Manual Therapy For Dogs
Hands-on treatments to relieve pain, restore mobility and support functional movement
What Is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy is a core component of canine rehabilitation, using skilled hands-on techniques to evaluate and treat soft tissue and joint dysfunction. At Paws4Paws, we apply manual therapy to address pain, improve movement quality, and support musculoskeletal health—helping dogs feel better, move more freely, and recover more effectively.
Manual therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and tailored to your dog’s clinical presentation. It’s especially beneficial for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, managing chronic pain, or experiencing mobility issues related to ageing or neurological conditions.
Techniques We Use
Our manual therapy sessions are fully individualised and may include:
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Soft tissue mobilisation – Targets muscle tension, adhesions, and restricted fascia to restore tissue extensibility and reduce pain.
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Therapeutic massage – Enhances circulation, promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and supports lymphatic drainage.
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Myofascial release – Addresses fascial tightness and restriction, helping to improve flexibility and postural alignment.
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Joint mobilisation – Gentle, controlled movements applied to joints to restore normal range of motion and reduce stiffness.
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Passive stretching – Improves flexibility, prevents contracture, and prepares the body for active movement.
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Assisted range of motion exercises – Maintains joint health in dogs with limited voluntary movement, often used post-surgery or with neurological conditions.
All techniques are delivered with precision and care, in the comfort of your dog’s home environment.
Ideals for Dogs With
Manual therapy is suitable for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as for dogs recovering from surgery or experiencing age-related changes. It is particularly beneficial for:
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Orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis, cruciate ligament disease, hip or elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella—where stiffness, pain, and joint restrictions are common.
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Neurological disorders like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Wobbler Syndrome, degenerative myelopathy, and lumbosacral disease—where muscle tone imbalances and postural asymmetries often develop.
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Post-surgical recovery, including TPLO, patellar stabilisation, spinal surgery, or limb amputation, to reduce soft tissue tension, support joint mobility, and promote healing.
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Age-related stiffness and mobility decline, which may lead to reduced activity levels, compensatory movement patterns, and chronic discomfort.
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Soft tissue dysfunction, including myofascial tightness, adhesions, or compensatory muscle overuse from altered gait or poor biomechanics.
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Generalised discomfort or pain, particularly in dogs with no specific diagnosis but observable signs of mobility limitations, tension, or fatigue.
Manual therapy is also a valuable tool for early intervention and preventative care, helping to address minor changes before they progress into more significant clinical issues.