Arthritis in Dogs - How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Pain

Watching your dog struggle with stiff joints and discomfort can be heartbreaking. If your furry friend is slowing down, having trouble with stairs, or showing reluctance to jump or play like they used to, they may be dealing with arthritis. The good news is that canine physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive ways to manage pain and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Recognising Arthritis in Your Dog

Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a progressive condition where the cartilage in your dog’s joints breaks down over time, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. While more common in older dogs, it can affect dogs of any age, particularly those with previous injuries or certain breed predispositions.

Common signs to watch for include:

  • Limping or favouring certain legs
  • Difficulty getting up from rest
  • Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
  • Stiffness, especially in cold weather
  • Reduced activity or tiring easily
  • Licking or chewing at painful joints
  • Personality changes or irritability

If you notice these signs, consult your Vet for a proper diagnosis.

How Physiotherapy Helps

Canine physiotherapy is a proven approach to managing arthritis pain and maintaining mobility. Unlike medication alone, physiotherapy addresses the underlying mechanical issues, strengthens supporting muscles, and improves overall joint function.

Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation

Therapeutic massage, heat therapy, and cold therapy significantly reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic joints, improving blood flow and providing immediate comfort.

Improved Mobility and Strength

Gentle range-of-motion exercises and stretching maintain flexibility in stiff joints, while targeted strengthening exercises build muscle support around damaged joints, reducing stress on cartilage.

Weight Management and Balance

Controlled exercise helps maintain a healthy weight without overloading joints. Balance exercises retrain proprioception, reducing the risk of falls and further injury.

Treatment Techniques

I use several approaches tailored to your dog’s needs:

  • Therapeutic Exercise: Customised programs including controlled walking, swimming, or underwater treadmill work
  • Manual Therapy: Massage, joint mobilisation, and passive stretching
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: For muscle relaxation and inflammation control
  • Electrotherapy:

    💙 TENS Therapy – Pain relief for arthritis, chronic pain, and post-surgical discomfort

    💪 EMS Therapy – Muscle strengthening and atrophy prevention, particularly valuable after cruciate ligament surgery or for hip dysplasia

Home Care Routine

One of the greatest benefits is continuing techniques at home between sessions. You’ll learn safe stretching exercises, strengthening activities, proper massage techniques, and environmental modifications like ramps, non-slip surfaces, and orthopedic bedding.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Starting physiotherapy early in your dog’s arthritis journey can slow joint deterioration, maintain muscle strength and function longer, reduce reliance on pain medications, and significantly improve quality of life.

A Holistic Approach

Physiotherapy works best as part of a comprehensive plan including veterinary care, appropriate medication or supplements, weight management, dietary modifications, and regular moderate exercise.

What to Expect

At OP Veterinary Physiotherapy, I conduct a thorough assessment of your dog’s condition, including gait, joint mobility, muscle condition, and pain levels. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan with realistic goals. Sessions typically occur once or twice weekly initially, then may be spaced out as your dog improves.

Moving Forward with Confidence

While arthritis can’t be cured, physiotherapy offers real hope for managing pain and maintaining your dog’s mobility and happiness. Many dogs show noticeable improvements in comfort and activity levels within just a few weeks.

As a BSc (Hons) qualified veterinary physiotherapist and credited member of The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists and fully insured, you can trust your companion is in expert hands. I provide mobile services throughout Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North and West Yorkshire, bringing expert care directly to your home.

If you suspect your dog may have arthritis or they’ve already been diagnosed, I’d love to help. Contact me to discuss how we can keep your best friend comfortable, active, and happy.

Ready to help your dog feel better?
Book an appointment | Contact me | Mobile/WhatsApp: 07957 088050

Veterinary referral is required for rehabilitation physiotherapy.

Maintenance sessions do not require referral, though your dog must be registered with a vet.

 
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