Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy

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.

10/10/2024

On Tues afternoon, I held my first 'Understanding Canine Anatomy and At Home Massage Techniques Workshop', at my new treatment room in Brampton. I would like to thank those that attended (and apologies for the techno blips!), and for the ones that have shown interest in this course. I hope that those that came along enjoyed it, and are keen to practice their new skills!

There were a few normal technological blips prior to the start of the course, and a few during the course (it was my first one - sorry!), but I will now go and tweak those 😂.

I plan on holding these workshops once a month, and due to the size of the room, I will be limiting the number of attendees to 4 (with potentially 2 dogs to each course - but ONLY if your dog is able to cope with people and new spaces).

If you would like to join me at the next workshop course, please visit the link
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

Hopefully I will see you there!

26/09/2024

Here are some great tips from Paws & Minds now that Autumn is here (YUK!), and the darker nights are coming. Why not try some of these fun exercises with your dog.

We’re right at the start of Autumn.

The most obvious change is the leaves beginning to change colour.

Daylight is reducing, as nights are slowly growing longer.

The natural world is beginning its cycle of slowing down, preparing to rest.

Autumn is often a wetter & windier season, though for a lot of us that could be unlikely given the summer we’ve had!

You and your dog will be aware of the seasonal change, and it can be unsettling for some.

To help shift into Autumn here are 5 mood boosting activities you could try for fun:

1. Treasure hunt - inside or outside using your dog’s toys or food, as they prefer.

2. Sprat on a string - set a trail for your dog to follow. Great fun and tiring too. Probably best done outside!

3. Teach your dog something new - could be a skill for everyday or a party trick. (Or join us for one of our October classes!)

4. Play - 5 minutes of playtime each day with your dog can be a real benefit to both of you.

5. Try a new dog treat recipe with an Autumn flavour - Pumpkin is a seasonal option with lots of health benefits too.

Let me know which ones you’ll try!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

13/09/2024

Well, I have to say that I am happy to see the end of this week!

It started out well with my little Nora having a brilliant first scent work session with The Creative Canine, here she is with Krysia desperately trying to get the yummy treats from JR Pet Products Ltd 'gimme the treats'!! As some of you may know, I recently adopted little Nora who is blind, and has had a spinal injury in the past which means that she has weakness in her hindlimbs. BUT, she is a little trooper and very special, and her nose definitely came into it's own doing scent work! This is a great exercise for those dogs that are in rehab, or on restricted exercise, as it really does exercise the brain, and is low impact exercise that tires your dog mentally.

However, the rest of the week was marred by sad news about a very special horse, then a severe migraine that floored me for 2 days, and then I twanged my back and I am now hobbling around. Then to top it off - Google Google Small Business decided to suspend my business profile on google when I was trying to update the profile with my new business location - needless to say I am not happy with that as I have built up this profile with reviews.

On the plus side, thank you to all of you who have signed up for my first 'Understanding canine anatomy and at home massage techniques', I will send you out an update shortly.

To treat myself this weekend, I will be catching up with my friend Teresa for lovely cake and coffee!!

Hope you all have a good weekend.

11/09/2024

below🐾 Join Me for a Special Workshop: "Understanding Canine Anatomy & At-Home Massage Techniques"! 🐶

I’m excited to invite you to my new location at Office 2, Geltside Farm, Brampton, CA8 1TA, for a hands-on workshop designed just for dog owners like you!

During this 2-hour session, I’ll guide you through the basics of your dog’s anatomy and teach you easy, effective massage techniques you can use at home to help your furry friend relax, reduce muscle tension, and improve their overall well-being. It’s a great way to learn new skills and build an even closer bond with your dog!

Spaces are limited, so if you're interested, make sure to join the waitlist to be the first to hear when registration opens. 📝

I can't wait to share this experience with you and your pup!
Join the waiting list here @

This hands-on workshop is designed for dog owners who want to better understand their dog's anatomy and learn basic massage techniques to use at home.

10/09/2024

🐕 Is Your Dog Missing Out on the Benefits of Physiotherapy? 🐾

I'm excited to offer specialised dog physiotherapy services at my new location: Office 2, Geltside Farm, Brampton, CA8 1TA!

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, dealing with osteoarthritis, or needs support with strength and conditioning, physiotherapy can make a huge difference in their comfort and mobility.

Even if you think physiotherapy might not be necessary for your dog, you’d be surprised at how beneficial it can be for improving their overall quality of life! From pain relief to enhanced mobility and relaxation, every dog deserves a little extra care.

💡 Did you know? Most dog insurance companies cover complementary therapies like physiotherapy, meaning you could claim back the cost of your dog’s sessions!

Give your furry friend the gift of comfort and well-being — book an appointment today or reach out if you have any questions!

05/09/2024

🐾 Exciting News for My Canine Clients! 🐾

I'm thrilled to announce that I have a new location dedicated to canine physiotherapy! You can now find me at Office 2, Geltside Farm, Brampton, CA8 1TA — a warm and welcoming space designed just for your dogs.

This new location is perfect for dogs recovering from surgery, elderly dogs with osteoarthritis, and those needing strength, conditioning, or prehab rehabilitation. I’m here to help your furry friends on their journey to better health and happier lives! 🐶❤️

To make booking easier, I’ll be launching a new online booking system soon, so you can quickly and conveniently schedule your dog's appointments.

I can’t wait to welcome you and your dogs to my new space!

29/08/2024

I have something new planned for September!

14/08/2024

If you are looking for a fun way to engage your dog's nose, why not check out the The Creative Canine who has lots to offer.

As I think you are all aware now I am currently in the process of rebranding with a new Logo; it's a very exciting time and I'm really looking forward to getting the new Logo out there!

I have also had new flyers and business cards designed and printed and I now need to distribute them around my local areas ☺️

I'm going to ask a bit of a favour of you all.....if you are a business or you know of a business that would be happy to take some of my flyers and/or cards please let me know. 🤞 The more I can spread the word that I'm here to help and have fun with your dogs the more it helps my little business grow 😍🐾

I'm going to be driving around over the next few days to meet, ask and deliver these around to local businesses, so keep your eyes for me 🐾😍

🐾🐕

07/08/2024

As some of you may have noticed, I have been a bit quiet on social media for a few weeks, and it has been great 🤣. There is a reason for the silence though which is because I have recently taken in a wee doggie that needs a bit more support than most, as she is blind and has had spinal injury/issue and is very wobbly on her legs.

So, I would like to introduce you all to this special girl shortly! But firstly I wanted to share this great post on separation anxiety and general anxiety and if you need help then why not look at Paws & Minds for more advice and information on how you can help your pooch.

Keep an eye out for my special new girl!!

Separation Distress/Anxiety

I was having a conversation over the weekend with a friend who was worried that their dog has Separation Anxiety.

What we talked through and put into place to discover more information reminded me it could be helpful to share the following, in case anyone else is worried about this too:

Separation Distress/Anxiety, and behaviours that may look very similar, can be incredibly debilitating for both the dog and their guardians.

It can be very upsetting, and is often wrongly dismissed as something the dog will simply ‘get over’.

Determining whether a dog is suffering with Separation Distress/Anxiety, or another separation related issue isn’t straight forward. It is a complex subject area.

Dog behaviour choices often aren't linked to situations in the ways we might think are logical.

There are many factors to consider and rule out before a diagnosis of Separation Distress/Anxiety can genuinely be made.

Behaviours associated with Separation Distress/Anxiety like howling, barking and destruction can be indicators of other issues.

Even if they are only occurring when guardians are absent.

I can work with you to determine if there are other reasons for your dog's behaviour choices.

If Separation Distress/Anxiety is concluded I can refer you on to professionals who can officially diagnose the condition, and experts in treating Separation Distress/Anxiety with a structured and supportive approach.

If you're worried because your dog is having trouble remaining calm and settled whilst you're out, send me a message to arrange a chat about ways to get help.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠