Physiotherapy

Sit to Stand

The sit to stand is a very simple but very effective exercise that can be done at home.

It can be compared to a squat in humans and has multiple benefits including:  

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• Strengthening hindlimb muscles 

• Improving awareness of limbs in space  

• Improving core strength

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While it may seem like your dog performs sit-to-stand movements effortlessly every day, there are many important factors that contribute to a truly effective and well-executed motion.

We can help you and your dog master the perfect sit-to-stand technique.

Doing this exercise correctly can help with movement, stability, and overall strength.

Step Stretch

Step stretch involves your dog stepping onto an elevated surface, this could be an exercise step, bottom step of your stairs or step up into your house.

This has many benefits including:  

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• Improving mobility 

• Strengthening hindlimb muscles  

• Increasing flexibility  

There are varying degrees of difficulty for this exercise and can be made harder by adding in a wobble cushion, baited stretches or give paw.  

Proprioceptive Sweeps

Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space. It plays a vital role not only in everyday activities but also in maintaining coordinated movement, proper posture, and overall body awareness. 

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Dogs can experience a decline in proprioception due to various factors, such as neurological conditions or simply the natural aging process. 

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One way to help improve your dog’s proprioception is through proprioceptive sweeps: a technique that involves gently cycling the paw over a textured surface.

This stimulates sensory awareness and helps your dog better understand where their paws are in space. 

Cavaletti

Cavaletti exercises involves your dog walking over poles of differing heights and spacing. 

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This can help with:  

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• Coordination  

• Strength  

• Active range of motion  

• Balance  

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There are a couple of aspects to consider during this exercise; including control of the dog, spacing of poles, height of poles and movement over the poles which make this exercise the most effective.  

Wobble Cushions

Wobble cushions are a versatile tool that can be incorporated into a rehabilitation plan for a wide range of conditions.

They offer several key benefits, including improved core strength, balance, coordination, and support in rebuilding muscle mass following an injury. 

These cushions can be used in a variety of ways depending on the desired level of difficulty: for example, placing the front or back paws on the cushion, or performing tasks like “give paw” while balancing. 

Beyond the physical benefits, wobble cushion exercises are also mentally stimulating.

Most dogs find the activity enjoyable, making it a fun and effective addition to their rehab routine!

Weight Shifting & Limb Lifting

This allows us to focus strength building in certain  limbs or muscle groups. It's a fun exercise, that dogs enjoy!

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It helps with balance and weight-bearing on weaker limbs.​ It also encourages weight transfer and improves core strength.

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Weight shifting and limb lifting exercises are simple but effective ways to help pets improve their balance and strengthen weaker limbs.

By gently encouraging an animal to shift its weight from side to side or lift individual legs, we can build core strength and improve stability.

These exercises help pets learn to use their weaker limbs more confidently, promote even weight distribution, and support better overall posture.

They’re especially useful in rehabilitation after injury or surgery and for managing conditions like arthritis or neurological weakness.

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Reverse Walking/Backing-Up

Backing up, or reverse walking, is a valuable exercise in veterinary physiotherapy that focuses on engaging the hind limbs and improving proprioception (an animal’s awareness of where its body is in space).

When a pet walks backwards, it has to think more carefully about each step, which activates different muscles than moving forward and encourages better control of the hind legs.

This exercise strengthens the muscles supporting the hips and stifles, promotes joint flexibility, and helps improve coordination and balance.

It can be especially useful for pets recovering from hind limb injuries, those with arthritis, or animals needing to rebuild strength and confidence in their back legs.

Practicing this in short, controlled sessions can make a noticeable difference in mobility and overall stability.

Equipment-Based Treatments

• Laser therapy uses focused light to stimulate cell activity and improve blood flow, which promotes faster healing of tissues and reduces inflammation. It’s commonly used to manage both acute and chronic pain, help wounds heal, and support recovery after surgery or injury. Pets often find it relaxing and it can be a helpful addition to a broader rehabilitation plan. ​

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• Cryotherapy involves applying cold (such as ice packs) to reduce swelling, decrease inflammation, and numb painful areas, making it useful in the early stages of injury. Heat therapy, on the other hand, helps relax muscles, improve blood flow, and ease stiffness, making it ideal for chronic conditions or tight, sore muscles. Used appropriately, these therapies can support pain management and improve comfort for pets during rehabilitation.