Sentient Physiotherapy

Sentient Physiotherapy Animal and Human Physiotherapy services 🐾🐎
In person & Online Consults
Online Canine Rehab Programs
Eductional content on rehab for you and your animal

27/08/2026

Dexter’s story is a great reminder that recovery isn’t always a straight line 🐾

After his hindlimb was amputated following an injury, Dexter was doing really well until about 2 weeks in, when he started sitting more often and seemed uncomfortable moving around.

On assessment, we found he’d started doing too much too quickly, without giving his joints time to adjust to his new way of moving. We treated him with a combination of laser therapy, dry needling, massage and joint mobilisations.

A couple of months on, Dexter is on reduced pain medication and doing so much better. Cases like his are why individualised rehab plans matter, even after the “hard part” of surgery is over.

If your pet has had an amputation or major surgery, get in touch as
early, tailored rehab can make a big difference. 💜

15/08/2026

A little bit about me for anyone new here 🐾

I’m a physiotherapist but not just for people. I treat humans, horses, and dogs, blending a BSc in Animal Science, a BSc in Physiotherapy, and a postgrad in Veterinary Physiotherapy.

On this page, it’s all about canine strength, mobility, and rehab because dogs deserve the same evidence-based care we’d give a human athlete. You’ll find post-op recovery, injury prevention, conditioning for sport dogs, and everyday mobility work all live here.

I’ve just launched the Foundation Strength & Mobility Course an 8-week program to build your dog’s strength and movement from the ground up. Link in bio if you want in.

Stick around for tips, exercises, and behind the scenes rehab content. Got a dog with a ni**le? Tell me below 👇

07/07/2026

🚨 One common mistake I see owners make after their dog’s injury…

…is returning to normal exercise too quickly.

Your dog is no longer limping.
They’re running around the house.
They seem back to their usual self.

So it feels like they’re healed.

But healing doesn’t happen overnight.

After an injury, your dog’s body goes through three important stages:

🩹 Inflammation (first few days): The body clears away damaged tissue and starts the healing process. Some inflammation is normal and necessary.

🌱 Repair (next few weeks): New tissue begins to form. At this stage, it’s still weak and disorganised, so too much exercise can easily overload it.

💪 Remodelling (weeks to months): The new tissue gradually becomes stronger, more organised and better able to cope with normal activity. This stage takes much longer than most people realise.

This is why your dog may look better long before they’re actually ready to return to normal exercise.

➡️ Swipe through to see the typical healing times for different tissues. You’ll notice that many structures continue healing for months, even when your dog appears pain-free.

The goal of rehabilitation isn’t just to get your dog out of pain - it’s to rebuild strong, resilient tissue so they can safely return to doing what they love, with a lower risk of re-injury.

❤️ Healing takes time. The right progression makes all the difference.

Did you know 1 in 2 dogs are overweight — and most owners don't even realize it? 🐾As a vet physio, I see the impact of e...
05/07/2026

Did you know 1 in 2 dogs are overweight — and most owners don't even realize it? 🐾

As a vet physio, I see the impact of extra weight on joints, mobility and quality of life every single day. The good news? A quick check at home can tell you more than the scale ever will.

Swipe through for:
✅ What Body Condition Score (BCS) actually means
✅ The 3-point home check you can do right now
✅ The visual 9-point BCS guide vets and physios use
✅ Why those extra kilos matter more than you think

Every extra pound = more load on hips, knees and spine. Lean dogs live up to 2 years longer than their overweight littermates, with less arthritis and a better quality of life in their senior years.

Not sure where your dog sits on the scale? Save this post for your next home check, or get in touch - I'm always happy to help. 💜

📍 Mornington Peninsula, VIC
🌐 www.sentientphysiotherapy.com.au

Do you have a French bulldog? 🐾French Bulldogs are predisposed to spinal and  issues, which makes preventative care real...
22/06/2026

Do you have a French bulldog? 🐾

French Bulldogs are predisposed to spinal and issues, which makes preventative care really important.

The goal is to keep their body balanced and comfortable by:

✨ Supporting even muscle development and symmetry

✨ Reducing tight, painful areas

✨Maintaining mobility and spinal health before problems progress

Dry needling and laser therapy can be really helpful tools for managing discomfort and improving tissue health, especially when combined with a targeted exercise program to build strength and maintain movement quality.

If you have a Frenchie and you’re noticing stiffness, changes in movement, or just want to be proactive with their health—send me a DM.

Does your dog seem stiff after rest, or are they favouring one of their front legs? 🐾Elbow dysplasia is one of the most ...
18/06/2026

Does your dog seem stiff after rest, or are they favouring one of their front legs? 🐾

Elbow dysplasia is one of the most common causes of front leg lameness in dogs. The good news? With the right support, most dogs can live happy, active lives.

Swipe through to learn what elbow dysplasia actually is, the signs to watch for, and how canine physiotherapy can make a real difference; whether your dog has had surgery or is being managed conservatively. ➡️

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your dog, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early intervention means better outcomes. 🐶

📩 Send me a DM if you have questions or head to the link in the bio to book an assessment - I’d love to help your dog get back to feeling their best.

03/06/2026

🏃‍♂️💨 Flyball dogs are explosive athletes.

Speed, power, agility, and body awareness all come together in a matter of seconds as they race down the lane, perform a tight box turn, and sprint back to their handler.

As a canine physiotherapist, I love incorporating exercises that help build the strength and mobility needed for the demands of flyball. Here are a few of my favourites:

🔹 Trot poles – Great for developing coordination, body awareness, and hindlimb power.

🔹 Decline sit-to-stands – A fantastic exercise for building strength through the hindquarters and improving pushing power.

🔹 Three-leg stand with front paws on a balance disc – Challenges shoulder stability, core control, and spinal mobility while encouraging weight shifting.

🔹 Side stepping – Helps strengthen the muscles responsible for lateral movement and stability, which are essential during turns and acceleration.

Remember, training isn’t just about practising the sport itself. Building a strong, resilient body can help your dog perform at their best and cope with the physical demands of competition.

Which of these exercises does your flyball dog already do?

Thanks .lottie for the great pictures!

Had a fantastic time speaking at KCC Park to the members of  about all things canine strength, conditioning, and injury ...
31/05/2026

Had a fantastic time speaking at KCC Park to the members of about all things canine strength, conditioning, and injury prevention 🐾 ✨

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their experiences. It’s always rewarding to help handlers better understand how to keep their dogs strong, healthy, and performing at their best.

Looking forward to seeing these owners put their new knowledge into action 🔥

25/05/2026

Elbow dysplasia can make everyday movement uncomfortable for dogs, but the right exercises can help improve strength, stability and mobility 🐾💪

Here are 4 physio exercises I commonly use to support dogs with elbow dysplasia and help keep them moving comfortably. Remember: every dog is different, so exercises should always be tailored to their individual needs and stage of disease.

✨ Slow and controlled movement
✨ Focus on strength + stability
✨ Keep sessions short and positive

If your dog is struggling with stiffness, limping or reduced mobility, canine physiotherapy can help 🐶

24/05/2026

What does canine physio actually involve? Let me show you the exercise component. 🐾

Every exercise in a physio consult is chosen for a reason; whether that’s improving strength, balance, body awareness, mobility, coordination, or helping your dog move more comfortably and confidently.

There’s no “one rehab plan fits all.”
What one dog needs after injury, surgery, or performance work can look completely different to another.

The exercise component helps us:
• Target weaknesses and compensation patterns
• Improve movement quality
• Build strength safely
• Support recovery and long-term function
• Help active and sporting dogs perform at their best

And yes… sometimes the simple exercises are the most effective. 👏

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