Our qualified physiotherapists work with many species, including: dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotics and wildlife. We aim to help animals live their best lives, free from pain and disability. Physio for pets is similar to human physio, and we are gentle, force-free and don't push any animal to do something they're afraid of.
Anxious pets are very welcome here.
We provide dog physiotherapy in our center conveniently located in Saint Marys, right next to both Penrith and Parramatta. We also do online consultations all over Australia.
Examples of treatments we use here;
There are many more conditions we treat - these are just the common ones we see. Please email or call if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help. Call (02) 9833 3363 or email theteam@wholefamilyhealth.com.au
#agilitydogs #sportsinjuries #flyballdogs #dogphysio #catphysio #doghydro #vetphysio #dogwheelchairs #dogsplints #walkinwheelsaustralia #fearfree #forcefree
Help prevent injury, arthritis, pain and obesity! Conditioning for Pet Dogs courses are running for 8 weeks at a time.
There are 8 sessions of 1 hours' duration for dogs of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
Designed by Dr Helen Nicholson & run by Emma Duffy and Kristy Bonnano in our purpose built facility.
Email us at theteam@wholefamilyhealth.com.au to book or see below to book online.
#caninefitness #canineconditioning #dogfitness
Professor Dr Helen Nicholson began her career in animal physiotherapy in the mid-1990s, while she was still a human physiotherapy student – she had a rickety old Labrador, Holly, and a wonderful local vet who would help her translate her newly acquired human physiotherapy skills to help keep old Holly going in her golden years. The good doctor would say, “Well, this is what’s wrong with her; she’s got arthritis in her shoulder. What would you do with a human with an arthritic shoulder?”
“Well,” Helen would reply. “I’d stabilise the scapula (shoulder blade) and distract and glide the humerus (arm bone).”
“Right,” the good doctor would say. “Here’s her scapula, and here’s her humerus. Show me.”
Helen would then orient herself (dogs and people aren’t quite built the same way) and demonstrate the technique.
“Right!” the vet would exclaim. “That looks safe! Go home and do that!”
Our managing director, Dr Helen Nicholson, was the first in the world to complete a PhD in Small Animal Physiotherapy. Since 2006, she has collaborated with the Yamazaki Gakuen University in Japan, where she is now a visiting Professor. Helen has developed courses and written a textbook for the university, as well as chapters in English-language books. In addition to having some of her research published in peer-reviewed journals, Helen has enjoyed peer reviewing others' research prior to publication, as it gives her a "sneak peak" at how the state of the art is progressing. She has taught in Europe, the UK and the US, as well as in 5 states of Australia.
Emma Duffy joined the practice at the start of 2022 & is qualified in dog massage and acupuncture in addition to her physiotherapy degree. While Emma and Helen both went to (human physio) Uni at the same time, Emma's 20-ish years in the British NHS has given her a range of experience that Helen hasn't had. As a result, both Helen and Emma have enjoyed learning from each other to improve the standard of care they can each provide to our furry and feathery friends. Emma writes our monthly article in the Dogs NSW magazine and, while she is succeeding at rapidly bringing Helen's sports physio knowledge up-to-date, it remains on her wish list to convince Helen to try learning acupuncture! Emma is trusted by many of Sydney's top veterinarians and specialist vets to provide an excellent standard of physiotherapy care to their precious clients.
Please note that, while Emma and Helen love seeing clients together, our team has had to ban Helen from taking on regular clients until she has finished 2 very important projects!! Helen has listened to our "work before play" lecture and hopes to have those projects finished at the end of October 2023 🤞
Whole Family Health incorporates K9 Physio & Animal Physiotherapy Services. #hydrotherapyfordogs #physiofordogs #dogphysioSydney #acupuncture
We'd love Vet team members to attend our event on Thursday 16th November at 6:30pm at our clinic in St Marys.
Parking is easy, secure and free.
Refreshments will be served.
It will also be a great opportunity to network and to learn from each other.
Just email theteam@wholefamilyhealth.com.au to reserve as many places as you'd like.
Dr Helen Nicholson will talk about physio techniques that Vets can use themselves during their management of small animals. More detailed events on specific skills can be arranged - please express interest at the event.
Helen will also explain when referral to a physiotherapist is appropriate, and what you can expect from us.
See our treatment rooms, dog wheelchairs, underwater treadmill, Dog Gym, gait analysis area, class 4 laser, portable hyperbaric chamber, acupuncture & rehab equipment.
Meet Emma Duffy, the other physiotherapist working with Dr Nicholson.
Our 8-week conditioning course is designed by Dr Helen Nicholson to improve the fitness, flexibility and strength of your pet dog. This course will increase body awareness, reaction times, general health and promotes the bond with your dog. Even if you don't have any experience of dog fitness this is the course for you! The atmosphere is fun, friendly and supportive, with no judgement and no exams. All that matters is your dog is enjoying themselves and improving their condition while they're at it. You'll learn new skills and ways to interact with your dog, giving them enrichment and a different type of exercise to what they're used to. You'll also make new connections with fellow dog lovers & support each other.
Dogs of all ages and abilities are welcome, including previously athletic dogs who've been out of action for a while due to injury. If your dog is a current client of ours, please check with the physio first that your dog is fit to attend.
The next course will be in February 2024.
The course consists of 1 hour sessions at 6:30pm on a Wednesday for 8 weeks in our clinic in St Marys.
Format of the course:
Classes are held in a large room where you'll have your own space to work in.
Classes are dynamic, rotating around 6 stations within the hour.
Week 1 (60 minute session):
Weeks 2-8 (60 minute sessions):
WHAT TO BRING:
To book please see link below.
**if you have questions please email theteam@wholefamilyhealth.com.au or call 9833 3363**
Note: the course needs 3 dogs booked on in order to go ahead. If there are not enough dogs to run the course, we will contact you and provide a full refund.
All animals must have an initial consultation prior to the commencement of any of our animal physiotherapy services. This includes the underwater treadmill, as the physio needs to check it's the most appropriate treatment for your pet's individual condition.
The fee for the initial consultation includes:
Before your visit:
- the physiotherapist studying the information you've given on the intake form (this will be emailed to you),
- staff contacting the Vet(s) to obtain any notes/scans/XRays,
- the physiotherapist reviewing Vet notes / scans etc.& if necessary discussing your pets condition with them.
At your visit:
- advice & a program to work on at home until the next appointment. We always do our best to help your pet start feeling better from that very first appointment.
After your visit:
- writing detailed notes and sending them to the Vet so they're aware of what we've found, our treatment and recommendations.
The following fees are current as of July 2023 and are subject to change without notice.
Includes underwater treadmill, laser, acupuncture, or regular sessions;
We offer telehealth via Zoom or phone consultations - please just ask when you make the appointment. The fees are the same as Consultations & based on length of time.
We only fit Walkin Wheels wheelchairs that are purchased from us & offer the following discounted fees:
Allow up to 1 hour
Allow up to 90 minutes (in complex cases)
We make custom splints for animals!
The cost depends on the amount and type of material required and the length of time required to size, make and fit the splint(s).
Allow at least 2 hours.
You may need more than one visit, depending on many factors but especially if the physio needs to check the fit and function of the splint once your pet has used it for a few days.
You can also buy 450 mins at $1912.50 (15% off)
Please call 9833 3363 to pay. If you need a payment plan, just let us know!
Emma Duffy writes an article on Dog Physiotherapy
(reproduced with kind permission from DOGS NSW)
We accept card payments in clinic, & if you pay online for a course or product, we offer Zip, AfterPay, Klarna, Apple Pay & Google Pay! We can give receipts in order for you to claim on Pet Insurance and VetPay.
You can purchase 300 minutes of treatment up-front, enabling a "mix and match" for differing appointment lengths, plus saving 10% off the price of individual sessions. Please call to purchase this.
Available early October
These are free articles on topics related to animal physiotherapy that you may find helpful. Also see our Blog here