ABOUT ANIMAL PHYSIO @ W.F.H! *force free & fear free*
What do we do?
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 centre conveniently located in St Marys, right next to both Penrith and Parramatta. We also do online consultations all over the world.
Examples of treatments we provide here;
- Laser (Class 4 – the most powerful there is for medical treatment) for healing, pain relief & needle free acupuncture
- Manual therapy, e.g. myofascial release, joint mobilisation, trigger point work, massage and kinesiotaping
- Stretching soft tissues and joints to increase range of movement, release tight tissues and allow weaker muscles to work correctly
- Strengthening and mobility for pets with conditions that are affecting their movement
- “Prehab” prior to operations such as joint replacements has been proven in humans to enhance surgical outcomes & we strongly believe this is the case for animals too
- Rehabilitation following surgery, injuries, crate rest, back problems etc.
- Conditioning for sporting dogs & pre-competition checks
- Pain & swelling relief such as laser, TENS & massage
- Wheelchairs, custom splints, pre-made splints & non-slip boots
- Help 'Em Up Harnesses, Walkin' Pets items including spares for Walkin' Wheels Wheelchairs
Our story
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!”
And thus a passion for animal physiotherapy was born!
What conditions can we help with?
What conditions can we help with?
We can help with injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, bones, cartilage and ligaments:
- Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
- Ataxia (drunken-looking gait)
- Cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, including rehab after surgery like TPLO, TTA, or de Angelis
- Degenerative Myelopathy and similar nerve or muscle degeneration problems
- Disability
- Elbow dysplasia (UAP, FCP or osteochondrosis)
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation
- Pain
- Paralysis or Weakness
- Polyradiculoneuritis (Coonhound Paralysis)
- Reduced fitness
- Senior pets slowing down (silent pain, trouble using stairs, jumping, or getting up off the floor or in/out of the car)
- Spinal problems (Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), spondylitis, instability, etc)
- Sports injuries and pre-competition screeners/programs
- Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy)
- Wound treatment with laser
We also prescribe, provide & fit wheelchairs or splints
There are many more conditions we treat - please email or call if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help.
consultations
Information on Consultations
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.
- liaising with any other people involved in your pet's care such as specialist vet hospitals and Vet behaviourists.
About our physiotherapist:
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 textbooks. 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.
Whole Family Health incorporates K9 Physio & Animal Physiotherapy Services.
What payments do we accept?
We accept card payments in clinic or over the phone.
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 for $1350.
Please call to purchase this.