Golden Vet Physio

What Will Your Session Look Like?

1. Consent & History Gathering - Prior to treatment, veterinary referral and owner consent are obtained as required by professional standards. The session begins with a detailed discussion about the dog’s medical history, lifestyle, presenting complaints, environment, previous injuries, medications, and owner concerns .

2. Comprehensive Assessment:

• Static Posture: Observe the dog standing—checking posture, symmetry, limb weight-bearing .

• Gait Analysis: Evaluate walk/trot (and sometimes sit-to-stand or circles) to detect asymmetry, lameness, stiffness.

• Palpation: Hands-on examination of muscles, joints, fascia for pain, swelling, tension, scar tissue. 

• Range of Motion (ROM): Test joint flexibility and identify restricted or painful movements 

• Optional Neurological Checks: Neurological assessment may be performed if indicated.

3. Tailored Treatment

Based on findings, a mix of the following may be used:

• Manual Therapies: Massage, myofascial/trigger-point release, joint mobilisations, passive stretching.

• Thermal Modalities: Cryotherapy and heat packs to reduce inflammation and improve tissue compliance.

• Electrotherapies: PEMF for pain relief, inflammation reduction, muscle activation .

• Exercise & Balance: Begin low-impact proprioceptive and coordination exercises (cavaletti, balance pads).

4. Home Exercise Program (HEP) - A customised home plan is demonstrated during the session, including stretching, strengthening, proprioceptive drills, gait exercises, etc. Owners receive written instructions or an emailed summary to support consistency. Exercises will be adjusted to suit the progress of the individual.

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5. Reporting & Communication - A detailed session report is provided to both owner and referring veterinarian (if consented), covering findings, interventions, and future plans. Ongoing communication is encouraged to monitor progress and adapt care.

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6. Follow-Up Planning - Frequency is discussed—often weekly or biweekly initially, with potential maintenance visits every 4–6 weeks. Subsequent sessions start with a brief reassessment, then focus on treatment and exercise progression.