rottweiler and he has a sister called Storm! (Do you think his mum is a Star Wars fan?! 😁) He’s made great progress since starting physiotherapy and his lameness has resolved although his mum has plenty of work to keep up with his exercises and not let him get too giddy .

08/09/2024

World physio day!

08/09/2024

Great day yesterday at the People and Dogs Charity Gala and Dog Show.
Met lots of lovely dogs and owners. I did a lot of talking! 😅
Really good to see so many more people becoming aware of how their dog moves and the more subtle signs of pain. The word is getting out !

31/08/2024

Let’s talk about weight and why it is so important!

Recent Estimates state around 50% of dogs in uk are overweight 😮
I spend a lot of time in clinic discussing an animals weight with their owner.
It can be a sensitive subject, we often show our love for our animals through food but we all know it’s better for joints to maintain a healthy weight - why? because less weight through the joint means less load to carry round - simple! 🙂

However it’s not quite that simple 🤔
- weight does matter but not how you may think….. Studies have shown that it is not the actual weight going through the joints that matters most but the amount of fat someone is carrying!!

Here’s why……arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterised by several different changes in the joints - cartiledge loss being the most significant.

An increase in body fat ie. extra weight has been shown to cause an increase in cartiledge loss over time ….however…. the equivalent increase in lean body mass (muscle) results in maintaining or decreases in cartilage loss.

Why is this you may say?!

Did you know that body fat cells actually contain an inflammatory mediators called Adipokines which actually encourage inflammation? So the presence of fat itself can accelerate arthritis 😳

This is also backed up by more human studies that show that someone who is overweight is more likely to get arthritis in their hands and the hands are obviously non-weight bearing joints 😱

So……it’s not simply extra body weight that contributes to the progression of arthritis. Excess body fat can actually accelerate it, which is why maintaining a lean body weight is so important (not to mention all the other health benefits too! )

So people….please please have a check on your animals weight ……especially if they have arthritis 🐶
🐾
Pleaase share to increase awareness

21/08/2024

It’s been a tough few days with some heartbreaking goodbyes to precious dogs that I’ve known for years. It never gets any easier.
Sending love and strength to all those who have gone through this loss….

No matter how long we have with them, it’s never long enough 💔🌈

01/08/2024

More about pain !!

Teaching owners to recognise signs their dog is in pain is an ongoing and lifelong commitment for me.

Dogs are exceptionally good at hiding pain and owners are sadly very good at either not seeing the subtle signs or choosing to ignore them. This creates the perfect storm.

Naturally, owners don’t want to feel that their dog is in pain or suffering so they don’t see it. This is known as perception bias and is now thankfully becoming much more widely recognised. Of course you want your dog to be well and happy, we all do ….but in some cases this can lead to denial and avoidance of seeking help for issues that are right there in front of you. Sadly I see this day in day out.

On top of this ,often the changes that come with chronic pain are so subtle and develop so slowly over time that owners don’t pick up on these changes at all and they are considered the new normal and therefore go untreated.

Remember ‼️

Dogs will rarely vocalise chronic pain (whimpering, yelping, whining).
Limping is a more obvious sign something is wrong but your dog could display his pain in other subtle ways.

Things to look out for include:

✅Sleeping more
✅More reluctance to walk
✅Reluctance to play
✅Not wanting to go up stairs
✅Not wanting to jump on the sofa
✅Not wanting to walk on slippy floors
✅Being more clingy with you (often mistaken as being more loving so owners see it as a positive trait in their dog)
✅Wanting to spend more time alone
✅Changes in their coat
✅Changes in how they move/ sit/ stand
✅Being more grumpy with other dogs or people
✅Becoming more anxious
✅Excessive grooming
✅Noise sensitivity

Remember ‼️ when you are in pain you have options- you can take some pain medications, you can alter your daily activities, you can go and see a doctor or a specialist for advice.

When your dog is in pain he doesn’t have these options. He relies on you to do the best by him.
It is your choice if you want to ignore your dogs pain or if you want to help him .

Choose to help him /her 🐾

Please share to spread the word!

31/07/2024

Positive news for dogs with disc disease that are unable to have surgery

Over the past couple of years, some of you may have heard of the Cambridge Vet School non-surgical IVDD study. The results have just been published. It’s a great write-up and quite groundbreaking!

Dogs unable to walk due to disc extrusion (IVDD) were cared for WITHOUT surgery. They had an MRI scan at the start of the study and another MRI scan after 12 weeks. These scans helped to make the diagnosis, and they also showed how compressed (squashed) the spinal cord was in each case.

The big questions were:
❓How many of these dogs would start walking again without having had surgery?
❓How compressed was each dog’s spinal cord at the start of the study?
❓Were they still just as compressed at the end of the study, 12 weeks later?

Results were interesting and included the following:
✅Out of the dogs that had deep pain sensation, NEARLY ALL of them (49 of 51 dogs, 96%) started walking again within 12 weeks. Most of them walked much sooner than this.
✅Out of those with NO deep pain sensation, nearly half of them (10 of 21 dogs, 48%) started walking again within 12 weeks. That’s WITHOUT surgery.
✅Spinal cord compression reduced in some dogs over the 12 week study period. That’s despite not having had surgery to remove the disc material that caused this compression.
✅Many dogs started walking again despite the fact that their spinal cord was still compressed, ie ‘Recovery was not dependent on the resolution of compression’

💛The authors concluded that if spinal surgery isn’t possible as it’s not available in the area or is too expensive, non-surgical management is a valid alternative.

There’s plenty of detail in the write-up, and it’s free for all to read or download via this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jvim.17149

Many thanks to Jep for this photo

30/07/2024

It was lovely to see Tyson today after a 10 year gap!

I first met Tyson 10 years ago when I treated him for arthritis in his spine and discharged him as he was doing so well.
Now at 12 years young things have started to catch up with him so his dedicated owners booked him back in for an MOT and we’ve started some exercises today to help strengthen his muscles and reduce his stiff bits.
He’s still the big happy smiley boy I remember and it’s so lovely to see him again 😃

24/07/2024

Gorgeous girl Amber today sitting beautifully for her physio. Amber has arthritis but also sadly has lost both eyes to glaucoma. Despite being blind she never loses her sunny outlook on life and I think we could all learn from her . Special place in my heart for this girl ❤️

20/07/2024

Don’t think I’ll ever tire of this Serengeti Sunset 🌅

Back down to earth with a bump after the most magical trip to Tanzania

We met some amazing people and saw so many amazing animals including the great migration of the wildebeest which was mind blowing!

I’ve promised myself I’ll go back soon but until then I’d better get a bit of work done!

Looking forward to seeing all my lovely clients again next week 😃 big thankyou to Katie Dewhurst for holding the fort whilst I was away 😘

25/06/2024

It’s that time of year again- a quick read and soo important

🐕ADVICE ON COOLING THAT COULD KILL YOUR DOG!!!🐕

Every year its the same. Some misinfromed person with no qualifications or expertise or knowledge shares this stupid and inaccurate post (or a version of it) about how to treat a dog with heatstroke, which will ironically INCREASE ITS RISK OF DYING FROM HEATSTROKE.

🐕PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....
🐕DO NOT RE-SHARE THESE POSTS
🐕PLEASE REPORT TO FACEBOOK

🐕HEATSTROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHICH IF NOT TREATED IMMEDIATELY WILL LIKELY BE FATAL!🐕

🐕Here is accurate and uptodate advice that will reduce the risk of an over-heated dog dying from heatsroke. https://drdavidmarlin.com/managing-dogs-in-hot-weather/
🐕PLEASE SHARE THIS INSTEAD! SHARING THIS COULD SAVE A DOG FROM DYING FROM BAD ADVICE!

thank you

22/06/2024

Come along for a fun day out. I’ll be there for all things physio related ….see you there !

We are excited to announce our 30 year anniversary Gala. 🍾🍾🍾🏆🎉🎈🎊
Victoria Cooper set up award winning People and Dogs in 1994!! 30 years ago! This small independent business has guided, coached, supported and taught over 10.000 dogs and their families.
We are super proud of our success rate and longevity
To celebrate we are holding a gala celebrating all things dog ! Including :
Fun Dog Show with 10 classes and best in show class . Rosettes and goody bags for our winners ( although to be honest all the dogs are winners and we love them all ❤️)
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Puppy & Bronze test - fancy having a go?
We’ve got demos of Rally Obedience, Gundog skills, scent work, and tricks.
We’ll give people and dogs the chance to ‘have a go’ at these skills
We’ve got Victoria Cooper - Certified Canine Behaviourist & Mentor with an Ask the Expert stand
We’ve also got the brilliant Sarah Edge Chartered Physiotherapist and ACPAT Physiotherapist coming to advise owners on their dogs gait and physical fitness
There will be multiple stands and stalls selling a variety of doggy and non doggy items
Refreshments
Face painting for the kids
Raffle
Swap shop doggy equipment : bring your pre loved dog equipment to swap with others
And we’re supporting the following charities
Support Dogs
Spaniel Aid
DoodleAid
Date: Saturday 7th September from 10am
Location: The Fred Hopkinson Memorial Hall, Unstone , Dronfield S18 4AL
We look forward to seeing you and your dogs

13/06/2024

Puppy cuddles today! 👏👏😍😍🐶

13/06/2024

Get your spaces booked asap! Great activity for dogs of all ages and abilities

Our next beginners Hoopers course starts on the 23rd of June. Hoopers is suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes! It is similar to agility but all obstacles are floor level and there are no tight turns so even puppies and golden oldies can join in the fun! Please visit our website to find out more www.canine-collective.co.uk

19/05/2024

I’m quite a private person and I’m rubbish at posting on here but this year will mark 20 years since I qualified and started working as a Chartered Physiotherapist…

…wow that makes me feel very old! 😳

Still love what I do (most days anyway!) and for a bit of variety I am also a Clinical Educator for Liverpool and Nottingham Universities and I enjoy being able to teach the next generation of physios coming through (most days anyway!)

Just wanted to say thankyou to all my lovely clients past and present, whether they are the 2 legged or 4 legged variety (and there’s a fair few of them 😅) who have come on this journey with me.

Like any job there are good days and bad days and running your own business can be stressful but I really appreciate being able to help those in pain and I guess that’s why I’m still here after all this time.

There’s a very simple quote that I love and I try to keep returning to it when I question where I am in life and which direction I’m heading….

“ life is about enjoying the passage of time”

It’s so simple but it’s sooo true! Hang onto that quote.

Here’s to the next 20 years ! 😳🤓😄🥂

Sarah ❤️

08/05/2024

As much as I tend to spend much of my day concentrating on your pets physical health I’m also very aware that supporting their mental health is incredibly important and can impact on their physical wellbeing especially as they age.

Here is a great guide with some top tips for mental wellbeing in our pets…..

07/04/2024

Always learning in order to better treat your animals 🐶

Some great lectures on The Chronic Pain Symposium 2024

30/03/2024

Sometimes we all need to hear this and this can pertain to many areas of life not just physical injury.

I totally relate not only as a therapist and an owner but as a human being.
Sometimes you feel like it’s one step forwards and two steps backwards, some days are better than others….and this is all perfectly normal.

Hold tight, look forward not backwards, I’m with you!

Happy Easter to all our lovely clients past, present and future 🐣 🪺 have a lovely long weekend x

27/03/2024

Beautiful Gracie doing her exercises today with my student ….and then having a well- deserved chill afterwards 😆
Well done Gracie 👏👏👏

22/03/2024

Fi Tom

Can you help?

Researchers at The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are looking into the impact of dogs going blind, for both them and their owners.

They would love for you to take part whether your dog has lost their sight or not.

Join in here; https://redcap.rvc.ac.uk/surveys/?s=YJK7WXEPF9DPADH7

21/03/2024

So great to be able to work with Victoria Cooper - Certified Canine Behaviourist & Mentor to help these dogs who have behavioural issues linked to pain which is soooooo common

Meet gentle giant Gracie the Greyhound

Gracie would plant herself on walks - rooted to the spot and would not move. This was happening frequently and they would then be stuck somewhere as Gracie is definitely too big to carry! Gracie was afraid of beeping noises, heavy traffic and trucks reversing
She was originally a rescued racer and had been living with another family but they didn’t have enough time for her. So she came to live with my client.

The first thing I noticed about Gracie was the set of her ears. One was always pinned back and the other was stiff and immobile. Ear positions not only indicate how a dog feels but whether there is any muscle tension, stiffness or even pain. So before we started working on Gracie’s fear of traffic I referred her to the brilliant Sarah Edge Chartered Physiotherapist and ACPAT Physiotherapist

Sarah got her experienced hands and eyes on Gracie and as I suspected found pain and injuries. She had weak ligaments in her right shoulder and neck tension (same side as the pinned ear) and this led to back ache and other muscle tensions. She was started on a programme of physio and pain relief, whilst I worked with her in the home with sound desensitisation and confidence building exercises. We incorporated stationing where she learned to stand to have her harness on calmly and where she was fed without needing to bend down which caused more strain on her joints.
Slowly we built her confidence in the house with sound desensitisation and outside the house with sniffing games .
She also went in the car for strolls on spongy grass away from traffic.
Today I introduced my Daisy stooge dog to act as a leader dog for Gracie .
Daisy is fairly confident and led the way with Gracie following through the quiet estate roads, across a main road and into the woods where Gracie was able to relax and sniff and enjoy herself !! WIN !! 🏆
These changes have took around 5 weeks of gentle and incremental changes. Never using any force or intimidation and by addressing all of Gracie’s physical and emotional needs as a priority . She’s delightful and me and her mum are delighted with her progress. 🎉

09/03/2024

What a beautiful sentiment 💙

28/02/2024

Beautiful ex- racer Sandy standing beautifully for his physio this morning.
After a life on the tracks 😢 he is now enjoying his creature comforts in his 5 ⭐️ retirement home 😃

27/02/2024

Amen to this 🙏

When we get a dog, we make a commitment. We commit to making them part of our family for the rest of their amazing but short lives.

We agree to share the good times, but also the bad.

And it's in their later years when they probably need you the most.

They are no less valuable the older they get.

26/02/2024

✳️ Did you know that a growing number of Chartered Physiotherapists now work with animals and that ACPAT stands for The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.

✳️ Unlike the title ‘Veterinary Surgeon' the title 'Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist’ is not protected. This means that any one can call themselves an animal or veterinary physiotherapist regardless of their qualifications!!

✳️ The title 'Chartered Physiotherapist' is protected by law and can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physiotherapy and are consequently qualified and registered to practice.

✳️ An ACPAT registered Physiotherapist has undergone a minimum of 3 years training at undergraduate Level 6 (BSc) and a minimum of 2 years training at postgraduate Level 7 (MSc) incorporating over 1000 hours of clinical placements and often have several years' experience treating human patients prior to qualifying to treat animals.

✳️ It is important to always check your animal physiotherapists qualifications to ensure they have undergone appropriate training.