Pet Performance Physio

Pet Performance Physio Veterinary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Why does arthritis happen? 🦴🐶Arthritis in dogs develops for several reasons — some preventable, others not. The most com...
13/08/2025

Why does arthritis happen? 🦴🐶

Arthritis in dogs develops for several reasons — some preventable, others not. The most common causes include genetics, previous injuries, excess weight, and repetitive joint stress. While you can’t change breed predisposition, you can take steps to limit other risk factors and delay progression. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and modifying activity can make a long-term difference.

📌 Muscle Focus: Gluteal Group (Superficial, Middle, Deep)The gluteals in the dog are key hip extensors and stabilisers.M...
11/08/2025

📌 Muscle Focus: Gluteal Group (Superficial, Middle, Deep)

The gluteals in the dog are key hip extensors and stabilisers.

Middle gluteal: major hip extensor
Superficial gluteal: aids in hip abduction and extension
Deep gluteal: stabilizes hip joint, supports internal rotation

🔹 Originating from the pelvis, inserting onto the femur, they work constantly during walking, running, jumping, and climbing.

➡️ Main Functions:
- Propel the dog forward
- Stabilise the pelvis and hip during stance
- Aid in directional changes and power movements

❗ Signs of Gluteal Dysfunction in Dogs:
- Reduced power in hind limbs — reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Shortened hindlimb stride
- Bunny-hopping gait or difficulty in acceleration
- Atrophy or uneven hindquarter muscle tone
- Pain on palpation over hip or pelvis

🧠 Common Causes:
- Hip dysplasia or arthritis
- Cruciate ligament injuries (compensatory strain)
- Overuse in high-energy dogs (agility, flyball)
- Weakness from inactivity or aging
- Pelvic or lumbar spine issues

🔍 Rehab & Treatment Focus:
- Strength training (inclines, sit-to-stand, pole work)
- Soft tissue release around gluteals and lumbar fascia
- Hydrotherapy for safe, resistance-based work
- Core stability and controlled hindlimb extension exercises
- Weight management to reduce joint stress

Physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve mobility and increase strength.

Walks are still important – here’s how to make them safe 🐾 Senior and arthritic dogs benefit from regular walks, but adj...
01/08/2025

Walks are still important – here’s how to make them safe 🐾

Senior and arthritic dogs benefit from regular walks, but adjustments are necessary to ensure safety. This post outlines five practical changes you can make to your routine to reduce joint stress and support long-term mobility.

New Website up and running 🙌Head over to petperformancephysio.co.uk to check it out 😃
29/07/2025

New Website up and running 🙌

Head over to petperformancephysio.co.uk to check it out 😃


📌 Muscle Focus: Longissimus DorsiIn dogs, the longissimus dorsi runs along the vertebral column, forming part of the ep...
28/07/2025

📌 Muscle Focus: Longissimus Dorsi

In dogs, the longissimus dorsi runs along the vertebral column, forming part of the epaxial muscles. It’s vital for trunk stability, spinal extension, and transferring power between the hindlimbs and forelimbs during movement.

🔹 Especially important in jumping, running, landing, and coordinated core control.

➡️ Main Roles:
- Extending and stabilising the spine
- Supporting the dog in posture, stance, and motion
- Helping absorb shock during landings and turns
- Engaged in all weight-bearing activities

❗ When Dysfunctional, You May See:
- Sway-backed or hunched posture
- Difficulty rising from lying down or jumping up
- Compensatory overuse of limbs
- Guarded or painful response to touch along the back
Reduced hindlimb thrust or reluctance to gallop or chase

🧠 Common Causes in Dogs:
- Repetitive ball chasing or jumping
- Weak core muscles or lack of conditioning
- Age-related changes (e.g., spondylosis, arthritis)
- Sudden trauma or spinal injuries
- Prolonged inactivity or obesity

Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility and increase strength.

Dogs are tough. Here’s how to tell when they’re hurting 💔 Many dogs hide pain instinctively, so look for subtle signs: l...
25/07/2025

Dogs are tough. Here’s how to tell when they’re hurting 💔

Many dogs hide pain instinctively, so look for subtle signs: licking joints, limping, slowing down, panting, reduced interactions or changes in behaviour. Don’t ignore the clues.

Your home can be your dog’s best medicine 🏡🐕 Simple upgrades like orthopedic beds, raised bowls, and slip-free floors ca...
23/07/2025

Your home can be your dog’s best medicine 🏡🐕

Simple upgrades like orthopedic beds, raised bowls, and slip-free floors can dramatically improve comfort for arthritic dogs. Little changes, big difference.

📌 Muscle Focus: Triceps BrachiiIn dogs, the triceps has four heads (long, lateral, medial, and accessory) and serves as ...
21/07/2025

📌 Muscle Focus: Triceps Brachii

In dogs, the triceps has four heads (long, lateral, medial, and accessory) and serves as the primary elbow extensor, connecting the scapula/humerus to the olecranon.

🔹 It’s heavily used during standing, walking, jumping, landing, and braking.

➡️ Essential Functions:
- Straightening the elbow
- Stabilising the forelimb during stance
- Supporting weight-bearing in play, work, or rest

❗ Signs of Triceps Dysfunction in Dogs:
- Reluctance to bear weight on a forelimb
- Stiffness or soreness in the front leg, especially after rest
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
- Reduced range when reaching forward (e.g., paw lifts)
- Pain or tension when palpating upper forelimb or elbow region

Causes May Include:
- Overuse from jumping (agility, fetch)
- Trauma or slipping on slick surfaces
- Overcompensation due to carpal or shoulder injury
- Poor landing mechanics or arthritis

Physiotherapy can hep reduce pain, improve mobility and increase strength.

Is your dog slowing down? It might not be just age... 🐾 Arthritis is more common than you think — Understanding the earl...
16/07/2025

Is your dog slowing down?

It might not be just age... 🐾

Arthritis is more common than you think — Understanding the early signs of osteoarthritis can help you take action sooner.

Early signs:
- Stiffness
- Limping
- Reluctance to move
- Hesitant to jump
- Reluctant to go on walks

If you notice any of these signs, they deserve attention. Physiotherapy can help relieve discomfort and strengthen the muscles around the joint to provide support.

📌 Muscle Focus: Latissimus DorsiThe latissimus dorsi in the dog is a broad, sheet-like muscle that extends from the thor...
14/07/2025

📌 Muscle Focus: Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi in the dog is a broad, sheet-like muscle that extends from the thoracolumbar spine and last ribs to the medial humerus.

🔹 It’s crucial for forelimb retraction, pulling actions, and helps support the back during high-speed activities or climbing.

➡️ This muscle works heavily in dogs that:
- Jump, run, or pull (agility, flyball, canicross)
- Climb (e.g., stairs, ramps)
- Brake or turn suddenly during play or work

❗️ Dysfunction Signs Include:
- Reduced reach or forelimb stiffness
- Discomfort when climbing stairs or jumping down
- Postural fatigue—dog looks “tucked up” or reluctant to stretch
- Tension through the ribs or lower thoracic back

🧠 Typical Causes of Lat Dorsi Dysfunction in Dogs:
- Tension through the ribs or lower thoracic back
- Core weakness
- Injury to spine or ribcage affecting muscle tone
- Postural changes from aging or obesity

Physiotherapy can hep reduce pain, improve mobility and increase strength.

Meet Max 🐕 — 10 years old and full of love.When I first saw him, he was struggling to get up in the mornings and had sta...
11/07/2025

Meet Max 🐕 — 10 years old and full of love.

When I first saw him, he was struggling to get up in the mornings and had started slowing down on his usual walk. After just a few gentle sessions, Max was

Supporting senior dogs like Max is exactly why I love what I do.

If your dog is starting to slow down, physio could be the gentle boost they need. ❤️

Address

Dromore

Telephone

+353833449910

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pet Performance Physio posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share