Canine Physio

Canine Physio We ensure your pets receive the highest standards of treatment by ensuring we are up to date with cu

Welcome to Canine Physio

Your therapist, Lisa Graham, offers a personal, goal orientated veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation service

Lisa is different from most other physiotherapists as she holds qualifications not only in Veterinary Physiotherapy but also in Veterinary Science, Animal Behaviour, Canine Massage and Teaching and Training. She regularly undertakes personal development, pr

ofessional education and training to ensure that her skills and knowledge are up to date. Within the industry of veterinary physiotherapy she is classed as an animal first therapist, meaning that all of her experience and training has been focused on animals to ensure that she has a strong understanding of how your pet thinks, reacts, responds and relates to physiotherapy in a physical, medical and behavioural capacity. All treatments are low impact and do not involve extending beyond the natural range of motion of the patient

Lisa offers a wide range of services including

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
Muscular Stimulation
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Exercise
Aquatic Physio & Massage
Rehabilitation & Recovery Plans
Muscular – Skeletal Assessment
Education

Lisa is more than happy to discuss your pets condition and recovery with you, in order to see your pet you will need a referral form signed by your veterinary surgeon

Even before the temperature drops properly, September walks start to feel different underfoot. Morning grass holds dew f...
07/09/2026

Even before the temperature drops properly, September walks start to feel different underfoot. Morning grass holds dew for longer, paths get slippery under fallen leaves, and mud starts creeping back into fields that were bone dry a few weeks ago.

For a fit, healthy dog, none of that matters much. But for a dog managing a joint condition, recovering from surgery, or just getting older and less sure on their feet, a sudden slip on wet ground can undo weeks of steady progress in a single bad step.

It's not about avoiding walks. It's about paying a bit more attention to where you're walking them. Sticking to firmer paths on the wetter days, taking corners a little slower, and keeping an eye out for the patches that catch every dog out this time of year.

If you're not sure how much your dog's current routine should flex with the seasons, please get in touch with our team.

Swimming and hydrotherapy give dogs something a walk on solid ground can't. The water supports their weight, taking pres...
04/09/2026

Swimming and hydrotherapy give dogs something a walk on solid ground can't. The water supports their weight, taking pressure off sore joints while still letting muscles work properly.

It's gentle enough for a dog recovering from surgery, yet still builds real strength and stamina over time. For dogs carrying a bit of extra weight or managing arthritis, it's often far more comfortable than the equivalent time spent walking.

It's not a replacement for physiotherapy, but alongside it, water-based exercise tends to speed up how quickly dogs get back to doing what they love.

If you'd like to know whether hydrotherapy could help your dog, please get in touch with our team.

Hip dysplasia tends to get all the attention, but elbow dysplasia is just as common in many breeds and often shows up ea...
02/09/2026

Hip dysplasia tends to get all the attention, but elbow dysplasia is just as common in many breeds and often shows up earlier, sometimes in dogs under a year old.

It happens when the elbow joint doesn't form quite as it should, leading to abnormal wear between the bones. Left unmanaged, it can progress to arthritis relatively young.

Signs worth watching for:

🔸 A subtle limp on a front leg that comes and goes rather than staying constant
🔸 Stiffness after rest, particularly first thing in the morning
🔸 Reluctance to fully extend the leg, or an odd turned-out stance when standing
🔸 Slower to warm up into a walk than they used to be
🔸 More common in larger and giant breeds, but not exclusive to them

Early diagnosis makes a real difference here. The right physiotherapy plan can slow progression, build supporting muscle and keep dogs comfortable for years longer than leaving it unmanaged.

If you've noticed anything like this in your dog, please get in touch with our team.

Summer throws a dog's routine out of the window a bit. Later walks, more visitors, days out, the odd missed session beca...
31/08/2026

Summer throws a dog's routine out of the window a bit. Later walks, more visitors, days out, the odd missed session because everyone was busy doing something else. None of that is a problem in itself.

What can catch dogs out is going from that loose, unpredictable summer pattern straight back into a strict daily routine overnight, especially if activity levels have crept up or down without anyone really noticing.

Ease back in over a week or so rather than snapping straight back to term-time walks and timings. Watch how your dog copes with the first few normal days back, particularly older dogs or those managing a joint condition, and adjust the pace if they seem stiffer or more tired than usual.

A steady return to routine protects the progress you've already made, rather than undoing it in the first busy week of September.

If you'd like some guidance on easing your dog back into a settled routine, please get in touch with our team.

Hip dysplasia is a term a lot of owners hear at some point, often without much explanation of what it actually involves....
28/08/2026

Hip dysplasia is a term a lot of owners hear at some point, often without much explanation of what it actually involves. In simple terms, it's when the hip joint doesn't develop or fit together quite as it should, which can lead to instability, wear, and discomfort over time.

It's more common in some larger breeds, but it can affect any dog. The good news is that a diagnosis isn't the end of the story. Plenty of dogs with hip dysplasia go on to live full, active lives with the right management.

Signs that might point to it:

🔸 A bunny hopping gait when running, using both back legs together
🔸 Stiffness or reluctance to get up, particularly after resting
🔸 Difficulty with stairs, jumping into the car, or getting onto furniture
🔸 Reduced muscle tone through the back legs and hindquarters
🔸 Signs often start in younger dogs but can appear at any age

Whether or not surgery is needed, physiotherapy plays a key role in building supporting muscle, easing discomfort, and keeping dogs as mobile and comfortable as possible.

If you're concerned about your dog's hips or have had a diagnosis and want support with a management plan, please get in touch with our team.

Hello everyone! I am in need of a few dachshunds or french bull dogs that are at various stages of their spinal recover...
27/08/2026

Hello everyone!

I am in need of a few dachshunds or french bull dogs that are at various stages of their spinal recovery for some video work and a project that I am working on - on the afternoon of sept 13th in Mossley, Tameside If you and your 4 legged friend might be available drop me a message.

Thanks ❤️❤️❤️

With the August Bank Holiday just around the corner, a lot of dogs are about to get a lot more exercise than usual. Extr...
26/08/2026

With the August Bank Holiday just around the corner, a lot of dogs are about to get a lot more exercise than usual. Extra walks, days out, maybe a trip to the beach or a busy family gathering with more fuss and fetch than normal.

That's not a bad thing at all, but a sudden jump in activity after a quieter week can catch muscles and joints off guard, especially in dogs who aren't used to it.

A few things worth keeping in mind:

🔸 Build up activity gradually rather than packing everything into one big day out
🔸 Watch for excessive panting, slowing down, or reluctance to keep going
🔸 Give proper rest breaks, particularly in the warmer parts of the day
🔸 Keep an eye out the following morning for stiffness or a change in how they're moving
🔸 Older dogs and those recovering from injury benefit from a steadier pace than the rest of the family

A great Bank Holiday for your dog doesn't have to mean a non-stop one. Little and often usually wins out over one big push.

If you're planning a busy weekend and want some advice on pacing it right for your dog, please get in touch with our team.

It's easy to think of weight as separate from joint health, but the two are closely linked. Every extra bit of weight a ...
24/08/2026

It's easy to think of weight as separate from joint health, but the two are closely linked. Every extra bit of weight a dog carries means extra load going through their hips, knees, and spine with every single step.

It doesn't need to be a huge amount either. Even a small amount of extra weight can make a noticeable difference to comfort, especially in dogs who already have joint issues or are prone to them.

Why it makes such a difference:

🔸 Less strain on joints means less pain and slower progression of conditions like arthritis
🔸 A leaner dog generally has better stamina and recovers faster after exercise
🔸 Muscle can mask weight gain, so a proper hands-on check is more reliable than eyeballing it
🔸 Weight management works best alongside the right type and amount of exercise, not instead of it
🔸 Small, steady changes tend to be far more sustainable than a drastic diet

If you're not sure whether your dog is at a healthy weight, we're always happy to have a look and talk through it as part of a session.

If you'd like an honest assessment of your dog's condition and some practical advice, please get in touch with our team.

It's a common assumption that once a dog reaches their senior years, the safest thing is to simply do less. In reality, ...
21/08/2026

It's a common assumption that once a dog reaches their senior years, the safest thing is to simply do less. In reality, staying appropriately active is one of the best things you can do for an ageing dog's joints and muscles.

The key word is appropriately. Older dogs don't need to stop moving, they need movement that's suited to what their body can comfortably manage.

Ways to keep senior dogs comfortable and active:

🔸 Shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long outing
🔸 Gentle strength work to protect muscle mass, which naturally declines with age
🔸 Non-slip flooring at home to help with confidence on hard surfaces
🔸 Regular check ins so any changes in mobility are picked up early
🔸 Adjusting routines around good days and harder days rather than sticking rigidly to a plan

A tailored physiotherapy plan can make a real difference to how comfortable and mobile your older dog stays.

If you'd like some advice on supporting your senior dog, please get in touch with our team.

With the warm spell we've been having, a lot of dogs are cramming their exercise into cooler mornings and evenings. That...
19/08/2026

With the warm spell we've been having, a lot of dogs are cramming their exercise into cooler mornings and evenings. That's sensible, but it's worth thinking about how your dog finishes a walk or a play session too, not just how they start it.

Going from full pace to a dead stop puts a lot of strain through muscles and joints that haven't had a chance to ease off. A proper cool down helps the body transition safely and can reduce stiffness the next day.

A few simple habits that help:

🔸 Finish with a few minutes of gentle walking rather than stopping abruptly
🔸 Let your dog have a proper drink and a chance to cool off before settling
🔸 Avoid jumping straight in the car boot or up onto furniture right after strenuous exercise
🔸 Keep an eye on any dog who seems stiffer than usual the morning after a big walk

This matters even more for older dogs, dogs recovering from injury, and anyone who tends to go from zero to full speed the moment the lead comes off.

If you'd like some guidance on building a warm up and cool down routine that suits your dog, please get in touch with our team.

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Stalybridge

Telephone

07929 985 384

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