Second Stride

Second Stride SAVC Registered Veterinary Physiotherapist
Mobile Clinic in the Garden Route
Multi-species - Equine, Canine, Feline
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I’m passionate about building trust with both pets and their owners. My approach focuses on specialized care while educating owners to better understand their pet’s needs. By combining personalized treatments with education, I help pets regain their health and well-being.

TPLO surgery is only the first step. We recently followed the full rehabilitation journey of a post-TPLO patient - from ...
23/03/2026

TPLO surgery is only the first step.

We recently followed the full rehabilitation journey of a post-TPLO patient - from early lameness and muscle loss to confidently running off leash again.

Without structured physiotherapy, many dogs:
• Develop compensatory back and forelimb pain
• Struggle with persistent weakness
• Risk injury to the opposite limb
• Experience early joint degeneration

This case highlights why guided rehabilitation is essential after cruciate surgery.
If your dog has had TPLO surgery (or is scheduled for one), this is a must-read.

Read the full blog to understand what proper recovery should look like.

IVDD recovery doesn’t always mean surgery. And it doesn’t always mean a “miracle cure.”Sometimes, it means helping a dog...
16/03/2026

IVDD recovery doesn’t always mean surgery. And it doesn’t always mean a “miracle cure.”
Sometimes, it means helping a dog become comfortable, functional, and happy at home again 🤍

This lovely patient was diagnosed with IVDD and managed conservatively (without surgery). While she has not fully recovered, she is now comfortable, stable, and able to function well in her home environment - and that is a huge win.

Rehabilitation in these cases focuses on:�
✨ Pain management support�
✨ Maintaining mobility�
✨ Preventing muscle loss�
✨ Improving strength where possible�
✨ Supporting quality of life

Not every case looks the same. Our goal is always to maximise comfort, function, and independence - whatever that looks like for each individual dog.

Thank you for trusting me with her journey 🤍
If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, early and guided physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference - even when surgery isn’t part of the plan. Message me to book an assessment.

Is physiotherapy important after your dog’s surgery? 🐾The answer is yes. Post-surgery rehabilitation is essential to ens...
09/03/2026

Is physiotherapy important after your dog’s surgery? 🐾

The answer is yes. Post-surgery rehabilitation is essential to ensure your dog recovers safely and effectively.

Proper physiotherapy can:
✅ Reduce pain and inflammation
✅ Prevent muscle loss and joint stiffness
✅ Restore correct movement patterns
✅ Minimise compensatory injuries
✅ Support faster and safer recovery

Physiotherapy is about more than just exercises - it’s a team approach with your veterinarian, your physiotherapist, and you, ensuring the best outcome for your dog’s health and mobility.

Learn more about why rehabilitation after surgery is crucial for your dog in our latest blog (Link in my bio)

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our patients regain their strength and confidence after surgery 🤍Zen recently...
23/02/2026

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our patients regain their strength and confidence after surgery 🤍

Zen recently completed his pre- and post-operative rehabilitation following TPLO surgery, and today, he is stronger than ever. His journey is a reminder of how important structured physiotherapy is - not only for recovery, but for rebuilding muscle, improving joint stability, and restoring confidence.

At Second Stride, we guide you and your dog every step of the way:
✨ Pre-operative strengthening
✨ Post-operative rehabilitation
✨ Muscle rebuilding and joint support
✨ Individualised treatment plans

Recovery is always a team effort - and with the right plan, patience, and consistency, the results can be life-changing.
If your dog is scheduled for orthopaedic surgery or is currently recovering, we would love to support you through the process.

Get in touch to book your assessment and give your dog the strongest second stride possible.

Raising a Working Puppy – Kilo’s Strengthening and Obedience Journey 🐾Meet Kilo — a young working dog in training! From ...
12/11/2025

Raising a Working Puppy – Kilo’s Strengthening and Obedience Journey 🐾

Meet Kilo — a young working dog in training!
From basic obedience to targeted strengthening and body awareness work, Kilo’s sessions are all about setting a strong foundation for a healthy, capable, and confident working partner.
Early conditioning and controlled exercise play a huge role in preventing injuries and supporting proper growth — helping puppies like Kilo build strength, balance, and focus while learning how to move correctly.

At Second Stride, we combine veterinary physiotherapy with structured training to guide each puppy toward their best potential — strong body, calm mind, and a happy working attitude! 💚

30/10/2025

Our new Puppy Class page is live! 🎉

Everything you need to know about our fun, structured puppy classes is now just a click away.
Help your pup grow strong, confident, and well-behaved — the right way from the start! 💪

Visit our website to learn more and book your puppy’s spot today! https://secondstride.co.za/puppy-classes

Keeping Working Dogs in Top Shape!Just like athletes, working dogs need proper warm-ups and cool-downs to stay healthy, ...
27/10/2025

Keeping Working Dogs in Top Shape!

Just like athletes, working dogs need proper warm-ups and cool-downs to stay healthy, focused, and injury-free.

From gentle walks and stretches to obedience-based warm-ups shared by professional Veterinary Physiotherapist Léa and trainer Courtney, this guide breaks down how to prepare your dog’s body (and mind!) for action — and help them recover safely after.

Whether your dog tracks, herds, protects, or runs by your side — these simple routines can make a big difference in their performance and longevity.

Blog link here: https://secondstride.co.za/articles/warming-up-and-cooling-down-for-working-dogs

Fantastic Start for Our Golden Retriever! We love hearing how our puppy classes and physiotherapy sessions set little pa...
03/10/2025

Fantastic Start for Our Golden Retriever!

We love hearing how our puppy classes and physiotherapy sessions set little paws up for success. 💛
This Golden Retriever’s owner shared how our programme gave their pup a strong foundation in obedience, socialisation, coordination, and strength – all during those important early months.

Give your puppy the same positive start in life! Join our next Puppy Class and see the difference a combined training & physiotherapy approach can make.

New Blog Alert!We’re excited to share that High-Intensity PEMF Therapy is now available at Second Stride Veterinary Phys...
29/09/2025

New Blog Alert!

We’re excited to share that High-Intensity PEMF Therapy is now available at Second Stride Veterinary Physiotherapy

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to:
✅ Reduce pain & inflammation
✅ Support recovery after surgery or injury
✅ Improve mobility & joint health
✅ Boost overall wellness

In our latest blog, we break down the difference between High-Intensity vs Low-Intensity PEMF and explain how each can help dogs and horses.

Read more here: https://secondstride.co.za/articles/pemf-therapy-for-healing-recovery-wellness-in-dogs-and-horses

The perfect collaborative work 💯
26/09/2025

The perfect collaborative work 💯

Curious about our Puppy Classes? 🐾Nothing speaks louder than happy owners and wagging tails! Check out what our amazing ...
26/09/2025

Curious about our Puppy Classes? 🐾

Nothing speaks louder than happy owners and wagging tails!
Check out what our amazing clients are saying about their experience with us and see how our classes help puppies grow into confident, well-balanced and social companions.

Ready to give your pup the best start? Join our next Puppy Class today! 🎓

New Blog Alert! 🐾When your dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, is it really “naughtiness” — or could it be pain? We’ve tea...
18/09/2025

New Blog Alert! 🐾

When your dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, is it really “naughtiness” — or could it be pain?

We’ve teamed up to explore the hidden link between pain, inflammation, and behaviour in dogs and why ruling out medical causes is so important before tackling training.

This collaboration brings together:
✨ Courtney Cuthbert – DipCABT, DH5 Sasseta, PSIRA, Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Training (Petsense College 2022), Echotrack K9 Training Solution

✨ Léa Bestel – BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy (Equine Librium College 2024), Second Stride Veterinary Physiotherapy

Read the full blog now and discover how behaviour and physiotherapy go hand in hand to improve your dog’s wellbeing: https://secondstride.co.za/articles/thelink-between-pain-and-behaviour-in-dogs

Address

Airport Road
Plettenberg Bay
6600

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday 09:00 - 16:00
Friday 09:00 - 16:00

Website

https://secondstride.co.za/blog

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