Performance Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for Active & Competitive Dogs
Sporting and working dogs place high physical demands on their bodies. Repetitive movements, high-impact activity, speed, jumping and tight turns all increase the risk of injury, fatigue and long-term wear.
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Veterinary physiotherapy plays an important role in injury prevention, performance optimisation and recovery, helping dogs remain comfortable, strong and able to perform at their best.
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All physiotherapy is provided under veterinary referral or consent.
Who This Service Is For?
Physiotherapy support is suitable for dogs involved in:
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Working and gundogs
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Hoopers
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Field and trial work
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Agility
Whether your dog is training, competing or working regularly, physiotherapy can help maintain comfort, strength and confidence.
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Flyball
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Obedience
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Show dogs
How Physiotherapy Supports Performance Dogs
Injury Prevention
Strengthening key muscle groups improves joint stability and reduces strain from repetitive or high-impact movements.
Examples include:
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Controlled sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit work for gundogs and obedience dogs
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Core and pelvic stability exercises for agility and hoopers dogs
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Shoulder and hindlimb strengthening for flyball dogs
Improved Performance
Balanced musculature and good flexibility help improve stride efficiency, coordination and stamina.
Examples include:
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Dynamic warm-up routines before training or competition
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Cavaletti and pole work to improve coordination and stride length
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Targeted stretching to support jump performance and turning ability
Faster Recovery
Physiotherapy helps manage soft tissue strain, knocks and repetitive stress following training or competition.
Support may include:
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Soft tissue massage for post-work muscle tension
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K-Laser therapy to support tissue healing
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Therapeutic ultrasound for tendon and ligament recovery
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PEMF or TENS for pain relief and relaxation
Ageing Athletes
As sporting dogs age, stiffness and arthritic change may develop. Physiotherapy helps maintain comfort and prolong active participation.
Examples include:
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Low-impact strengthening to maintain muscle mass
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Mobility exercises to support joints
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Modified conditioning programmes for veteran competitors
What a Performance Dog Physiotherapy Session Includes
Each session is tailored to your dog’s sport and may include:
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Postural and gait assessment
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Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
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Sport-specific strengthening and conditioning exercises
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Flexibility and mobility work
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Electrotherapies where appropriate, including:
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K-Laser therapy
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Therapeutic ultrasound
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TENS and NMES
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PEMF therapy
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Home exercise and recovery plans aligned with training schedules
Common Issues Seen in Sporting & Working Dogs
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Muscle strains or imbalances
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Tendon or ligament injuries
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Back or pelvic discomfort
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Reduced flexibility
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Joint stress or early arthritis
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Post-competition stiffness
Working in Partnership
With veterinary consent, physiotherapy can complement training programmes and veterinary care. Ongoing communication and progress updates can be provided where appropriate.
Is Physiotherapy Right for Your Dog?
Physiotherapy may benefit your dog if they:
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Compete or train regularly
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Show stiffness before or after activity
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Are returning to sport after injury or surgery
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Are ageing but still active
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Need support to maintain peak condition