What happens before, during and after treatments

Once you have made an appointment

I will send you a pre treatment questionnaire – don’t worry if this is too much paperwork we can go through this together but if I receive this before our appointment helps me build a picture in advance.

I will also send you the vet consent form so we can get this in the system as sometimes this can delay treatment starting till this is sent to your vets and signed off by both you (the owner) and the vets.

I also ask for the postural photos and videos but again we can do this together (often easier)

Please try and make sure the time of day of the appointment isn’t a busy time in the house which will cause a distraction to your dog i.e. Shopping delivery, the family returning from work/school.

Please pick a quiet part of the house and lay down their favourite bedding (if flat) or a towel/blanket to create a treatment area.

If your dog has picked up a new ‘acute’ injury I will need a new vet consent. (If you are unsure, please contact me)

Wait two hours before treatment for feeding.

Make sure your dog has had a garden (toilet) visit.

No topical flea treatment is to be applied at least 5 days before the treatment day.

There maybe times during the treatment session I am focusing on your dog and will need to be quiet.

I will be assessing for changes in their coat, texture, temperature and the structure of the underlying tissue. Your dog may also need to tell me if something is sore or is a relief so will be communicating with them and observing their body language and behaviour so treats or toys are not used as everything we do are with the dog being aware they have a choice for treatment.

Please don’t encourage your dog to ‘’stay’’ during the treatment process as they may need some ‘’thinking’’ time during the treatment session.

Depending on your dogs condition and what I am treating for there maybe some limited exercise for the first few days but this is a case by case basis.

I will send a post-treatment advice form with recommended exercise and environment changes. I may also provide some homework to do in the form of home massage or some exercises to do.

We follow a three treatment protocol, I like the honesty of this and why it is important to have the pre-treatment paperwork and photos. If there is no improvement after three sessions then it isn’t the right protocol for your dog. I have not yet found a dog that didn’t benefit when the protocols have been followed.

Please allow 7-10 days for these first few treatments unless you are only needing a muscular or competition check up.

After these initial treatments, they can be as frequently as you wish but I will make recommendations based on the current needs of your dog. I have some clients that are twice weekly ranging to monthly or just a pre/post season check.

Post-treatment your dog maybe thirsty so make sure their water bowl is regularly topped up and expect some more toilet breaks. Recovery isn’t always linear once an area of compensatory muscular tension is resolved through treatment any underlying issues may become apparent and hopefully also assist to resolve through treatment. Do give your dog a chance to allow the therapy to work. Most of my clients I leave sleeping as they have thoroughly accepted the treatment and are getting the rest and recovery from having received this.

‘’My dog will never settle’’ you will be surprised they always do if not by the end of the first session if we have everything correctly they will by the second. Trust the process.