Canine Muscle Therapy

23/02/2026

Jack – Stage 5 IVDD Recovery & Ongoing Management

Over a year ago, Jack went down with Stage 5 IVDD and underwent emergency spinal surgery. I supported him through his post-operative rehabilitation, and since then we’ve maintained monthly treatments to optimise spinal mobility, muscle balance and neurological function.

He has done exceptionally well.

With high-grade intervertebral disc disease, even when a dog regains mobility, subtle neurological deficits can remain. Slight gait abnormalities or delayed limb placement often create compensation patterns through the lumbar spine and lumbosacral region.

Over time, this compensation can:
• Increase muscular tightness
• Irritate local nerve roots
• Trigger spasms or neurological flare-ups

A few weeks ago, Jack experienced hind limb spasms. His owners acted immediately and sought specialist advice. He was placed on rest and medication, and improved quickly.

I prioritised him for reassessment and treatment, and he responded beautifully.

This flare provided valuable information — it helped us identify how long Jack can comfortably hold between sessions before compensation begins to build.

For dogs with a history of severe IVDD, management is often long-term. Not because they aren’t doing well — but because prevention is critical.

The goal is simple:
✔ Maintain comfort
✔ Minimise compensation
✔ Protect the lumbosacral region
✔ Reduce secondary nerve irritation

Jack is comfortable, happy and thriving — and that’s exactly where we want him. 💙🦋

09/02/2026

Darcy the Dachshund 💛

Around four years ago, Darcy was viciously attacked while caravanning in South Australia. She sustained catastrophic injuries, including severe degloving, and required extensive, lifesaving surgery.
Thanks to the support and funding from Long Dogs WA, Darcy was given the chance not only to survive, but to recover.

Fast-forward to now: Darcy is fully healed, but like many dogs who have experienced significant trauma, she continued to hold sensitivity around the injury site. She would squeal when being picked up, remained hyper-vigilant, and relied heavily on her mum for reassurance.

Darcy has now completed her treatment plan with me.. The focus has been on scar tissue, fascial restriction, and nervous system regulation. Bowen therapy supports scar rehydration, improves tissue glide, and helps down-regulate a sensitised nervous system.

The changes have been lovely to see:
• No more squealing when being picked up
• Increased confidence and independence
• Relaxed body language
• Playing with toys again
• Less need for constant protection from her mum

This case is a reminder that even years after a traumatic injury, the body and nervous system can still benefit from gentle, targeted therapy. Ongoing care can make a meaningful difference to quality of life.

Huge thanks to Long Dogs WA — this is exactly what your fundraising supports: lifesaving intervention, followed by the opportunity for dogs like Darcy to truly thrive again.
Grateful to work alongside the Long Dogs WA community, who continue to put dogs’ wellbeing first.💛


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03/02/2026

Beyond Surgery: Supportive Care for Chronic Orthopaedic Conditions

Yogi has a complex orthopedic history, including two elbow surgeries and advanced arthritis.
During re-exploration surgery, the original fixation was found to have failed, and due to the condition of the joint, further reconstruction was not possible.

He is currently managed with long-term medication and joint injections, but continued to experience discomfort, compensatory tension and reduced mobility.

Bowen Therapy does not replace veterinary care, but helps support nervous system regulation, compensatory muscle patterns, circulation, comfort and mobility, particularly in dogs living with chronic joint disease and long-term medication use.

Canine Muscle Therapy supports dogs across all stages of care — from preventative and maintenance work through to complex or chronic conditions requiring ongoing supportive management.

Even when joints are no longer “fixable,” the whole dog can still be supported. 💜

02/02/2026

Meet Leo 🐶
Leo is a Stage 4 IVDD survivor who made a full recovery, but has lived with residual hind-leg nerve pain for the past four years, including ongoing biting at his legs.

Leo’s owner reached out wanting to explore an additional, non-pharmacological option to help support his long-term nerve pain.

Today he had his second Bowen Therapy treatment and again showed a really positive response ✨
Early days, but a very encouraging progression.

Even years after IVDD — including post-surgical recovery — some dogs continue to experience altered pain pathways and nervous system sensitivity.

Bowen Therapy works via the nervous system, helping encourage the body to reset and supporting ongoing pain modulation — even years later.

Looking forward to supporting Leo as he continues his recovery journey. 🩵

29/01/2026

Gentle, nervous-system support for IVDD/ post op recovery. ❤️‍🩹

Athena has started her recovery journey with me at Canine Muscle Therapy and completed her second Bowen treatment today as part of her treatment plan.

She has undergone two surgeries one for Stage 3 IVDD in December, followed by another surgery on 31/12 for an a**l abscess — a significant load for any dog’s nervous system.

At this stage of recovery, a gentle, nervous-system-focused approach is essential. Bowen therapy is light touch yet powerful, helping regulate the nervous system and support the body’s own healing response without adding stress.

Athena is responding very well, settling more deeply with each session and showing encouraging early changes.

Because recovery starts with the nervous system.
IVDD recovery starts with gentle support.

19/01/2026

Hugo – Stage 3 IVDD recovery journey 🤍

Hugo had surgery for Stage 3 IVDD back in August.
By early November (around 3 months post-op), his mum reached out as she felt he still wasn’t quite himself.

At that stage, Hugo was:
• wobbly
• holding his back in a guarded, arched posture
• more reactive than usual
• and lacking confidence in his movement

We started a short rehabilitation plan using Bowen-based therapy:
• 3 weekly treatments
• followed by a fortnightly session
• and one further review 6 weeks later

Now, Hugo’s owner reports he is happy, playful, less reactive, and moving comfortably with a much more relaxed, natural posture — in her words, “back to himself.”

A lovely example of how post-surgical rehab can support ongoing recovery, even several months after IVDD surgery 💛

11/01/2026

Norman continues to do well with ongoing Bowen Therapy at Canine Muscle Therapy.

Norman has spinal issues, and regular Bowen Therapy has supported his spinal comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

As part of his rehabilitation, it’s been rewarding to see his confidence increase — he now arrives calm, engaged, and so happy for his sessions!

Supporting dogs with spinal conditions through structured, ongoing rehabilitation allows for consistent monitoring, improved comfort, and better long-term outcomes.

06/01/2026

Recovery is only one part of IVDD management.

For dogs like Tino and Frankie, ongoing Bowen therapy every few weeks — supported by red light therapy — helps manage IVDD and spinal conditions by reducing the likelihood of flare-ups, addressing muscle tension, and supporting comfortable movement.

Regular treatments also allow close monitoring of the dog’s body for early physical changes or subtle signals, enabling adjustments before issues escalate.

Consistent, preventative care plays an important role in the long-term management of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and other spinal conditions.

22/12/2025

As we head into Christmas, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all my wonderful clients for such an incredible year. Your trust, support, referrals and kind words truly mean the world to me. 🙏

A huge thank you as well to the referring veterinarians — I’m so grateful for your collaboration and confidence in my work.

A very special shout-out to Long Dogs WA for the amazing work you do supporting Dachshunds in need. It’s an honour to be part of that journey. 🥰

✨ Holiday closure: I’ll be closed from 24 December to 5 January, returning refreshed and ready for 2026.

Wishing you all a beautiful, restful Christmas and New Year 🐾🎄

03/12/2025

Andy — Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Stage 4 Cervical IVDD

Andy came to me after undergoing surgery for stage 4 cervical IVDD, presenting with post-operative muscle guarding, reduced cervical range of motion, and general spinal discomfort.

Across five Bowen therapy sessions, combined with a structured post-surgical physical therapy exercise plan, Andy has made exceptional progress. His cervical mobility is improving, compensatory tension has reduced, and his neurological stability continues to strengthen each week.

Although recovery from cervical IVDD surgery is a long and carefully managed process, Andy is tracking beautifully — a credit to his commitment and his dedicated family who continue his exercises at home.

Evidence-informed rehab, gradual load, and consistency.
So proud of this little man and how far he’s come already 🧡🐾

25/10/2025

Penny’s IVDD Recovery 🐾
Penny has made remarkable progress recovering from Stage 5 IVDD. I have treated her with a combination of Bowen therapy, physical therapy the right supplements, and the dedication of her wonderful owner.
It has been a pleasure to support her rehabilitation and see her mobility and confidence return through each stage of her recovery. ❤️

15/10/2025