Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy

06/02/2025

🐶 Thinking about attending my Understanding Canine Anatomy and At-Home Massage workshop but not sure if it’s right for you?

Here’s what a recent attendee had to say:

👇 *"A really interesting and informative course covering signs to look for, behaviour, anatomy, as well as exercises and techniques to try. Mel is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her subject.

The small class size allows for lots of interesting, relatable discussions personalised to your individual dog(s) and experience.

I really hope she will run some more courses to build on this introduction to canine massage and help me to keep my dogs happy and healthy. Sign me up!"* – Jeanette

If you want to learn how to support your dog’s comfort and mobility at home, this workshop is for you! 🐕💆‍♀️

Click Link below
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

📍 Held at my Brampton location
📅 Limited spaces available

Drop a comment or send me a message if you'd like to join the next one! 💙

29/01/2025

👉About Muscle/Tendon/Ligament Pain 🐶💡

I’ve been dealing with peroneal tendinopathy (swelling and pain around the outside of my ankle bone) recently, and I wanted to share how this small issue can cause a bigger problem in the body.

Right now, my injury is only two days old (Acute phase), which means rest is the priority.

👉What is happening in my body?
My movement is stiff and uncomfortable
I can’t flex my foot properly, and every step feels awkward.
My opposite leg is working harder to take the weight (and there is more of it at the moment😁!!)
My lower back and neck are feeling the strain
And everything feels… off.

Once the pain starts to ease, I’ll begin a rehab programme—not just to release trigger points and tension in the affected muscles, but to strengthen them too. If I don’t, I risk the same injury happening again. I have had numerous sprains in this ankle and have been wearing flat trainers which have not helped!

👉Why is this relevant to you?
Horses and dogs go through the exact same process. If they injure a ligament or muscle, they naturally shift weight to other limbs, leading to tension in the back, neck, and even areas far from the original injury. While initial rest is essential, the real key to recovery is rehabilitation—targeted work to restore movement, reduce compensations, and strengthen muscles to help prevent repeat injury.

This is exactly what I focus on in physiotherapy—helping animals move freely again.

👇Have you noticed your dog moving differently after an injury?
Maybe a little stiffer, slower, or shifting their weight?

Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about your experiences! 🐕

20/01/2025

🎉 Workshop Countdown: Only 4 Days to Go! 🎉

Are you ready to:
✅ Understand your dog’s anatomy?
✅ Master gentle massage techniques?
✅ Strengthen your bond with your furry friend?

📅 When: Saturday, 25th January, 2-4 PM
📍 Where: Geltside Farm, Brampton
💷 Price: £30

✨ Don’t miss out—spaces are limited! Comment 🐾 if you’re excited, and I’ll send you the details to sign up.
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

14/01/2025

🐾 Exciting News for Dog Lovers! 🐾

Join me for the next workshop on Saturday 25th January, from 2 pm to 4 pm at my Brampton location for the ‘Understanding Canine Anatomy & At-Home Massage Techniques’ workshop! 🎉

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you better understand your dog’s body and learn simple yet effective massage techniques to support their health, relaxation, and overall happiness. 💕

Here’s what you’ll learn:
👉 Anatomy Essentials – Discover simple bony landmarks to guide your massage with confidence.
👉 Gentle Massage Techniques – Perfect for helping your dog relax and recharge at home.
👉 Comfort & Consent – Learn to read your dog’s body language and adapt to their needs.
👉 The 3 T’s – The key principles for safe and effective massage every time.

📣 Special Introductory Price: Only £30! (Price increases to £40 soon, so don’t wait!)

🗓️ When: Saturday 25th January, 2 pm - 4 pm
📍 Where: Office 2, Geltside Farm, Brampton, CA8 1TA

This is your chance to connect with your dog on a deeper level while learning skills that will benefit their well-being!

🌟 Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out. Book your spot today! Click the link below for more details and to secure your place. 👇👇

💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a message!

10/01/2025

❄️ Stay Safe on the Ice: Tips for Your Dog During This Cold Snap

Did you know that slippery surfaces, like icy pavements, can be just as dangerous for dogs as they are for us? While their paw pads might look tough, they don’t always provide the grip needed to stay steady on icy ground—especially if your dog has hairy feet! Hair between their pads can reduce traction even further, making slips and slides much more likely.

🐾 Why does this matter?
Even a small slip can lead to strains, sprains, or more serious injuries for your dog. And if slipping happens repeatedly, the risk of injury increases. Research shows that sudden trauma, like slipping, can lead to soft tissue damage or exacerbate existing conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

💡 Tips to Help Prevent Slips and Keep Your Dog Safe:

👉Trim the fur between their paw pads to improve grip and reduce ice buildup.
👉Walk on grass or snow-covered paths instead of icy pavements whenever possible.
👉Consider using dog booties for extra traction. If your dog isn’t a fan, try paw wax, which can provide additional grip.
👉Take it slow and steady on walks—avoid quick turns or running on slippery surfaces.
👉Watch for signs of discomfort after your walk. Limping or stiffness could indicate an injury from a slip.

Remember, prevention is key! Keeping your dog safe from icy slips will help them stay active and healthy during these frosty months.

Let’s make winter adventures fun and safe! 🐕❄️

Have you noticed your dog slipping more than usual? Drop your experiences below, or feel free to reach out for advice! 🐾

🐾 IT'S THOSE FEET AGAIN 🐾

I have posted fairly recently the importance of loving our dog's feet. Here's another quick reminder with the cold weather in mind

🦶🏻 FOOT BATH - if you're pavement walking, be aware of the salt/grit - give their paws a foot bath when you get home.
🦶🏻 FUR BABY - Trim the fur between your dog's toes to prevent ice balls/mud building up
🦶🏻 CRACK ME UP - Check for cracks in their paw pads or redness between their toes.
🦶🏻 BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING - if your dog has sore/arthritic toes, consider some boots for more tread, support & to keep them warm & dry.

I hope you've found these tips useful! xx

09/01/2025

🎉 Workshop Countdown: Only [X Days] to Go! 🎉

Are you ready to:
✅ Understand your dog’s anatomy?
✅ Master gentle massage techniques?
✅ Strengthen your bond with your furry friend?

📅 When: Saturday 25th January, 2-4 PM
📍 Where: Geltside Farm, Brampton
💷 Price: £30

✨ Don’t miss out—spaces are limited! Comment 🐾 if you’re excited, and I’ll send you the details to sign up.

09/01/2025

This is definitely the time to consider some indoor exercises to keep your dogs occupied. Try searching for Canine Enrichment ideas to help have fun with your dogs indoors, or read the post below for some fab suggestions.

Keep safe and warm!

How cold is too cold 🥶?

Today the temperature has dropped further, certainly locally.

There is a genuine risk to your dog’s wellbeing if you’re out for even moderate periods of time with the type of temperatures we’re experiencing just now.

Puppies, dogs with any kind of health condition, older dogs and those not used the this kind of cold can be at risk.

Even if your dog has a naturally thick fur coat it’s hard work to keep warm so any physical exercise will ideally be reduced from their normal.

Paws can be at risk with both the level of cold, being exposed to both ice and colder surface.

Please make sure you wash off any salt/grit too.

The chart below give you some guidance with temperature ranges and what’s likely to be safe for your dog.

There are lots of options to do at home instead of walking/outdoor exercise whilst it’s so cold:

Playtime - fun, for both physical and mental exercise.

Training - everyday or why not try a new trick!

Scentwork - hide and find bits of food or toys or using a trained scent if you’ve done this with your dog.

Enrichment with food - lick mats, snufflemats, cardboard boxes, the list is endless!

We’ll be having quality time at home today!

Let me know what you and your pup are doing today to stay warm and have fun.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

08/01/2025

🌟 Meet my little Nora (pictured below), looking super chilled with her coffee! ☕ But recently, car rides have become a real struggle for her. She’s gone from being relaxed to panting and crying in the car, which is heartbreaking to see. 😢

For those who don’t know, Nora is blind, and I wonder if that’s made her more sensitive to motion, especially with all the potholes I’ve had to dodge lately (sometimes not successfully… cue a bit of swearing on my part! 🥴). It seems to have shaken her confidence in the car, leaving her feeling unsafe and uncomfortable.

I’ve tried rescue remedies before with no luck, but I decided to give this CBD Calming Spray a go after reading loads of glowing reviews. Link here: https://www.petsathome.com/product/b-calm-cbd-dog-and-cat-calming-spray/P71493

I was honestly sceptical, but I do think it is helping! 🙌 Nora seems more at ease, not completely relaxed yet, but I thought I would share this in case you are looking for something natural and non-invasive to support an anxious or nervous dog. 💚

Or if you have tried anything that’s worked for your dog? Please let me know—I’m always open to new ideas!

12/12/2024

Let’s Talk About Ligament Injuries and Rest – The Box Rest Debate 🐴🦴

For years, "box rest" has been the go-to advice for tendon and ligament injuries in horses. But as a physiotherapist, I’ve always questioned this approach. 🤔

In human medicine, research has shown that movement—when done in a controlled and targeted way—is key to ligament recovery. Sprain a ligament? After an initial period of rest, you’re encouraged to start gently loading it. This helps stimulate healing, maintain strength, and improve overall recovery outcomes.

So, why should it be different for horses? Restricting exercise for extended periods can lead to muscle atrophy, reduced joint mobility, and even negative effects on mental well-being—especially for an animal as naturally active as a horse.

Thankfully, emerging research now supports what many of us have believed: a tailored rehabilitation plan that incorporates movement is a better approach for tendon and ligament injuries. This mirrors what we've long understood in human medicine.

💡 Key takeaway? Movement is medicine—but the right kind, at the right time.

If you’re dealing with a horse on box rest or navigating a tendon injury, let’s talk about how physiotherapy can help with a targeted recovery plan that considers the whole horse, not just the injury. 🐴💙

𝗕𝗼𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀?

Box rest, or complete stall rest, has traditionally been recommended for horses with tendon and ligament injuries. However, recent peer-reviewed studies demonstrate to us, that prolonged box rest is not the optimal approach to rehabilitation and can sometimes even hinder tissue healing.

While rest is of course important in the acute phase of injury, in order to reduce inflammation and to prevent further damage, recent research highlights the importance of controlled exercise, to stimulate tissue repair and to restore normal function (Smith, 2019; Dyson et al., 2024).

Early research studies carried out in equine rehabilitation often advocated for complete box rest, with the assumption that immobilising the horse would prevent further strain on the injured tissue. However, the newer research suggests that such an approach can have negative consequences, including muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and a lack of tissue regeneration (Clayton, 2023; Dyson et al., 2024).

The prolonged immobilisation with box rest, can lead to the weakening of tendons and ligaments, due to the lack of mechanical loading, which is essential for collagen synthesis and the proper alignment of tendon fibers, during healing (Clayton & Murray, 2022).

Tendon and ligament tissues are responsive to mechanical loads and moderate controlled exercise can actually successfully facilitate the healing process, by promoting the production of collagen and other structural proteins, that are essential for tissue repair (Smith, 2019). On the other hand, box rest deprives these tissues of the necessary stimuli for regeneration and can result in delayed recovery (Dyson et al., 2024).

The most recent guidelines suggest that after the acute phase, controlled exercise is necessary to promote tendon healing and to reduce the risk of re-injury. A study by Clayton and Murray (2022), emphasised the importance of developing tailored, individualised rehabilitation plans, that incorporate incremental loading, with the goal of gradually increasing the intensity and the duration of exercise. Ultrasound imaging then, is often used by vets, to assess the progress of tendon healing and to modify the rehabilitation program accordingly where necessary, ensuring that the tissue is not over-stressed, or prematurely loaded (Gillis, 2024).

Controlled rehabilitation plans may include tailored static and dynamic exercise techniques, e.g. stable exercises, walking, pole work and eventually trotting and hill work, which can help to restore functional strength to the injured tendon or ligament, without overloading the tissue (Clayton, 2023).

*** 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 ***

Studies by Dyson et al. (2024) and Smith (2019), found that horses who underwent complete box rest for extended periods, often faced longer recovery times and were at a higher risk of re-injury, once they returned to work. This is particularly true in cases of tendon injuries, where the integrity of the tissue may weaken with prolonged disuse (Smith, 2019).

While rest is crucial in the early stages of injury, recent veterinary consensus strongly suggests that a well-structured rehabilitation plan, that involves progressive loading, is the most effective for tendon and ligament recovery. This approach not only aids in the physical repair of the tissues, but also help to restore the functional capacity of the injured area (Gillis, 2024; Dyson et al., 2024).

So while box rest may still play a role in the initial stages of rehabilitation, following tendon and ligament injuries in horses, recent research supports the idea that controlled rehabilitation, including progressive exercise and monitoring, is much more beneficial for long-term recovery. This approach allows the injured tissue to heal, while restoring strength and flexibility without the negative consequences of prolonged immobilisation (Clayton, 2023; Dyson et al., 2024).

*** 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 ***

If you need help with rehabilitating a tendon or ligament injury in your horse, we can help! ❤️🐎❤️ Let's follow the guidelines of the experts in this field, after all, they provide us with the most up to date protocols!! ❤️🐎 We are also more than happy to work in conjunction with your vet! 🙂

https://theosteopathicvetnurse.ie/

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

Clayton, H. M. (2023). Equine Rehabilitation and Tendon Injury: Current Practices and Emerging Therapies. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 39(1), 157-172.

Clayton, H. M., & Murray, R. (2022). The Role of Controlled Exercise in Tendon Rehabilitation: New Insights. Equine Veterinary Journal, 54(5), 612-624.

Dyson, S. J., et al. (2024). Rehabilitation of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Horses: A Review of Recent Advances. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 107(4), 118-126.

Gillis, C. (2024). Controlled Exercise and Rehabilitation of Equine Tendon Injuries: A Review of Evidence. Veterinary Surgery, 53(2), 227-235.

Smith, R. (2019). Management of Tendon Injuries in Horses: Is Box Rest Still Relevant?. Horse & Hound. Retrieved from https://www.horseandhound.co.uk.

10/12/2024

🐾 Help Your Dog Feel Better, Move Easier, and Recover Faster – Starting Today! 🐾

Do you ever wonder how you can support your dog’s recovery after an injury or surgery? Or maybe you’d love to know how to help them relax after a long, playful day? 🐕

I’ve created a FREE guide just for dog parents like you:

🌟 "5 Essential Steps to Begin Massaging Your Dog Safely" 🌟

With this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to start massaging your dog with confidence
✔️ Key techniques to ease their discomfort and boost recovery
✔️ Simple tips to help your dog feel calm, happy, and loved

💡 Why massage? Because it’s one of the most natural ways to support your dog’s well-being. Massage can:
✅ Improve circulation and flexibility
✅ Relieve stress and tension (perfect for anxious pups!)
✅ Strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion

This guide is easy to follow, whether you are a first-timer or already doing at-home care. 💚

👉 Click here to download your free guide today: https://rb.gy/wt22es

📍 Or simply scan the QR code in the image to find out more about my 'Understanding Canine Anatomy & At-Home Massage Techniques' workshops coming in 2025!

💚 Your dog will thank you for it!

06/12/2024

🐾 Finn's Incredible Road to Recovery 🐾

Meet Finn—a handsome and resilient boy who has overcome incredible challenges in his young life. At just over 2.5 years old, Finn has already undergone two hip replacement surgeries after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia at around 12 months.

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing pain, reduced mobility, and, in Finn’s case, the need for major surgical intervention. Following his diagnosis, Finn and his dedicated guardians began a long journey of rehabilitation, with physiotherapy playing a central role in his recovery.

Finn's Physiotherapy Journey
Rehabilitation after hip surgery is critical to ensure the joint heals properly, muscles regain strength, and mobility improves. For Finn, this included:

✅ Targeted Exercises: A progressive plan helped to rebuild strength in his hind limbs, improve range of motion, and support proper joint function.
✅ Hydrotherapy: Water-based therapy reduced strain on his joints while helping him rebuild muscle and improve his coordination.
✅ Massage Therapy: Regular sessions eased tension in surrounding muscles compensating for his hips, reducing discomfort and improving overall mobility.
✅ Controlled Activity: Finn’s daily activity was carefully monitored and gradually increased to ensure a safe and steady return to normal function.

Every step of the way, Finn showed incredible determination, supported by his loving guardians who worked tirelessly to follow his rehab plan.

👉The Result?
This week, Finn achieved an incredible milestone—he has finished his regular hydrotherapy sessions with Teresa at Northwest K9 Hydrotherapy🎉and is now well balanced and his hips are in alignment. He will continue with regular maintenance sessions, and his doggy pilates (rehab exercises). However, this marks the end of a long, winding road and the start of a new chapter for Finn, filled with freedom to move, play, and enjoy life pain-free.

Finn's journey is a testament to the power of physiotherapy, the dedication of his family, and the resilience of dogs. Watching him reach this milestone after such a difficult time, is fantastic.

Here's to a brighter, happier future for Finn! 🐕💛

05/11/2024

Exciting news for dog lovers!
On Saturday, November 9th, I’m hosting my 'Understanding Canine Anatomy & At Home Massage Techniques' workshop that’s all about understanding your dog’s body and learning massage techniques to support their health and happiness! 🎉

What you will learn:
👉Anatomy Essentials – Discover easy-to-find bony landmarks to guide your massage.
👉Gentle Massage Techniques – Perfect for helping your dog unwind and recharge.
👉Comfort and Consent – Tips on how to read your dog’s body language and adjust to their needs.
👉The 3 T’s – Core principles to ensure every massage session is safe and effective.

📣 Special Introductory Price: £30! (Sign up now before it goes up to £40!)

This is your chance to connect with your dog in a whole new way.

Comments from previous attendees in the pictures.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! Click the link below for more information and to book your spot.👇👇
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/wait-list-for-dog-anatomy-and-massage-workshop

04/11/2024

⚡Thank you to all of those who have come along to one of my workshops 'Understanding Canine Anatomy and At Home Massage Techniques', and for the wonderful feedback.

If you would like to attend the next workshop on Saturday 9th November @ 2pm to 4pm, at my treatment room in Brampton, at the special introductory price of £30 for 2 hours, please click the link below 👇.
👇👇👇
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/wait-list-for-dog-anatomy-and-massage-workshop

I hope to see you there.
Thanks
Mel @ Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy

21/10/2024

🍂 Autumn is Here! 🍂

Well, it’s clear that Autumn has well and truly arrived with the winds from Storm Ashley over the weekend! I hope everyone stayed safe out there—it was certainly a blustery one! 🌬️

As we move into the next few months, I wanted to share some important tips for all the dog parents out there. 🍁 From the dreaded Bonfire Night 🎆 to other seasonal hazards, there’s a lot to be aware of to keep your furry friends safe and happy.

🐕 Bonfire Night & Fireworks: The loud bangs and flashes can be very stressful for dogs. Try creating a quiet, cozy space for your pup indoors and consider playing calming music to drown out the noise.

🍫 Holiday Treats & Toxic Foods: As we approach Halloween and the festive season, remember to keep chocolates, sweets, and other dangerous foods out of reach. Even small amounts can be harmful to dogs!

🍂 Fallen Leaves & Hidden Dangers: As much as dogs love to play in leaf piles, remember that mold and bacteria can grow in damp, decaying leaves. Check your dog’s paws after walks and make sure they’re not ingesting anything harmful.

🐾 Cold Weather: With temperatures dropping, it’s important to keep your dog warm, especially smaller or short-haired breeds. Consider a cozy dog coat for those chillier walks!

If you need any advice on how to keep your dog happy and healthy this season, feel free to reach out! 😊

Stay safe, Melanie @ Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy

This poster aims to share facts and strategies to help dog owners and carers be more aware of some of the challenges this autumn.