Veterinary Physiotherapists use an integrated multi-modal approach in order to; prevent injury, relieve pain, restore and maintain optimal function, promote healing, improve movement, enhance performance and maximise quality of life.

Following initial evaluation, a tailored treatment plan will be created in order to help your pet achieve the outcome goals set at the beginning of the sessions. Re-evaluation appointments will be scheduled on a case by case basis. Veterinary Physiotherapy is beneficial in all cases, but is pivotal in restoring function and comfort in; geriatric patients, pain and wound management, neurological and orthopaedic cases and arthritic patients.

Electrotherapies
Here at Oakhill, the ARC offers a wide variety of modalities to maximise recovery. These include; Laser Therapy, Ultrasound and two different types of muscle stimulation. Electrotherapies are often utilised alongside other modalities and each individual machine has its own benefits – so you’ll be sure your pet is receiving the optimal treatment for them!

Therapeutic Exercise
Our specialised veterinary physiotherapists are able to hand pick specific exercises bespoke to your pet’s individual needs and requirements. Exercises are used to help build; strength, co-ordination, balance and function during each animal’s rehabilitation journey, and these can be adapted around you and your lifestyle.

Manual Therapies
The term manual therapies includes techniques such as; joint mobilisations, specific stretches and tailored massage. These techniques can be used to; Reduce muscle soreness, tension and spasm, Decrease overall pain and swelling, Increase joint range of motion, Improve blood flow and circulation, Increase muscle and soft tissue flexibility… to name a few benefits!

Our canine hydrotherapy treatments take place in a state-of-the-art, extra-large underwater treadmill, ideal for dogs of all sizes. This form of aquatic therapy for pets uses controlled exercise in warm water (maintained between 28–30°C) to reduce pressure on painful joints while strengthening muscles to restore and improve daily function, as the dog walks, a whirlpool effect is created from the turbulence and this encourages tissue fluid (known as lymphatic fluid) to drain, reducing swelling in the limbs. Hydrotherapy encourages a full range of joint motion in reduced weight conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.

Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for:

• Arthritis in dogs, as the warmth and resistance of water help loosen stiff joints, increase range of motion, and boost circulation
• Orthopaedic conditions, both pre- and post-surgery, including cruciate ligament repair, fracture recovery, and total hip replacements
• Neurological conditions, such as recovery from intervertebral disc disease (“slipped disc”) or relearning gait patterns
• General mobility issues, age-related decline, or muscle weakness

If hydrotherapy is recommended, our veterinary physiotherapist, will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs and condition.

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, struggling with mobility, or in need of performance support, underwater treadmill therapy is an effective, low-impact way to aid recovery and build strength — and most dogs really enjoy it too!

Canine Laser Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate cellular healing and relieve pain. By delivering specific wavelengths of light into the tissues, laser therapy for dogs helps reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, enhance circulation, and provide targeted pain relief.

This advanced therapy is highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis in dogs
• Wound healing (post-surgical or traumatic)
• Muscle tears
• Ligament and tendon injuries
• Fracture recovery
• Nerve pain and back pain
• Gingivitis and oral inflammation
• And many other soft tissue and musculoskeletal issues

Each canine laser therapy programme at our veterinary-led Animal Rehabilitation Centre is tailored specifically to your pet’s condition and needs. Treatments are carried out by our experienced veterinary team, who are trained in delivering these advanced laser procedures safely and effectively.

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or dealing with soft tissue injuries, laser therapy can offer faster healing and improved quality of life. We use light at precise wavelengths to penetrate the target tissue to varying depths. The tissue responds by making energy which it uses to speed up healing, reduce inflammation and increase local blood supply, as well as reducing pain in the area.

Our K-LASER provides pain free and drug free, non-invasive treatment, and is highly effective for animal therapy.

Canine acupuncture is a complimentary drug-free therapy used alongside conventional veterinary medicine to support pain relief and healing in dogs. At our Animal Rehabilitation Centre, our acupuncture treatments are delivered by Becky Dean, one of our mixed practice veterinary surgeons who trained and qualified via WVAG, and has been practising acupuncture since 2017. In accordance with UK law, all animal acupuncture must be performed by a licensed vet.

Using a Western Scientific Approach, we first establish a clinical diagnosis and then integrate veterinary acupuncture as part of a wider, holistic treatment plan. This therapy is particularly useful in complementing other treatments and can be used safely alongside conventional medications.

How Canine Acupuncture Works:
Fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific areas of your pet’s body to stimulate the nervous system. Over the course of several sessions, acupuncture for dogs can:

• Control pain
• Increase blood flow
• Support wound healing
• Enhance immune function
• Relieve muscle tension and stiffness

Common conditions treated with canine acupuncture include:

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Neck and back pain
• Myofascial pain (muscle/connective tissue disorders)
• Stiffness from old injuries or chronic conditions

A typical initial course of acupuncture for dogs lasts around six weeks and is well-tolerated by most pets — many even find it relaxing. Many pets go on to receive long term routine treatment plans.
During the session you remain with your pet, who will be made comfortable on a soft matress & bed. The needles are ‘non traumatic’ and most pets tolerate the process really well, some even fall asleep!.

Whether your dog is dealing with chronic pain, mobility issues, or injury recovery, veterinary acupuncture can be an effective and gentle option to improve their comfort and quality of life.

Canine massage therapy is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that supports dogs dealing with chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, orthopaedic conditions, and neurological issues. At Oakhill’s veterinary-led Animal Rehabilitation Centre, clinical massage for dogs is offered as part of a comprehensive, personalised care plan — often alongside other therapies such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, and laser therapy.

Just like in humans, dog massage helps restore healthy muscle function, relieve tension, and promote a more pain-free, active lifestyle. Our approach to canine massage includes:

• Swedish massage
• Sports massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Myofascial release

Within 1-3 sessions, clinical massage can restore the muscles and fascia back to optimal health. Here at the ARC we use four types of massage; Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial release. Massage sessions are usually delivered over a minimum three-week course. Canine massage is especially beneficial for:

• Managing arthritis and stiffness in dogs
• Supporting post-surgical or injury rehabilitation
• Aiding recovery from orthopaedic conditions
• Improving mobility in dogs with neurological disorders
• Preventing recurring soft tissue injuries in active or working dogs

Whether your dog needs help recovering from injury or simply more comfort in everyday life, canine massage therapy can be a gentle but highly effective part of their recovery and wellbeing plan.