Treatment Process

A signed vet consent form is required before your dog can be treated. I am happy to discuss any potential treatment with your vet. 

Your dog's welfare is my top priority. Using Positive PACT® methodology I allow your dog autonomy over their body, and allows them to process events at their own pace without restraints. This is especially effective for muscular issues that would otherwise resist treatment. I aim to create a positive environment for your dog, establishing a bond of trust early on, ensuring your dog has positive associations when returning for future care. All treatment happens at ground level with you, the owner, included every step of the way. 

Once veterinary consent has been received and prior to our first session, I will send you a consent form and questionnaire, and ask for some photos and short videos of your dog moving around. This helps me to thoroughly assess their movement before we meet. We can then schedule a consultation to discuss your dog's health history and specific needs in detail.

My goal is for your dog to have a positive experience where they feel comfortable and learn to trust me. I will carefully respect your dog's boundaries and ensure they leave the session feeling good. Establishing this bond early on is key so your dog has positive associations when returning for future care.

I can treat your dog either in your home or mine, and you will be present throughout the treatment. Please ensure that the treatment area is warm and quiet and free from other animals and distractions such as treats, toys and children.

Following the pre-treatment advice below will help prepare your dog so that they get the best out of the treatment. I appreciate that every dog is different so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
 

Before Treatment

Please allow your dog to relieve themself prior to treatment, with a short walk or garden exercise, but they should not have any long walks two hours prior to the treatment. They also should not be fed for the two hours prior to treatment. Please avoid giving any topical flea or worming treatment 48 hours prior to treatment. If your dog is unwell, please let me know and we can discuss whether the treatment would be suitable at this time.

During treatment

You will be present during the treatment, but please try not to call or distract your dog once the treatment has begun so I can build a bond of trust with them. Their treatment will always take place on the floor where a dog is most comfortable.

After Treatment

After each treatment, we will discuss my findings and you are always welcome to ask any questions. Where appropriate, I may demonstrate some techniques for you to carry out at home in between treatments, as well as any changes to your dog’s exercise routine.

Following the initial cycle of treatments, I will send your vet a report outlining what I have found, the treatments I have carried out and any recommendations made. I am always happy to discuss the role of myotherapy in your dog’s treatment/management programme with your vet.

Each therapy session will be tailored to address your dog’s specific needs. First appointments last around 1.5 hours and will include:
 

• full consultation: I will ask you questions about your dog’s lifestyle, daily activities, medical history, as well as your expectations of the treatment.
• gait analysis: looking at how your dog walks and moves to determine if there are any gait irregularities, areas of over-compensation, discomfort or stiffness. 
• postural analysis: looking at the way your dog stands, sits and lies down to assess for any irregularities or patterns of tension.
• a hands-on assessment of the muscle tissue to identify any issues.
• a tailored myotherapy treatment.
• a personal aftercare plan; including detailed aftercare instructions and recommendations, lifestyle adaptations and exercises where appropriate.

Subsequent treatments usually last up to one hour. Three to four follow up appointments are usually booked between 7-10 days following the initial consultation. 

Most dogs will benefit from a monthly maintenance treatment which will last up to one hour.

Prices are £45 per treatment. Most insurance companies cover Galen Canine Myotherapy©.