Physiotherapy for Agility dogs

How Physiotherapy Benefits Agility Dogs

Agility dogs, with their remarkable athleticism and agility, engage in a physically demanding and precision-oriented sport. To sustain peak performance and ensure their holistic well-being, these dogs derive immense advantages from specialized care, notably physiotherapy. 

Injury Prevention and Management:

Agility dogs, given the high-impact nature of their sport, are susceptible to injuries. Physiotherapy employs proactive measures to prevent injuries by enhancing muscle strength, promoting flexibility, and bolstering joint stability. In the unfortunate event of an injury, physiotherapy serves as a crucial component of the dog’s rehabilitation process. Tailored programs focus on restoring strength, mobility, and function, facilitating a confident return to agility.

Strategic Conditioning and Fitness:

Agility’s rigorous demands necessitate exceptional fitness. Physiotherapy formulates personalized conditioning plans targeting specific areas of weakness or imbalance. These plans are designed to elevate overall fitness, strength, and endurance, thereby enhancing agility performance.

Optimized Range of Motion:

Exceptional flexibility and range of motion are fundamental prerequisites for agility dogs. Physiotherapy integrates exercises and techniques geared towards augmenting joint mobility and flexibility, which are vital for negotiating agility courses.

Gait Analysis and Enhancement:

Physiotherapists conduct comprehensive gait analyses to evaluate the dog’s movement patterns. The identification of irregularities permits precise interventions aimed at enhancing gait efficiency and minimizing strain.

Psychological Well-being:

By reducing discomfort and pain, physiotherapy contributes significantly to an agility dog’s psychological well-being. Dogs that are free from physical discomfort and pain are better positioned to derive enjoyment from their training and competitions.

 

Maintenance physiotherapy for agility dogs

Regular maintenance physiotherapy sessions for your agility dog can address any compensations from performance, improve flexibility and function. Massage and laser therapy can reduce hypertonicity and trigger points in muscles which may arise from the intensive performance required from your agility dog. 

A maintenance agility physiotherapy session always includes a gait assessment, a discussion on strengths and weaknesses in the agility ring and a treatment which may include: massage, myofascial release, electrotherapies (such as laser), passive range of motion, joint mobilisations, stretching and exercises. 

Maintenance canine agility physiotherapy sessions last 45 minutes and cost £40

Above: Physiotherapist Rebecca training her dog, Caleb at agility in 2017

Agility Conditioning Plans

We offer bespoke agility conditioning plans to keep your dog in peak performance, reduce the incidence of injury and to help create manageable conditioning sessions which fit within your week. Our complete conditioning plan includes the following:

Initial 60-Minute Session:

  • Comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment for your dog.
  • Gait analysis, including agility movements like jumps when possible.
  • In-depth discussion with you to understand your dog’s strengths and weaknesses on the course.
  • Exploration of your available training time.
  • Exercise ideas and hands-on demonstrations with your dog.
  • A fully customized conditioning plan delivered as a handy PDF via email.

Follow-Up 30-Minute Session:

  • Reassessment of musculoskeletal health and gait.
  • Evaluation of improvements in strength and fitness from our conditioning exercises.
  • Adjustments to the plan for enhanced strength, flexibility, and performance.

Plus Ongoing Support:

Reach out via phone and WhatsApp whenever you need support during your dog’s conditioning journey.

All-inclusive Price: £70