OUR SERVICES

MANUAL THERAPY
Manual therapy can be defined as: ‘the use of skilled hand-movements on the body to improve tissue extensibility, joint range of motion (ROM), reduce pain, swelling and inflammation and promote relaxation’. Manual therapy techniques include: joint mobilisations and distractions (passive, oscillatory or sustained stretch movements performed within the available joint range, primarily to reduce pain and improve ROM), passive range of motion exercises, massage, myofascial release techniques and stretching.

NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION
Therapy targeted at re-establishing neural pathways involved with specific balance, proprioception (awareness of body in space) and co-ordination training. This therapy also assists in pain management and the prevention of secondary complications. The ultimate goal of the above therapies is the return to independent function after an insult to the neurological system.

HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy uses the therapeutic properties of warm water on the body (resistance, buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and controlled temperature) to improve range of motion, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance – while reducing the risk of injury and alleviating pain.
The advantages of underwater treadmill over normal swimming are that we have more control over how fast the patient moves, how much weight the patient bears and are able to support weak patients and correct gait pattern abnormalities as they walk.
BENEFITS OF HYDRO:
- Reduce pain
- Improves balance and coordination
- Improves blood circulation
- Weight loss and improved fitness
- Muscle strengthening
- Cardiovascular workout
See more benefits in the gallery on the left

ELECTROTHERAPY MODALITIES
LASER
Laser therapy uses specific, collimated wavelengths of red light to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal on a cellular level. Effects include: improved healing time, improved quality of healing, improved rate of nerve regeneration, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY (TENS/EMS)
The application of electrical current through the skin (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) via a small machine, is used primarily to manage pain and treat muscle spasms, often immediately post-operatively. Your pet may feel a slight tingling sensation when it is applied, but it is not painful. The machine also has an EMS function, which stimulates muscle contractions, therefore helping to slow muscle atrophy and improving circulation.

THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND
Therapeutic ultrasound in physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy treatment that uses sound waves to create deep heat in the body’s soft tissues. The therapeutic ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the tissue, causing vibration and increasing blood flow to the area. This helps reduce swelling, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and promote healing. Ultrasound helps to relax contracted muscles and loosen stiff joints, enabling a greater range of movement. It is a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions such as strains and sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, neck and back pain, chronic pain conditions, joint pain and other injuries.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE THERAPY (LAND & UWT)
The use of specialized physiotherapy equipment is utilized when developing an exercise program best suited to the needs of your individual pet depending on his specific injury or surgery. These exercises form an integral part of the physiotherapy process and each one is performed with a specific goal in mind.

WEIGHT LOSS & FITNESS PROGRAMS
The use of the underwater treadmill offers low impact, high resistance exercise, providing a safe and comfortable way to achieve great weight loss, muscle conditioning and fitness results. The temperature of the water allows dogs to burn up to three times more energy over the same amount of time, making it an excellent tool for fast, effective improvement.

KINESIOLOGY TAPING
K-tape is a rehabilitative, cotton tape especially formulated to have positive effects on the body when applied by a practiced clinician. It decreases inflammation, improves lymph drainage and increases proprioception and muscle activation by stimulating receptors in the skin. It encourages awareness of an area and is especially helpful when dealing with neurological patients or patients with excessive joint motion.

PUPPY LEARN-TO-SWIM CLASSES
Be the first to experience Somerset West’s new Puppy Swim Classes!
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
- Orthopedic evaluation – to detect abnormalities or areas of weakness early
- Desensitizing – objects, equipment, nail clipping, water, new environment
- Strengthening – swimming and/or land-based exercises
DURATION OF SESSION:
- First session and introduction to swimming = 45 minutes
- Hydrotherapy/land-based exercises only = 30 minutes
WHY WATER?
- Exercise in a weightless environment – different movement pattern than on land
- Strengthening – full body
- Improving hind quarter awareness – keep them safe from injuries as puppies are still developing
- Improves body awareness (proprioception) – unconscious sense of the position of the body at all times
WHEN TO START?
- Start young – the sooner the better!
- All puppy vaccinations must be completed.
- 3-6 months
WHAT TYPE OF PUPPIES?
- Not just performance dogs
- Any puppies will benefit!

HOME VISITS
There aren’t always enough hours in the day, but luckily, we can still travel to see your pet in the comfort of their own home to ensure they receive the necessary treatment and rehabilitation.
BENEFITS:
- if your pet is anxious or too stressed in new environments.
- if your pet is in severe pain or too frail.
- if you’re unable to travel to us.
WHERE?
We cover Somerset West and surrounding areas (Helderberg and surrounds).