What is Canine Physiotherapy?

Canine physiotherapy is a specialist field of physiotherapy.


During the first appointment your dog will undergo a comprehensive full body physiotherapy assessment.
This assessment allows me to identify any issues or deficits in your dog which may include:
  • Pain / swelling / inflammation
  • Proprioceptive deficit
  • Weakness or poor muscle firing patterns
  • Poor posture or altered gait patterns
  • Loss of joint range of motion / poor joint arthrokinematics
  • Restrictions in muscle flexibility
  • Trigger points in muscle

Following this assessment, treatment goals will be developed with you, and you will receive a treatment plan which will be initiated in the first session.
You will receive education on your dog’s condition, advice on any necessary activity or environment modification and will be instructed on how to perform appropriate home exercises with your dog.

Treatment may consist of a variety of different techniques and modalities

  • Treatment techniques may include:
  • Thermal treatments
  • Massage, myofascial release, trigger point release
  • Modalities - TENS, ultrasound, neuromuscular stimulation
  • Joint compressions and joint mobilisations
  • Passive or active range of motion exercises
  • Stretches
  • Exercise therapy - isometric, concentric or eccentric exercises for specific muscle groups, progressive proprioceptive/balance training on increasingly unstable surfaces
  • Photobiomodulation/ Class 3b LASER
  • PEMF therapy (pulsed electromagnetic field)
  • Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Your referring veterinarian will be provided with a full report following your initial assessment and will be kept informed of your dog’s progress as required. Canine Physio NZ aims to provide a patient-focused collaborative approach with your referring or treating veterinarian to ensure the best outcomes for your dog.