top of page
Image by Matt Hardy

PHYSIOTHERAPY

We can help when your pet is sore from sport, play or age, or recovering from injury or surgery

Image by Kate Tepl

ABOUT ANIMAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

Animal Physiotherapy provides specialised assessment and treatment to help relieve pain, improve recovery, prevent injuries, and provide rehabilitation for injuries, degenerative conditions, and surgeries. Animal physiotherapists can work with pets, sporting and show animals. We mainly treat dogs but also treat cats, rabbits and many more species.

COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT:

- After joint surgery (e.g. cruciate, patella, totally hip replacement, elbow or shoulder
arthroscopy to name a few)
- After spinal surgery
- Neurological conditions
- Post injury
- For osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative conditions (e.g. degenerative myelopathy or polyneuropathy)
- If your pet is getting older and slowing down
- Any sporting or agility dogs

Image by Anna Dudkova
Benefits

MEET OUR PHYSIO

Sarah Sojka is a qualified human physiotherapist who has completed her Master’s in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool. Sarah has been as a human physiotherapist since 2011 and has been working with animals since 2016.

​

Sarah runs The Pet Physio business, and you can see more details on her website here: www.thepetphysio.com.au

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What’s the difference between underwater treadmill and swimming?
    We provide a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill. While swimming can be a good cardiovascular workout and helps to increase the overall burn of calories, it is very difficult to modify and control swimming as an exercise in general. As a result, it’s challenging to use swimming for broad-scale rehabilitation. An underwater treadmill allows the therapist to assess and assist the patient when required.
  • Do I need a veterinary referral?
    We recommend to always check with your veterinary practitioner before commencing hydrotherapy and any post surgical or musculoskeletal conditions will require a referral. For any general problems such as weight loss, arthritis, mobility in senior dogs or conditioning, a referral is not required but please discuss with us prior.
  • What do I need to bring?
    We supply some tasty treats but if your dog has any dietary requirements or has a favourite snack or toy, please bring them with you. We also recommend bringing a towel for the way home. We will towel dry your dog after each session but some dogs with thick or long fur may hold extra water. Always have your dog on a lead or harness that you don’t mind getting wet! Please do not exercise your dog before your session but toileting is a must!
  • What if my dog doesn’t like water?
    Unlike swimming in open water, an underwater treadmill is a lot less confronting. Even so, our experienced hydrotherapists at Sea Wolf understand that some patients might need a little more time or support than your Portuguese Water Dog! We use proven techniques and positive encouragement to make the most of your session and most dogs can’t wait to come back!
  • What conditions are suitable for hydrotherapy?
    Orthopedic Cruciate surgery or injury Medial patella luxation surgery or conservative management Elbow dysplasia- conservative management, post-surgical management, arthritis management Hip dysplasia- conservative management, post-surgical management, arthritis management Shoulder instability Fracture repair Arthritis Spondylosis Polyarthritis Limb amputation Ligament repair Arthrodesis Senior pets with weakness, poor mobility Neurological IVDD- surgical or conservative management FCE Degenerative myelopathy Polyradiculoneuritis Polyneuropathy Wobblers Degenerative neurological conditions Brachial plexus injury
  • Conditions that are NOT suitable for hydrotherapy:
    Not all conditions are safe for hydrotherapy. Please consult with your veterinary practitioner for a referral and discuss with us prior to booking an appointment for any of the following: Infections or contagious conditions such as kennel cough, ear, eye or skin infections or gastric upsets A bitch in heat Open wounds Some heart or respiratory conditions Vestibular syndrome Moderate to severe epilepsy
bottom of page