Hydrotherapy and physio for pets on show at open day

GEELONG pet owners will have the chance to see animal physiotherapy in action this weekend when the Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy Centre hosts an open day at its Hamlyn Heights clinic.

The event on 22 March will mark the centre’s official launch after a soft opening earlier this year, giving visitors the chance to explore how physiotherapy can help keep animals fit, healthy and mobile.

Physio checks and “come-and-try” hydrotherapy sessions will run throughout the day, with the centre’s two underwater treadmills available for pets to try. Treats, prizes and a coffee tent will also be on offer.

Founder Lauren Elliot said the open day was designed to introduce the community to the service.

“The open day is open to anyone and everyone and their pets,” she said. “They don’t have to bring their pets but they are absolutely most welcome to.”

Elliot said animal physiotherapy worked much like human physiotherapy.

“We’ll essentially do a functional assessment of the animal and then work out what the problems are,” she said. “And then we’ll address that with a targeted rehab plan.

“We’re all about education. We want to empower the owner, so we teach them how to do all of this at home.”

Since opening the Hamlyn Heights clinic, Elliot said the response from the local community had been strong.

“At the moment we’re open four days a week and we do plan to extend those hours,” she said. “We’re nearly filled up on those days!”

The centre also runs hydrotherapy and massage training courses and hopes to add dog exercise classes in future.

The open day will take place on Sunday 22 March between 1pm and 4pm. All bookings made on the day will receive a five per cent discount.

For more information, visit melbourneanimalphysiotherapy.com.au