Animal Physio NZ

16/04/2026

🐾 Physio isn’t just for dogs… our feline friends need it too! 🐱💙

This handsome Russian Blue boy, Norris came to us after a femoral fracture repair and FHNO a Animal Orthopaedics Christchurch 🦴

✨ We created a specific post op plan for Norris's treatment and he received laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, massage and stretches to help manage pain and inflammation.

💡 Cats are masters at hiding pain, but they benefit hugely from physiotherapy—especially after surgery. Controlled rehab is key to a smooth recovery 🐾

13/04/2026

As a pet parent, it's crucial to look for the subtle signs of pain, not just a limp or a yelp ⚡ 💥🐶😖

Make sure you look out for the quiet clues:
● Changes in daily habits: Are they sleeping more? Less interested in their favorite
game? Reluctant to jump on the couch or climb the stairs?

● Behavioral shifts: Are they suddenly more grumpy, withdrawn, or irritable? Do they flinch or move away when you pet a certain spot?

● Changes in posture: A hunched back, a tucked tail, or constantly shifting their weight when standing can be a sign of discomfort.

● Subtle physical signs: Excessive licking or chewing at a specific area, or panting when it's not hot or they haven't exercised.

Your dog can't tell you they're hurting, but their body language can. By paying attention to these small changes, you can help them get the care they need by booking an initial assessment with Animal Physio, before a small issue becomes a big problem.

07/04/2026

MEET OUR TEAM: Our fabulous admin receptionist, Hannah💙🩵

Hannah has worked administration for various human healthcare providers since graduating with a Bachelor of Creative Media Productions in 2022 from Massey Wellington. An animal lover from a young age, she was excited to join Animal Physio and the opportunities this role offers. She has a great love for small animals, particularly rats.

In her spare time, Hannah can be found reading, writing stories, making and watching videos, enjoying walks or visiting her family’s growing menagerie of backyard animals (including a flock of chickens, a hand reared rooster, guinea-pigs, bunny, and a lively jack russell-bichon named Hazel).

02/04/2026

Happy Easter from the team at Animal Physio 🖤🐾

Wishing you a safe and happy long weekend. We are CLOSED for the next 4 days and will REOPEN on Tuesday 7th April 🐰🌸🍫

16/03/2026

🐾 Day 1 Post-Op Update 🐶💙

This sweet dude: Astro is starting his recovery after bilateral TPLO surgery to repair ruptured cruciate ligaments in both knees at Animal Orthopaedics Christchurch.

✨ His progress and physio treatment:
Laser therapy, lots of ice, gentle joint mobilisations, massage, and passive range of motion exercises to help reduce stiffness and swelling.

🐕 Home plan: Ice, gentle exercises, massage, and leash toileting only.

Such a well behaved and relaxed boy! 🥰

11/03/2026

Our lovely physiotherapists but cartoon styled! 🐾🤩

09/03/2026

Mac is showing everyone that physio and hydrotherapy don’t have to be scary! Mac does his walking sets with his physiotherapist, Caitlyn and he looks forward to his silly goofy time when he is finished his hard work ✅ ❤️

Check out Animal Orthopaedics & Physio’s video.

02/03/2026

MEET THE TEAM: Sammie, our awesome Office Admin🐾🖤

I’ve been part of the Animal Physio team since October 2025, and I truly can’t imagine being anywhere else. My passion for animal care was sparked while working in an emergency veterinary clinic in Auckland, where I discovered just how powerful compassion, teamwork, and steady support can be during life’s most intense moments.

Now that I’m back home in Ōtautahi, I’m studying veterinary nursing and loving every minute of it — especially meeting all the wonderful cats, dogs, and their humans at Animal Physio and Animal Orthopaedics. Being part of an animal’s rehabilitation journey and celebrating their wins (big and small!) is something that fills my cup.

I also have a very soft spot for exotics, particularly rabbits — thanks to my own late buns, Banshee, Moses, and Te Koha, who taught me more than they’ll ever know. My sweet ginger boy Manu, who has since passed on, will forever be my heart cat. At home I’m kept busy by Bean and Eggy the cats, and my soul dog Pickett the Huntaway X — chaos coordinator and professional shadow.
I’m recently married to my incredible wife Nikki, and when I’m not surrounded by animals, you’ll often find me advocating for conservation, animal welfare, and for children in state care alongside my best friend. Caring doesn’t really switch off for me — it’s just who I am.
I feel so grateful to work in a space where my love for animals and their people gets to grow every day

24/02/2026

🚨🐾 Has your physiotherapist suggested “Rest”? Here's why it's a Non-Negotiable for Your Dog’s Injury 🐾🚨

⚠️ Skipping rest can turn a minor injury into a chronic, long-term problem. ⚠️

Rest doesn't mean 'sleep only, no movement' instead, low-impact movement, which helps prevent muscle loss and stiffness, while still protecting the injured area. It’s about giving the tendon enough stillness to mend — but not so much that the rest of the body weakens.

The good news? Proper rest now = a faster, stronger return to zoomies later 💛

Be a responsible pet parent and follow your professional’s advice — it’s the quickest way to get your pup back to their happy, healthy, active self.

19/02/2026

How sweet is this 😭🌹

Napoleon showed up to physio on the weekend with a rose for his physiotherapist, Abigail for Valentine’s Day!

Safe to say… hearts melted instantly 💕🐾

We spend so much time helping our rehab pups regain strength, confidence, and comfort — but little gestures like this remind us why we absolutely love what we do.

Rehab, results… and a little romance 🌹✨