Meersbrook Therapy - Vet Physio, Equine Rehab & Human Sports Therapist

Meersbrook Therapy - Vet Physio, Equine Rehab & Human Sports Therapist Qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist, Equine & Human Sports Massage Therapist, providing

Meersbrook Therapy is run by Lisa Bartley, a fully qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist and Human Sports Massage Therapist. Working alongside you vet and other paraprofessionals, Meersbrook Therapy offers both mobile and in house Veterinary Physiotherapy service using a range of manual techniques, prescription exercises and electrophysical agents. Equine Rehabilitation is also offered

for horses that are injured and need box rest, controlled prescription exercise and holiday livery. Looking at the whole picture, Meersbrook Therapy also offers sports massage for riders and rider assessments. Sports massage appointments are also offered to non riders and the current clientele range from office workers, sports people and those that are retired.

Growing older doesn't mean slowing down completelyMany owners assume that stiffness, slower walks or reluctance to jump ...
01/08/2026

Growing older doesn't mean slowing down completely

Many owners assume that stiffness, slower walks or reluctance to jump into the car are simply part of getting older.

While ageing does bring natural changes, discomfort shouldn't just be accepted as "old age."

Veterinary physiotherapy can help support mobility, maintain muscle strength and keep your dog doing the things they enjoy for longer, whether that's woodland walks, chasing a favourite toy or simply getting up more comfortably after a nap. Veterinary physiotherapy is commonly used to support mobility, manage pain and aid recovery from injury or surgery.

What does your older dog still love doing?

Is your horse compensating?Sometimes the problem isn't where you think it is.Horses are incredibly good at compensating....
31/07/2026

Is your horse compensating?

Sometimes the problem isn't where you think it is.

Horses are incredibly good at compensating. If one area is uncomfortable, they'll often adjust the way they move to avoid it, placing extra strain elsewhere in the body.

Over time, these compensations can affect performance, muscle development and overall comfort, often before obvious lameness is seen.

That's why regular physiotherapy assessments aren't just for injured horses - they can help identify subtle changes in movement before they become bigger issues.

Have you ever noticed your horse feeling "different" before you could pinpoint why?

28/07/2026

With the recent dry weather, we're seeing arena surfaces become dusty, loose or deep, while many parks and fields have become hard underfoot.

For horses, unsuitable footing can increase the workload on muscles, tendons and ligaments, particularly during schooling or faster work. If your arena is becoming deep or dusty, consider hacking instead - but always make sure the surface is suitable for the pace you're riding.

For dogs, repeatedly exercising on very hard ground, especially with lots of ball chasing, sudden turns or high-impact activities, can also place extra stress on joints and soft tissues.

A few simple ways to help include:
✔️ Varying your routes and surfaces
✔️ Avoiding prolonged work on hard or very deep ground
✔️ Building exercise up gradually
✔️ Watching for signs of stiffness after activity

Good movement starts from the ground up.

25/07/2026

Many horses and dogs show subtle signs of discomfort long before they become noticeably lame.

You might notice:
➡️ They're stiffer warming up.
➡️ They struggle with one rein or direction.
➡️ They seem less willing to work.
➡️ They hesitate before jumping or getting into the car.
➡️ They simply don't feel quite like themselves.

Animals are incredibly good at adapting. They'll often compensate for discomfort by changing how they move, placing extra strain on other muscles and joints. Left unchecked, these compensations can eventually lead to secondary injuries.

That's why regular physiotherapy isn't just about rehabilitation - it's about prevention too.

By identifying areas of tension, weakness or reduced mobility early, we can help keep your horse or dog comfortable, moving freely and performing at their best.

Sometimes the smallest changes in movement tell the biggest story.

If you're unsure whether your horse or dog could benefit from physiotherapy, I am always happy to have a chat.

📞 07841 351 948

22/07/2026

A tired dog isn't always a healthy dog...

We've all been there. A long walk, hours at the beach, chasing balls or running with friends - and your dog sleeps for the rest of the day.

But what if they're still stiff the following morning?

Just like us, dogs can overdo it. Weekend adventures often mean they're far more active than they are during the rest of the week. This "weekend warrior" lifestyle can place extra strain on muscles, tendons and joints.

Keep an eye out for:
🐾 Slowing down on walks.
🐾 Hesitating to jump into the car.
🐾 Stiffness after resting.
🐾 Reluctance to use stairs.
🐾 Changes in the way they sit or lie down.

Veterinary physiotherapy isn't just for dogs recovering from surgery or injury. It can also help identify areas of tightness, improve mobility and keep active dogs comfortable, helping to reduce the risk of injury in the future.

Whether your dog loves agility, hiking, flyball or simply exploring the countryside, keeping them moving well means they can enjoy doing what they love for longer.

20/07/2026

After weeks of sunshine, many fields are looking dry and sparse. While we often focus on the lack of grazing, the hot weather can also have a significant impact on your horse's musculoskeletal health.

🐴 Hard ground = increased concussion
Every step on baked, firm ground sends more force through your horse's hooves, joints, tendons and ligaments. This can leave some horses feeling stiffer than usual, particularly veterans or those with existing arthritis.

🐴 Hooves can become dry and brittle
Just like our skin, hooves are affected by prolonged dry conditions. Some horses may develop cracks or chips, making regular farriery even more important.

🐴 Less movement
Many horses naturally move less when grazing is poor, meaning they may lose strength, flexibility and overall fitness.

🐴 The first flush of grass
When the rain finally arrives, the sudden burst of new grass can be rich in sugars. For horses prone to laminitis, careful grazing management is essential during this period.

Simple management changes, such as providing adequate forage, exercising on suitable surfaces where possible, and monitoring your horse's comfort, can make a real difference.

18/07/2026

Just because they're sound doesn't always mean they're fully recovered. Building up strength after they are sound is all part of the rehab process too.

One of the biggest misconceptions in rehabilitation is that once a horse or dog is moving comfortably again, treatment is no longer needed.

In reality, pain may have reduced long before strength, balance and movement quality have fully returned.

A structured rehabilitation programme helps to:
✔️ Rebuild muscle strength
✔️ Improve flexibility and joint mobility
✔️ Restore balance and coordination
✔️ Reduce the risk of compensatory movement patterns
✔️ Support a safe return to normal activity

Recovery isn't just about feeling better - it's about moving better.
Taking the time to complete a rehabilitation programme gives your animal the best opportunity for long-term comfort, function and performance.

If your horse or dog is recovering from injury or surgery, or you've noticed changes in the way they move, get in touch and we can talk through what we can do to help

16/07/2026

Pole work isn't just for adding variety to your horse's routine - it can be an excellent way to improve strength, coordination and body awareness when used correctly.

Depending on your horse's needs, pole work can help to:
✔️ Improve proprioception (body awareness)
✔️ Encourage greater limb flexion
✔️ Develop core stability
✔️ Promote balance and coordination
✔️ Support rehabilitation and return to work programmes

The key is choosing the right number of poles, spacing and height for your individual horse. More isn't always better, and exercises should always be progressed gradually.
Whether your goal is rehabilitation, improving performance or simply keeping your horse moving well, purposeful pole work can be a valuable addition to your exercise programme.

💬 Not sure where to start ask me on your appointment and I can guide you on some exercises

Did you know hydrotherapy is about much more than swimming?At Meersbrook Veterinary Physiotherapy, our hydrotherapy unit...
14/07/2026

Did you know hydrotherapy is about much more than swimming?

At Meersbrook Veterinary Physiotherapy, our hydrotherapy unit is used as part of tailored rehabilitation programmes to help dogs recover from injury, surgery and manage long-term musculoskeletal conditions.

The buoyancy of the water supports your dog's body weight, reducing the load on joints while allowing them to move more comfortably. At the same time, the resistance of the water helps strengthen muscles, improve fitness and encourage controlled movement. Hydrotherapy is commonly used alongside physiotherapy as part of an individual rehabilitation plan.

Every dog receives a thorough assessment, and each session is tailored to their individual needs and stage of recovery.

Because every rehabilitation journey is unique, every treatment plan should be too.

💬 If you'd like to find out whether hydrotherapy could benefit your dog, get in touch with Lisa for a friendly chat.

An Introduction...Some of you may have already spotted a few changes across my social media recently, so I thought it wa...
12/07/2026

An Introduction...

Some of you may have already spotted a few changes across my social media recently, so I thought it was the perfect time to introduce someone who's now working alongside me.

I'm delighted to welcome Vicky from Half Halt Equine VA to the Meersbrook Veterinary Physiotherapy team.

Vicky will be supporting the business behind the scenes with social media, marketing and business administration, helping me spend more time doing what I love most – treating horses and dogs and supporting their rehabilitation and performance.

Vicky brings with her years of experience working with equestrian businesses. She understands the equine industry inside and out, making her a fantastic addition to the team.

So, if you notice more educational content, behind-the-scenes updates, case studies and tips appearing on the page, you'll know who's helping make it happen!

Please join me in giving Vicky a warm welcome to Meersbrook Veterinary Physiotherapy 👋

Address

Warwick

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447841351948

Website

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