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As part of my job as an Animal Physiotherapist it is very important to teach the owners what they can do at home to improve the quality of life of their dog.
If you would like to have a peek at a common stretch I teach owners here is some information for you.
If your dog has patella luxation (often small breeds with a skipping gait) or hip dysplasia/low back pain this may not be appropriate so feel free to ask me first if this is appropriate for your dog.
Always watch his/her face when you are doing some massage/stretches to ensure it is pain free - they will let you know if you go slowly and listen!




Hi Brooke
I can’t thank you enough for the care you took with Harry yesterday, and the extra time you gave him.
He slept for about 2 hrs when we got home, snuggled up in his pale blue dressing gown. When he woke up he was very happy and energetic. The massage and acupuncture worked wonders for him. This morning he woke us up (first time all week) ready to go out walking and demanding breakfast.
That is why I love my job!


What a shot! Meet Charlie. This beautiful little fella came all the way from Gladstone. He was born with scoliosis in his thoracic spine, requiring surgery to decompress his spinal cord. He was in hospital with us at North Coast Veterinary Specialists for a few weeks. His amazingly dedicated owners drove down and back from Gladstone to visit and attend his physiotherapy sessions. He is now walking (though with ataxia - neurological 'wobbly' gait) but this will improve in time.
I look forward to seeing his progress and take my hat off to his owners (and extended family) for all the hard work they are putting into this fella to improve his quality of life.
Go Charlie!

Gotta love a sleepy physio session in a bali hut. What a lovely sight to see the relaxing session for Snoopy and her mum. After some underwater treadmill (no umbrella or gumboots required) and acupuncture and physio both enjoyed some time to revitalise.
I think we should rename the sunny coast! The underwater treadmill has been a blessing for many owners who have not been able to get their loved ones out for a good ol fashioned stroll in the park. Blue is so Blue today! Thanks huey for giving us some respite!

I have just attached a new article I did for the NCVS (North Coast Veterinary Specialists) newsletter on the Acupuncture page on this website. It gives a background for understanding the east and west approach to Acupuncture.
I hope it helps you understand a little more how this 5000 year old method of treatment works.

As I have taken on the Chair role of the Animal Physio Group (APG) of our Professional Body The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), we had an induction meeting last Friday in Melbourne.
I had the opportunity to meet other like minded physios from each sector. Many are not aware of the scope of our Practice. The other areas (those that work on 2 legs) include: Sports, Musculoskeletal, Aquatic, Acupuncture and Dry needling, Gerontology, Paediatrics, Neurology, Physiotherapy Business Australia, Cardiorespiratory, Continence And Women's Health.
How lucky we are to have so many well established sectors of our Profession. It was interesting to learn about the pathway of Physiotherapy since 1950s. We were headed by the Medical Pracitioner's Board but had our first Physiotherapist as head of our professional body in 1972 when we became Primary Practitioners.
As such a new area of Physiotherapy, our growing profession in Australia of Animal Physiotherapy is a very interesting path. It is just fantastic to have the support of the APA and to learn a little more about what they are doing for our profession. There have been many changes in the last few years and we now have a strategic plan for 2012-2014 to build our profession.
I learnt many techniques to help take on the role of Chair and am very grateful for the opportunity to meet all involved and feel supported in this new position. It is a very exciting time for Animal Physiotherapists in Australia and I hope the next 4 years are very productive to help continue to build our profession.
Ps Melbourne was usual Melbourne - rain, a bit of sun, rain, wind, rain.... I have 3 APA trips in the first few months of this year and I must say it seems to be the same. Saying that the 'sunny coast' needs a change of name also this year!


Bella had her 2nd session in the underwater treadmill this week to help manage her osteoarthritis in her hips and back.
She was so much more comfortable and you can really see the improvement in her stride.

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