Kirsten Smith Veterinary Physiotherapy

Kirsten Smith Veterinary Physiotherapy Equine and Canine rehabilitation, post surgery care, maintenance, senior health and more! 🐾

Canine clinic in Cornwall (Rosudgeon).

Home visits for North Cornwall

Radiofrequency Therapist for small and large animals

💛 What a Week in Physio! 💛It’s been my busiest week yet! 18 lovely animals, and such a brilliant mix of cases.Some commo...
15/09/2025

💛 What a Week in Physio! 💛
It’s been my busiest week yet! 18 lovely animals, and such a brilliant mix of cases.
Some common, some more rare… all keeping me on my toes! 🐾🐴

Here’s a little snapshot of what’s been going on:

⭐️ 3 dogs on a course of Radiofrequency therapy, one IVDD (spinal) post surgery, one conservative IVDD and one soft tissue injury
⭐️ 3 dogs (one behavioural case) all referred back to their vets after abnormal gait and reactions during assessment
⭐️ 2 horses on a course of radiofrequency one for Tendon injury and one shoulder presumed soft tissue
⭐️ 5 patients at my Bodmin clinic (Vets4Pets Bodmin) — from end of life care to discussion about TPLO care.
⭐️ A rare bilateral tendon issue in a 2.5yr old Collie
⭐️ Achilles surgery, fixed plate for 6 weeks now removed — currently in post op rehab
⭐️ Senior maintenance sessions keeping our golden oldies moving comfortably
⭐️ A lovely boy who was told he would have to have two courses of Cartrophen, however now to the untrained eye you wouldn't know that he has a Patella surgery now signed off!
⭐️ Iliopsoas case now signed off!
⭐️ Lots of ongoing strengthening and mobility work for dogs at different stages of recovery for Hips and TPLO
⭐️ Lots of chats about concerned owners and their dogs post op and pre surgery

It’s been a busy one, but I love the challenge and seeing each dog make progress 💛

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

Excited to announce new small animals clinics in Bodmin at Vets4Pets Bodmin! Every other Wednesday I will be working as ...
13/08/2025

Excited to announce new small animals clinics in Bodmin at Vets4Pets Bodmin!

Every other Wednesday I will be working as an independent veterinary physiotherapist but using the base at Vets4pets in Bodmin! 🥰

This is for all clients not just those register at the Bodmin practice!

To book get hold of me or Bodmin Vets4pets!

I’ve had people asking recently about what extra support I offer with physio sessions, so here's a little reminder 👇💛1️⃣...
16/07/2025

I’ve had people asking recently about what extra support I offer with physio sessions, so here's a little reminder 👇💛

1️⃣. 🔪💉 Post Op Rehab Package, perfect for dogs after surgery (like cruciate, IVDD, patella, fracture repair).

We get them moving safely again, reduce pain, and support recovery properly, no guesswork, just structured sessions, a home plan, and ongoing check-ins.

2️⃣. 📆📝Monthly Subscription Package, Ideal for: Senior dogs needing regular TLC, agility & working dogs, dogs with long term issues (like arthritis, neuro conditions or chronic pain)

One session a month, ongoing support, and we keep things progressing at your dog’s pace. It’s consistent, affordable care that works.

If you’re not sure which one might suit your dog best, feel free to message me and I’ll happily talk it through 💬

👉 Learn more about the Post Op Rehab Package: https://kirstenvetphysio.co.uk/post-operation-rehabilitation

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

Picture below is a quick screenshot from Jess completing her homework at home. I sent back some lines (which could have been the angle of the camera) to double check the positioning.

FREE FLOWERS to pick up DPD once again didn’t come to collect the flowers which have been picked and bunched. Trying to ...
03/07/2025

FREE FLOWERS to pick up

DPD once again didn’t come to collect the flowers which have been picked and bunched. Trying to save some from being thrown away so anyone who wants any just head over to the clinic and pick up what you want!

If they run out do let me know as there are loads more!

The clinic is shut so please just pop over when you like! 😊

For the satnav
Kirsten smith veterinary physiotherapy
Packet lane
Rosudgeon
TR20 9PU

🐾Some cases from the past few weeks! I had my first day in Liskeard and St Austell where I treated 3 spinal cases and 1 ...
26/06/2025

🐾Some cases from the past few weeks!

I had my first day in Liskeard and St Austell where I treated 3 spinal cases and 1 patella issue! (Something exciting coming soon!)

Back at the clinic I have had ⬇️

⭐ A 10 month old Vizsla with a broken femur
⭐️ Many mystery forelimb lameness cases keeping us on our toes
⭐️ 3 cases of elbow dysplasia, currently managing them conservatively
⭐️A few suspected cranial cruciate ligament injury
⭐️An iliopsoas strain, a common but tricky soft tissue injury
⭐️Post op care rehab for an Achilles tendon rupture before the second surgery for the plate being removed
⭐️ Strength and conditions for hip dysplasia

We’ve also had owners sending in footage for review to make sure they are doing them correctly!

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

This is Gus Gus is 5 years old and had an Arthrotomy procedure for patella luxation, which involved deepening the trochl...
11/06/2025

This is Gus

Gus is 5 years old and had an Arthrotomy procedure for patella luxation, which involved deepening the trochlear groove in his knee. By the time we had our first physiotherapy session, Gus had just finished his initial post op pain meds.

To help kick start his rehabilitation, we reintroduced some pain relief (agreed with his vet). His lovely owners were completely on board, understanding that short term support would make a big difference in how Gus responded to his physio. And it absolutely did!

Here’s the thing I really want to highlight for all dog owners

🔹 Pain and inflammation can seriously limit a dog’s ability to move properly. That means slower recovery, compensation in other limbs, and a frustrating rehab process.
🔹 Using short term medication isn’t about “giving up” it’s about giving them a chance to succeed in their rehab. Once Gus was walking better, loading his leg more confidently, and showing real progress, we gradually weaned him off the medication.

Gus is now off all medication and is now signed off and on maintenance sessions to keep everything ticking over nicely! 🐾

Medication, starting or continuing medication at the beginning of physio doesn’t mean your dog will be on it forever. It’s about managing inflammation, controlling pain, and creating the best conditions for rehab to work.

If we’re suggesting speaking to your vet about meds, it’s because we’re thinking long term and want to get your dog back to being strong, happy, and pain free as efficiently and safely as possible 💪💛

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

🚗✨ Now Offering Home Visits in Mid Cornwall! ✨🏡I’ve had a few people from St Austell, Bodmin, and Liskeard get in touch ...
29/05/2025

🚗✨ Now Offering Home Visits in Mid Cornwall! ✨🏡

I’ve had a few people from St Austell, Bodmin, and Liskeard get in touch recently. I totally understand that travel isn’t always easy.
That’s why I’m now offering home visits in these areas!

✅ Qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist
✅ 1 to 1, unhurried sessions in your own home
✅ Full canine physiotherapy session: Assessment, Treatment, Exercises and Recommendations
✅ Helping dogs with arthritis, post-op recovery (cruciate, patella, dysplasia), spinal issues, seniors, agility dogs, and injury prevention
✅ Ideal for anyone in Mid Cornwall who doesn't want to travel
✅ Ongoing support and guidance

📍 Covering:St Austell & surrounding villagesBodmin Liskeard and nearby areas

🕒 Sessions are around 1.15 hours completely tailored to your needs.

📅 Next clinic date: Friday 21st June — spaces are available!

📩 Phone, Message me here, email or drop me a text if you're interested, have questions, or want to check if I cover your area!

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

27/05/2025

From being on medication to coming off! 🐾

Asha is 11 and came to me after a sudden decline in her mobility at the start of the year. Her gait had really gone downhill following a respiratory infection that left her weak, unbalanced, and uncoordinated.

With a combination of monthly physio sessions and consistent work at home by her lovely owner! She’s made an incredible turnaround 💕

Asha is now so much more stable, balanced, and full of energy and she’s even off all her medication!

She hasn’t been able to run like this since the beginning of last summer, so being sent videos of her zooming around, with that happy little face, has been truly heartwarming. I’m so proud of how far she’s come 🥰

Check out the videos one from back in March when she was still building strength, and one from now. What a transformation!

Loki is Part of the Gold Package Crew! 🥇🐾Loki is a 12yr old German Shepherd x Siberian Husky. Being part of the Gold Pac...
08/05/2025

Loki is Part of the Gold Package Crew! 🥇🐾

Loki is a 12yr old German Shepherd x Siberian Husky. Being part of the Gold Package she gets monthly session at a reduced rate, plus a free one! 💥

Loki has a spinal condition affecting her hindlimb awareness and proprioception, which is degenerative and can’t be stopped but we can help her with the progression. Today, she had TECAR radiofrequency therapy (which she loves) alongside physio. We’re also waiting on some boots to assist with her left hind knuckling, and she’s got a few targeted exercises to keep her mobile and comfortable 🐶

💥 Rehab Packages:

Monthly Gold Package: 12 treatments a year one a month. Ideal for ongoing support, regular check ins, and preventative care. For senior dogs, rehabilitation or performance £45.83

Silver: 8 treatments a year treatment roughly every 6 weeks. For sporting dogs and senior dogs who don’t need monthly but more regular £29.16

Bronze: 6 treatments a year treatment average every 8 Weeks. Perfect for building muscle, improving joint function, and boosting long term fitness for maintenance £20.83

Photo of Loki after her radio frequency treatment 😴

⭐️If you’re interested in a package or sessions for your dog, just drop me a message, and we can find the perfect plan for them 😊

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

🐾 Rehabilitation: It’s More Than Just Once a Week 🐾We often hear that “rehabilitation takes time” and it absolutely does...
24/04/2025

🐾 Rehabilitation: It’s More Than Just Once a Week 🐾

We often hear that “rehabilitation takes time” and it absolutely does. But it also takes consistency, progressive planning, and the right kind of support.

One session a week just isn’t enough to drive real, lasting change. That’s why physiotherapy goes beyond the clinic. As a Level 6 qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist, I create personalised rehab plans with progressive targeted exercises you can do at home several times a week, because dogs, just like humans, need regular, guided movement to truly improve.

Think about it: if you were recovering from an injury, would a single weekly session suffice? Consistent, targeted progressive exercises are crucial for effective rehabilitation.​

With physiotherapy, you’re getting:
✅ In-depth assessment and treatment
✅ Individualised home exercise plans
✅ Ongoing support and progression
✅ A full body, full week approach to recovery
✅ Therapies from Massage to Radiofrequency therapy

Rehab shouldn’t be a once and done thing. It should be a structured, supported journey and that’s exactly what physio offers 🐶💪

Here is Bonnie (who I wanted to have myself), a rescue lab who unfortunately needed TPLO surgery just 10 days after being with her new owners!

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

Judging the fun dog show at the Breage and Germoe Bridleways Association show today was an absolute treat! 🐾🐶 So many fa...
13/04/2025

Judging the fun dog show at the Breage and Germoe Bridleways Association show today was an absolute treat! 🐾🐶 So many fabulous dogs strutted their stuff — from the tiniest fluffballs to the most distinguished old gentlemen.

I had the best time... but oh, the decisions! If it were up to me, everyone would’ve walked away with a rosette (and maybe a treat or two!). Saying no was definitely the hardest part especially with kids in the ring.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a joyful day. Here are a few of the furry superstars 🏅

11/04/2025

🚶‍♀️ WALKING! Harder Than It Looks (for Dogs!) 🐾

Walking is actually more challenging for your dog than trotting. It’s one of the simplest things you can do for their strength, joint stability, and recovery. This is something I often go on about in sessions!

When dogs go out for a “walk,” most of the time they’re actually trotting to keep up with us (especially smaller dogs). The true walk is a slower, 4-beat gait where each limb is loaded one at a time, that means:

✅ Greater muscular engagement
✅ Activation of deeper stabilising muscles & ligaments
✅ No loading cheating! Weight can’t just shift off a problamatic area like it can at a trot.

I often prescribe walking exercises in physiotherapy plans, especially for dogs recovering from injury, surgery, or managing arthritis.

But here’s the key:
👉 A walk isn’t a free for all of pulling or sniffing.
It’s a slow, controlled lead walk. Think of it as strength training on a leash 💪

🎥 I’ve uploaded a video showing three different gaits, can you spot which one is the true walk? A, B, or C? 👀
Let me know what you think in the comments!

www.kirstenvetphysio.co.uk

Address

Kirsten Smith Veterinary Physiotherapy, Packet Lane
Penzance
TR209PU

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+447510271832

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