Faye's 4 Paws Animal Physiotherapy

13/08/2025

Dolly’s Mobility Journey Continues 🐾💪

Our beautiful Dolly has been such a brave girl today ❤️ Over the past few years, she’s faced ongoing challenges with osteoarthritis, and we’re constantly striving to relieve her discomfort and help her live her best, most mobile life.

Today was a big step forward in her journey:

💉 Shoulder injection (intra-articular steroid)
Dolly received a targeted steroid injection directly into her shoulder joint to treat tendinopathy — a painful condition affecting the tendons. This helps reduce inflammation and improve her range of motion.

🧠 Steroid epidural for spondylosis
She also had an epidural corticosteroid injection to ease the nerve-related pain caused by spondylosis — a degenerative condition of the spine that causes stiffness, nerve compression, and discomfort. This treatment aims to reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves and improve her overall comfort.

🦴 Arthramid injections into both hips
To help combat the effects of arthritis in her hips, Dolly was treated with Arthramid Vet, a cutting-edge, non-steroidal injectable hydrogel. Arthramid integrates into the joint lining, reducing inflammation and improving joint function. While it takes a few weeks to take full effect, it can provide relief for up to a year — giving Dolly more time to move freely and comfortably.

✨ She’s not just my dog — she’s my best friend, my shadow, and my heart. Seeing her in pain is one of the hardest things, but we’re doing everything we can to give her the comfort, freedom, and happiness she deserves. She’s been so brave today, and I’m incredibly proud of her. Here’s to more good days ahead, and more time spent doing what she loves most — just being by my side.

09/08/2025

🐾 Meet Amber – Our Brave Little Warrior! 🐶💪

It’s been a tough year for Amber, but what a superstar she’s been!

Meet Amber who came to visit me Vets4Pets Hinckley. About a year ago, Amber had major surgery – a cranial closing wedge osteotomy (a big name for a big fix!). This procedure helps correct the angle of the knee in dogs with cruciate ligament issues, giving them a better chance at long-term mobility. She started physio straight away and was doing brilliantly… until her other back leg started causing trouble. 😢

Sadly, Amber was diagnosed with a cruciate rupture in that leg too — something that happens in around 50% of dogs after the first one goes. So, back to surgery she went.

During her second recovery, Amber’s owners were heartbroken to see their usually cheeky, happy girl had lost her spark. She was reluctant to walk, and just not herself. So, we created a tailored physiotherapy plan for home, complete with:

✨ Laser therapy – to reduce pain and inflammation and boost healing
✨ Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy – this helps stimulate cells, improve circulation and accelerate recovery
✨ Massage therapy – not just for pampering! It eases muscle tension, improves mobility, and helps dogs feel more relaxed and comfortable

And here’s where it gets amazing… Amber’s owners had a holiday booked and she was off to the kennels. The physio instructions were printed and passed on — and the kennel staff went above and beyond, following everything to the letter. 🙌

Amber had such a great time, when her owners came to collect her, she RAN to greet them – tail wagging, full of life. 🐕💨

Now? She hasn’t looked back. Amber’s walking, running, playing, and all her cheeky behaviours are back in full force. 😄

Well done Amber – you absolute superstar! 💛
And a massive thank you to the kennels Happy Hounds Luxury Boarding Kennels and Dog Grooming Spa and everyone involved in her recovery – what a team effort!

Here she is having her physio with the kennel team, and on her final session with me🐾💆‍♀️

24/07/2025

🐾 Our New Recruit is a Hit with Today’s Patients! 💕👧🐶

We had a very special team member join us on physio rounds today, armed with treats, cuddles, and plenty of love, she took her job of fuss-giving very seriously… and the dogs absolutely adored her! 💕 She was a particular hit with Dylan, one of our superstar patients.

Dylan started physio after a scary time — his owners noticed he was suddenly losing the use of his back legs. After an emergency vet visit, he was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. To relieve this, Dylan underwent a surgical procedure called a hemilaminectomy, where part of the bone over the spinal cord is removed to take the pressure off and prevent further nerve damage.

That was just the beginning of his journey. Physiotherapy is essential after spinal surgery to help dogs like Dylan regain strength, coordination, and confidence on their paws again. His recovery has included a mix of:
✨ Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing
✨ PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) to support nerve regeneration and relieve pain
✨ Massage and passive range of motion (PROM) to keep joints flexible and muscles comfortable
✨ And now… we’ve started more strengthening exercises as he begins to walk again!

At our last session, Dylan still needed help walking with a support sling. But today? He proudly walked across the room unassisted! 🥹💪 He’s still got a journey ahead, but what a moment of progress!

And the best part? After his session, he snuggled straight into the arms of our little helper for a well-earned cuddle. 🐶💗👧

Well done Dylan — and well done to our new recruit! 🥰

11/07/2025

🐾 Why Restoring Dog Mobility Is a Topic Close to My Heart 🐾

If you’ve ever loved a dog, you’ll understand how painful it is to watch them struggle to do the things that once brought them so much joy — a simple walk, jumping on the couch, chasing a ball. For me, this heartbreak has a name: Dolly.

Dolly is my best friend, and over the past few years, I’ve watched her battle arthritis and the toll it’s taken on her mobility. As a canine physiotherapist, I work with dogs facing similar challenges every day — but when it’s your own, it hits differently.

Dolly’s Story

When Dolly started showing signs of pain and stiffness, I knew I had to act — not just as her owner, but as her therapist. Even with my professional background, the process was emotional and, at times, uncertain. There are so many options out there, and deciding what’s right can feel overwhelming.

Over time, we’ve explored a range of treatments to support her:
• Stem cell therapy – to reduce inflammation and support healing
• Epidurals – during flare-ups when her pain was more severe
• Laser therapy – to ease discomfort and aid tissue repair
• Hydrotherapy – which has helped her move more freely and build strength
• And most importantly, individualised physiotherapy, tailored to her changing needs

Each approach has played a part in keeping her mobile, comfortable, and engaged in life. It hasn’t been a straight road, but the progress — even in small steps — has been worth every effort.

Why I’m Sharing This

Going through this journey with Dolly has made me even more passionate about helping other pet owners navigate the same challenges. I know how hard it is to watch your dog slow down, and how confusing it can be to know where to start.

That’s why I’m here — not just as a physiotherapist, but as someone who truly understands what you’re feeling. I want to offer both guidance and reassurance, and to help you explore the options that can make a real difference for your dog.

Mobility issues don’t have to mean the end of a good quality of life. With the right support, many dogs can continue to move, play, and enjoy their days comfortably.

If your dog is struggling, please know you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’d love to help.

09/07/2025

12/06/2025

🐾 I absolutely LOVE visiting Molly and Fergus — they’re always so excited to see me, and the feeling is definitely mutual! 🐶💕

Molly first came in when her owners noticed she was limping on her front leg. After a full assessment, we discovered a few sore muscles that needed some attention too. With a combination of laser therapy, ultrasound treatment, and a lot of dedication from her wonderful owners, I’m thrilled to say that her limp is now a thing of the past! 🙌

This athletic girl recently climbed Snowdon without a hitch — a true testament to her strength and the care she’s received. 🏔️💪 Now it’s all about maintaining her condition so she can keep living her best, adventure-packed life.

And of course, we can’t forget Fergus — he insists on being part of every session, even if it’s Molly getting the spa treatment! 😂🐾

Just look at those cheeky post-treatment biscuit faces! 🍪🐶💕

08/06/2025

🐾 Myofascial Trigger Points in Small Animals: What They Are and Why They Matter 🐾

Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that wraps around muscles, organs, and joints—essentially a body-wide support network that helps muscles move smoothly and maintains structural integrity. When healthy, fascia is flexible and well-hydrated. But when it becomes stiff, scarred, or inflamed—often due to injury, overuse, or arthritis—it can contribute to the formation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).

🔍 What Are MTrPs?
MTrPs are small, tight knots within taut bands of muscle fibers. They can be painful to the touch and often restrict movement. According to a study by Mathilde Granger, over 85% of dogs with osteoarthritis had at least one MTrP, often located in the back or limbs.

🧠 What Happens When They Form?
When MTrPs develop, they can:
• Disrupt normal muscle function
• Cause referred pain (pain in a different area than the trigger point)
• Alter posture and movement
• Contribute to a cycle of chronic discomfort

⚕️ Treatment Options
The study emphasizes that several therapeutic approaches can help restore mobility and relieve pain:
• Dry needling: mechanically disrupts the trigger point
• Photobiomodulation (laser therapy): reduces inflammation and pain
• Manual therapy: helps break down adhesions and improve tissue flexibility
• Heat therapy: enhances blood flow and muscle relaxation

🧩 Why It Matters:
Fascia plays a crucial role in whole-body function, and when it’s impaired, even small trigger points can cause major issues. Identifying and treating MTrPs can significantly improve an animal’s quality of life—especially in those with chronic conditions like arthritis or previous injuries.

06/06/2025

🐾 Meet Jenson Button 🖤
This lovely lad was found on the doorstep of a rescue centre on Christmas Eve, just a tiny puppy. Luckily, he was adopted into a loving home—and he’s been bringing joy ever since!

Jenson is a Dachshund–Labrador cross—yes, you read that right! He’s got the solid build of a Labrador on the shorter frame of a Dachshund, which, while incredibly cute, puts a lot of strain on his little legs and long back. Over time, this led to osteoarthritis, especially in his hips and spine.

But here’s where Jenson’s story takes a positive turn 🐶💫

To help manage his pain and keep him moving comfortably, Jenson visits me at Vets4Pets Hinckley for regular treatments, including:

💡 Laser Therapy – This uses low-level light to stimulate healing in tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It’s completely non-invasive and pain-free.

💡 PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) – This helps repair damaged cells, reduce pain, and improve joint function by using gentle electromagnetic pulses. Jenson lies on a special PEMF bed for this—usually while happily distracted by his licky mat (his favourite part, of course).

Since we made his treatments more frequent, his owner says he acts like he’s had “a rocket up his a…!” 🚀 (We’ll take that as a good sign!)

I’m so glad these therapies help Jenson feel his best and stay active. He’s living proof that arthritis doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

30/05/2025

✨ New Kit Alert at Faye’s 4 Paws Physio! ✨
I’m so excited to now offer Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) as part of the treatment options available for the pets under my care 🐾

PEMF is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that uses gentle electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular repair and support the body’s natural healing processes. It works by improving circulation, increasing oxygenation, and enhancing cellular metabolism — helping tissues repair faster and reducing pain and inflammation.

This therapy is fantastic for a wide range of conditions including:
✔️ Arthritis
✔️ Hip and elbow dysplasia
✔️ Muscle strains and ligament injuries
✔️ Post-operative recovery
✔️ Neurological conditions
✔️ General pain management and mobility support

It’s a brilliant addition to physio and rehab plans, especially for our older or more complex patients.

And of course… no sooner was it out the box than Ronnie was keen to test its comfiness! 🐶💤 Clearly a fan already!
Can’t wait to see how this benefits my wonderful patients 💛

29/05/2025

Another busy day for Faye’s 4 Paws Physio! One of today’s visits was to this cheeky pair 🐾 Ellie, pictured on the left, has been facing some challenges with her mobility. She’s had cruciate surgeries on both knees in the past, as well as hip dysplasia and spondylosis.

Today was her second session, and her parents were really pleased to report how much of a difference they noticed after just one treatment. Her first session included laser therapy — which works to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote tissue repair — and therapeutic ultrasound to relieve tight, sore muscles.

Since then, she’s been moving more freely, they haven’t seen her limp, and best of all, she’s seemed so much happier! 💛

Her very curious brother made sure to keep an eye on the whole session, just in case he was missing out on anything 😄🐶

27/05/2025

📰🐾Exciting news for our golden oldies!🐾📰

Dolly is trialling a new, drug-free pain relief option — Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy! It’s a clever little device originally designed for humans, and when placed under her collar, it sends gentle pulses that may help relieve arthritis pain — even all the way back to her hips.

I want to see how well it works before deciding whether to offer it to the pets under my care, and Dolly is the perfect first candidate!

So why am I trying it? Because the research is really encouraging:
In a recent study, 60 dogs with osteoarthritis were treated with this therapy. The results were impressive — 96% of dogs showed improved movement or reduced discomfort (or both!) within just 8 days, and no side effects were reported.

I’m hopeful it could give our older pups a more comfortable, wag-filled life. I’ll keep you posted on how Dolly gets on!

You can read the study here:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vms3.1408

🐾

22/05/2025

Being a member of the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA), today I attended a conference that was right up my street!

A fantastic day full of learning — from arthritis management and physiotherapy, to OA in cats, regenerative medicine, OA in Agility and sporting dogs, and orthopaedic surgeries 🐾🦴🧠. And yes… I definitely picked up a few freebies from the stands too! 🎁🛍️

Sorry to my usual clients who I couldn’t see today — this is where I was, expanding my knowledge to help support your pets even better in the future ❤️‍🩹🐶🐱.

It’s always inspiring to connect with like-minded professionals and stay up to date with the latest in mobility care and pain management.