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Physio & Hydrotherapy

Southview Veterinary Hospital Physiotherapy Suite

Welcome to our Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Suite

About our Therapist

Southview Canine Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Suite is run by our Veterinary Physiotherapist Leonie Barry. Leonie graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2016, who then went on to study a two year diploma course in veterinary physiotherapy in the UK.

 

Leonie also has an additional cert in Canine Hydrotherapy and is looking to continuing her studies with a master degree in veterinary physiotherapy.

 

Leonie is also a member on the IAAT International Association of Animal Therapists which is an organised membership body that upholds a professional code of conduct and promotes annual CPD.

  • Hydrotherapy
  • Land Based Exercises
  • Canine Massage
  • Laser Therapy
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound
  • Benefits
  • What To Expect
  • Book An Appointment
  • Price List

Hydrotherapy

Our hydrotherapy suite consists of an underwater treadmill. We use hydrotherapy to treat a variety of patients that suffer from chronic conditions and who are recovering from injury or surgery. Our hydrotherapy suite is also used for pre operative conditioning, for improving cardiovascular fitness and for weight management control.

The water is heated to 32 degrees which provides a medium for pain relief, helps to relax tense sore muscles, reduce muscle spasms, increase tissue elasticity and joint range of motion. The water level can also be adjusted for every patient to suit their individual needs and their reason for treatment. This also allows our therapist to determine how much weight is loading on their joints during treatment.

 

Our therapist is also able to carry out a range of therapeutic exercises in the water on the animal being treated. This is very beneficial for dogs who may struggle with land based exercises, as the water acts as a buoyancy aid taking pressure off their joints. Our therapist uses a hands on approach which allows her to assist each patient in the water giving them extra support and guidance during treatment.

Land Based Exercises

Land based physiotherapy consists of therapeutic exercises which are carried out on land, which aid in building up muscle strength, improving balance and coordination, improving mobility and range of motion, improving proprioception and encouraging early weight bearing in post operative cases.

 

Canine Massage

Canine massage involves a range of soft tissue manual therapies used to treat areas of tension, pain and muscle spams.  Treatment is aimed at increasing blood flow to targeted areas and improving tissue elasticity which in turn helps to improve mobility, reduce pain and stiffness.

 

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non invasive form of treatment using both red/infrared and blue light to aid in the bodies natural healing process. Laser therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions which include wound healingosteoarthritisligament/tendon injuriesnerve/spinal issues, provides a form of pain management and is used for post surgical healing. 

 

Laser therapy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, creating the optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a non invasive treatment option which can be used to increase blood flow to an area, soften and break down scar tissue which is interfering with joint range of motion.

 

Therapeutic ultrasound deeps heats the tissues which increases blood flow to the area, helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. This form of therapy is also used to decrease paintreat muscle spasms, as well as speeding up wound healing by increasing tissue elasticity around the wound encouraging the skin edges to close in at a quicker rate.

Benefits

  • Non invasive treatment option
  • Provides an alternative for pain relief
  • Increase muscle strength and flexibility
  • Promotes recovery and healing post surgery
  • Improves coordination and balance
  • Improves cardiovascular fitness
  • Improves mobility
  • Provides a form of physical enrichment and mental stimulation

 

What To Expect

veterinary referral form must be filled out by your referring vet before attending your appointment. At the time of your appointment your pet will be taken into our physiotherapy/hydrotherapy suite where he/she will be examined by our physiotherapist. A land based assessment will be performed by our therapist, treatment will then be carried out and a detailed home care plan will be made for your pet. First session takes approx 1 hour.

 

Book An Appointment

Before booking an appointment a veterinary referral form must be filled out by your referring vet. Once we have received your referral form we will then ring you to arrange an appointment time that suits you.

Referral Form - Online                               Referral Form - Download

 

Price List

Initial Consultation €80

Repeat Session €65

Post Operative Orthopaedic Package €260

Weight Loss Package (incl bag of food) €400

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