Treatment

Massage and manual techniques

Massage is a powerful yet gentle hands-on treatment, used to relax tight muscles, release restricted fascia and resolve trigger points. Massage therapists treat the whole body, ensuring areas of compensation and asymmetry are addressed. As a Canine Massage Guild member, Alison trained for two years specifically in massage and bodywork, and has subsequently undertaken further continuing professional development in specialist skills. Techniques available include:

advanced palpation
Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage
direct and indirect myofascial release
the Lenton Method
manual lymphatic drainage
specific facilitated stretches
deep tissue massage
joint mobilisation
neuromuscular facilitation

Massage treatment can be carried out alone, or in conjunction with other therapies, depending on the individual requirements of the animal.

Electrotherapies

Electrotherapy machines produce various forms of energy such as sound or light waves. The energy is transmitted into the body to reduce inflammation and pain, and optimise healing. Alison uses portable devices that are rechargeable and can be used in any environment. Currently available electrotherapy modalities include:

class 3b infrared LASER
neuromuscular electrostimulation / NMES
pulsed electromagnetic field therapy / PMFT or PEMF
therapeutic ultrasound

Exercise prescription

As a veterinary physiotherapist, Alison uses her knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to prescribe a specific targeted home exercise plan, addressing individual areas of injury or weakness, and working with you to set short and long term goals, in areas such as:

restore function following injury or surgery
improve mobility
build muscle mass and strength
improve flexibility, balance and proprioception
sports-specific conditioning

Expert advice and support

Utilising her training and behaviour knowledge, Alison takes a holistic approach by considering the whole animal, focusing on both mental and physical wellbeing and taking into account all aspects of their environment and daily activities. Alison can provide help and advice on:

environmental adaptions
adjustments to exercise routines
mental stimulation to maintain wellbeing during rehabilitation
management of other pets within the home
stress and anxiety reduction
palliative care and preparing for pet loss

By treating the whole animal in the context of their own environment and lifestyle, the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Alison also runs two Facebook groups offering support for owners. The first is for anyone dealing with crate rest or restricted exercise: Coping with Crate Rest or Restricted Exercise and the second is more specialist, focussing on Canine Amputee Support.