5 Signs Your Dog Needs Physiotherapy

1. Limping or Favouring One Leg

What to look for: One of the most obvious signs is when your dog starts limping or consistently putting more weight on one side. This might be constant, or you might only notice it after exercise or when they first get up from resting.

Why it matters: Limping indicates pain or discomfort in a specific leg or joint. Common causes include:

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis in hips, elbows, or knees)
• Cruciate ligament injuries (similar to ACL injuries in humans)
• Hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia (especially in larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers)
• Muscle strains or soft tissue injuries
• Post-surgical compensation patterns

How physiotherapy helps: Canine physiotherapy addresses the root cause through targeted treatments including:

• Therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension and compensatory patterns
• Joint mobilisation to improve range of motion
• Strengthening exercises to support weak or unstable joints
• Gait retraining to correct abnormal movement patterns
• Pain management through manual therapy techniques

If your dog has been limping for more than 48 hours, or if the limping is severe, contact your vet. They may recommend veterinary physiotherapy as part of the treatment plan.

2. Stiffness After Rest or Exercise

What to look for: Does your dog struggle to get up after lying down? Do they move stiffly first thing in the morning or after a walk? This “mechanical stiffness” often improves once they’ve “warmed up,” but it’s a clear sign something’s not right.

Why it matters: Stiffness is one of the earliest signs of arthritis in dogs and other joint problems. Many owners dismiss it as “just getting old,” but dogs can experience significant discomfort that affects their quality of life.

Stiffness can also indicate:

• Early-stage arthritis (osteoarthritis)
• Post-surgical scar tissue formation
• Muscle tightness from overexertion or poor conditioning
• Spinal issues (spondylosis, IVDD)

How physiotherapy helps: Regular physiotherapy sessions can dramatically improve stiffness through:

• Myofascial release to address tight connective tissue
• Stretching programs to maintain flexibility
• Heat therapy before exercise to warm muscles
• Controlled exercise programs tailored to your dog’s fitness level
• Home exercise routines you can do between sessions

Many dog owners report seeing improvement after just 2-3 sessions, with dogs moving more freely and showing increased enthusiasm for walks.

3. Reluctance to Jump, Climb Stairs, or Play

What to look for: Your once-energetic dog now hesitates at the bottom of the stairs, refuses to jump into the car, or no longer wants to play fetch. They might avoid activities they previously loved.

Why it matters: Behavioural changes like these are often pain-related. Dogs are remarkably good at hiding discomfort, but they’ll naturally avoid activities that hurt. This reluctance can indicate:

• Hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Back pain (kissing spine equivalent in dogs, spinal stenosis)
• Weakness following surgery or prolonged rest
• Neurological issues affecting coordination

How physiotherapy helps: Veterinary physiotherapy rebuilds confidence and physical capability through:

• Gradual strengthening exercises targeting weak muscle groups
• Balance and proprioception training (especially important for senior dogs)
• Pain relief through manual therapy
• Progressive exercise programs that safely rebuild fitness
• Adaptive strategies (like ramps) while recovery progresses

The goal is to help your dog regain the strength and confidence to enjoy their favourite activities again—or find comfortable alternatives as they age.

4. Changes in Behaviour or Temperament

What to look for: Your normally friendly dog has become withdrawn, irritable, or reluctant to be touched in certain areas. They might be less interested in interaction, sleeping more, or showing signs of anxiety.

Why it matters: Pain changes personality. Dogs in discomfort often:

• Become protective of painful areas (growling when touched)
• Withdraw from family activities
• Show reduced appetite
• Display anxiety or restlessness
• Have disrupted sleep patterns

These changes are particularly common in dogs with:

• Chronic arthritis
• Undiagnosed muscle or joint pain
• Post-surgical discomfort
• Neurological conditions

How physiotherapy helps: Addressing the underlying pain through physiotherapy can restore your dog’s normal temperament:

• Pain management through hands-on therapy
• Trigger point release for muscular pain
• Gentle mobilisation that doesn’t stress painful areas
• Teaching you how to handle your dog comfortably at home
• Collaboration with your vet for comprehensive pain control

Many owners are amazed at how their dog’s personality “comes back” once pain is properly managed.

5. Reduced Performance in Working or Sporting Dogs

What to look for: If you have an agility dog, gundog, or working breed, you might notice:

• Slower times or refusing jumps in agility
• Difficulty with retrieves or water work
• Reluctance to perform usual tasks
• Inconsistent performance
• Taking longer to recover between training sessions

Why it matters: Working and sporting dogs push their bodies hard, making them susceptible to:

• Sports injuries (muscle strains, ligament damage)
• Overuse injuries from repetitive movements
• Joint stress from high-impact activities
• Compensatory issues from minor injuries
• Reduced flexibility affecting performance

How physiotherapy helps: Maintenance physiotherapy for working dogs is preventative and performance-enhancing:

• Regular assessments catch minor issues before they become major
• Sports massage promotes recovery between events
• Conditioning programs build strength and reduce injury risk
• Flexibility training maintains optimal range of motion
• Performance optimization helps dogs compete at their best

Many handlers of competition dogs schedule regular physiotherapy (every 4-8 weeks) as part of their training program, just as human athletes do.

Competition tip: Schedule physiotherapy appointments in your off-season and 2-4 weeks before major competitions for peak performance.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Physiotherapy?

If your dog shows any of these signs, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Consult your vet Book an appointment with your veterinary surgeon to rule out serious conditions requiring medical intervention. They can diagnose the underlying issue and determine if physiotherapy would benefit your dog.

Step 2: Get a referral (if needed)

• For rehabilitation physiotherapy (following injury, surgery, or illness), your vet will provide a referral
• For maintenance physiotherapy (keeping a healthy dog in optimal condition), no referral is needed, though your dog must be registered with a vet

Step 3: Book a physiotherapy assessment During your initial consultation (approximately 90 minutes), I’ll:

• Review your dog’s medical history and current symptoms
• Conduct a thorough physical assessment
• Analyze your dog’s gait and movement patterns
• Provide the first treatment session
• Create a tailored rehabilitation or maintenance plan
• Give you home exercises to support recovery

What Conditions Benefit from Canine Physiotherapy?

Veterinary physiotherapy is effective for:

✅ Arthritis and joint disease – ongoing management for comfort and mobility
✅ Post-surgical rehabilitation – cruciate ligament repair, hip replacement, fracture repair
✅ Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia – reducing pain and improving function
✅ Soft tissue injuries – muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon damage
✅ Neurological conditions – IVDD, nerve damage, balance issues
✅ Senior dog care – maintaining mobility and quality of life
✅ Sports injuries – for agility, flyball, and working dogs
✅ Weight management support – safe exercise for overweight dogs with joint issues

Mobile Canine Physiotherapy Across Lancashire

I provide mobile veterinary physiotherapy services, visiting your home across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Yorkshire. This means:

• Your dog receives treatment in their comfortable, familiar environment
• No stressful car journeys for anxious or mobility-limited dogs
• I can assess how your dog moves in their home setting
• More convenient for you—no travel required

Areas covered include: Accrington, Blackburn, Preston, Burnley, Bolton, Manchester, Warrington, and surrounding towns.

Take the Next Step for Your Dog’s Health

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your dog, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early intervention through veterinary physiotherapy can:

• Reduce pain and improve comfort
• Restore mobility and confidence
• Speed recovery from surgery or injury
• Prevent minor issues becoming serious problems
• Extend your dog’s active, happy years

As a BSc (Hons) qualified veterinary physiotherapist and member of IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists), I’m here to help your dog move better and feel better.

Ready to help your dog? Contact me today to discuss your dog’s needs or book an appointment.

For more information about canine physiotherapy services, visit our canine physiotherapy page.