Dog and Horse | Animal Physiotherapy

General Information

Physiotherapy is the modern form of physical therapy. It has developed into an established healing method for mobility problems.

Physiotherapy is primarily used for skeletal diseases, muscle tension, and as a supportive treatment after operations.

In principle, all mammals can be treated with physiotherapy. However, animals that respond well to treats, such as dogs and horses, can be reliably treated with physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy can consist of both active elements, such as exercise, and passive treatments like cold or heat therapies or massages. The goal is the restoration of mobility, pain relief, muscle building, and optimization of healing processes, as well as the prevention of further damage (e.g., due to joint misalignments, incorrect loading from poor posture, etc.).

In veterinary medicine, physiotherapy is now a recognized measure that is increasingly used successfully in conjunction with modern diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Animal physiotherapy does not replace a visit to the vet, but rather complements and supports veterinary treatment.

Physiotherapy | Dog

Dog physiotherapy is a common form of treatment used for a variety of skeletal and muscular diseases or complaints. A distinction is made between active and passive physiotherapy.

Passive therapy includes massage, stretching, and gymnastics, as well as the application of thermal stimuli with cold or heat, electrical impulses, and ultrasound therapy. Passive training promotes blood circulation, releases tension, relieves pain, loosens muscles, and prepares the animal for the active part.

During active treatment, the animal must train itself. The primary focus here is on building muscles. Three areas are central: stability, mobility, and proprioception.

In most cases, a dog is referred by a veterinary practice or clinic if they consider physiotherapy to be beneficial in aftercare or to support a disease. However, it is also possible to consult a physiotherapist directly. This can be useful, for example, for dog breeds that are known for joint diseases.

In principle, physiotherapy for dogs is beneficial in the following situations:

  • Joint problems such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, dysplasias, and herniated discs

  • Joint protection as a preventive measure
  • Pain relief after operations or overuse
  • Building and maintaining muscles
  • Improvement of mobility and flexibility
  • Improved blood circulation for tension
  • Increased mobility in old age
  • Improved breathing

For the following symptoms, a veterinary practice should be consulted first:

  • Arched back

  • Problems standing up, climbing stairs

  • General reluctance to move

  • Crab-like gait

  • Unevenly worn claws

  • Sudden whimpering

  • Decrease in performance during physical activity

  • Frequent stretching

  • Yelping at certain touches

  • Unusual behavioral changes

Physiotherapy | Horse

Horse physiotherapy is a method to restore, improve, or maintain the function and mobility of the horse’s body.

Similar to physical therapy in human medicine, an equine physiotherapist works to support the horse’s physiologically correct movement sequence. This is crucial for keeping the animal healthy in the long term.

Equine physiotherapy can detect and treat movement disorders early. It is often used as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment or after surgical procedures to promote the horse’s rehabilitation and ensure holistic care. Methods of equine physiotherapy include active and passive movement therapy, targeted exercise training, and massages.

In the following situations, it is advisable to seek animal physiotherapy advice/support:

  • the horse is difficult to flex/bend, doesn’t step under properly

  • Cantering is reluctant, in cross-canter, or not at all

  • Canter on one lead with less impulsion

  • Problems mounting

  • Jumps are refused or knocked down

  • Lateral movements are performed worse on one side

  • Head tossing, hollowing of the back

  • Irregular gaits

  • one hind leg steps shorter in trot

  • Tail held crooked, tucked, or raised

  • Head tilting/Head shaking

  • bucking, biting

  • Preventive check-up once a year

Treatment

For Dogs and Horses

Stress-free in a relaxed environment

For the greatest possible success of the therapy, it is beneficial for dogs and horses to be completely relaxed during treatments. This is best achieved in a calm environment with few external stimuli.

My practice for dogs is idyllically located at the Panorama Hotel Aschberg, in the heart of the Hüttener Berge Nature Park. The natural surroundings offer optimal conditions for stress-free and effective therapy.

For very sensitive animals, treatment in their own familiar environment may be more beneficial, as external stimuli are usually known there and do not cause tension.
In these cases, I am also happy to come to your home.

Additionally, please observe the following points for a pleasant treatment process:

  • Do not feed at least 2 hours before treatment.

  • No strenuous activities before treatment – sports, long walks, etc.

  • Allow the animal to relieve itself before treatment.

  • Allow the animal to relax after treatment.

The right therapy for your animal

Every animal is unique—and physiotherapy treatment should be just as individual. Whether dog or horse, young or old, athletically active or in rehabilitation: the choice of suitable therapy is always based on your animal’s current condition, symptoms, medical history, and needs.

Depending on the diagnosis, various treatment methods may be appropriate: manual therapy to improve joint mobility, functional massage to release tension, active and passive exercise therapy to build strength, stability, and coordination, or complementary treatments such as scar tissue therapy, laser and shockwave therapy, or acupuncture. Often, it’s not a single method that makes the difference, but the right combination of several therapy forms.

My goal is to support your animal in the best possible way—with pain, movement restrictions, after surgery, with age-related issues, or for prevention. I work calmly, empathetically, and adapted to your animal’s pace. Because successful therapy begins where trust, expertise, and careful observation come together.

Manual Therapy

Mobilization techniques

Goal:

Elimination of musculoskeletal, muscle, and joint disorders with predominantly passive elements.

  • Relieve pain
  • Eliminate musculoskeletal disorders
  • Release tension
  • Improve joint mobility

Releasing blockages

Goal:

  • Elimination of musculoskeletal disorders, pain relief.
  • Prevention of secondary diseases

Functional Massages

Goal:

  • Release tension / hardening / adhesions
  • Increase well-being
  • Relaxation – Influence on the psyche
  • Improvement of mobility
  • Promote blood circulation

Active/Passive Movement Therapy

Goal:

  • Improve stability + mobility + coordination + balance
  • Train and restore physiological gait
  • Maintain and improve endurance and strength

Scar Treatment

Goal:

  • Reduction of adhesions, nerve irritations & pain
  • Improvement of elasticity

(also for large scars)

Laser therapy

Goal:

  • Pain relief
  • Acceleration of wound healing
  • Treatment of tendon and ligament injuries
  • Promotion of muscle regeneration
  • Promotion of blood circulation
  • Anti-inflammatory

Kinesio Taping

Goal:

Kinesio taping is a popular technique in equine rehabilitation therapy and offers potential benefits for horses recovering from muscle strain, joint problems, and various injuries.

  • Pain relief, improved circulation, enhanced proprioception
  • Rehabilitation of tendon, ligament, or joint injuries while maintaining mobility

Acupuncture

Goal:

  • Treatment of neurological problems such as epilepsy or coordination disorders.
  • Support for energetic weakness after surgery or prolonged illness.
  • Relief of pain due to arthritis, injuries, blockages, or postoperative discomfort.
  • Treatment of behavioral problems such as anxiety, aggression, or restlessness.

Shockwave Therapy

Goal:

  • Pain relief
  • Acceleration of wound healing
  • Treatment of tendon and ligament injuries
  • Promotion of muscle regeneration
  • Promotion of blood circulation
  • Anti-inflammatory

First Appointment

Analysis & Initial Treatment

A comprehensive assessment forms the basis for a promising treatment. This includes a gait analysis and a palpation finding. The focus is on both the current health status of your dog or horse, as well as a discussion of pre-existing conditions and your daily routine.

You are welcome to bring any existing findings or imaging material, such as X-rays, MRI evaluations, and videos, to the appointment.

Follow-up Appointment(s)

Further Processing(s)

Further processing is based on the therapy plan I create after our initial consultation. Various therapies and individually adapted aids are used, tailored to the needs of your animal and its environment. To provide optimal support during treatment, I am happy to put together exercises for you to do at home.

Prices and Directions

Travel (round trip) within a 15 km radius is included. From 16 km, I charge €0.30/km.

If a scheduled treatment appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before its start, the full fee will be charged. Travel costs not incurred are exempt from this.

Dog

Initial appointment (approx. 60 – 90 min) €75.00

Follow-up appointment within 3 months (approx. 30 – 45 min) €45.00

Re-examination after 3 months (approx. 60 min) €60.00

  • All applied therapy forms are included in the price.

Horse

Initial appointment (approx. 90 – 120 min) €120.00

Follow-up appointment within 3 months (approx. 45 – 60 min) €80.00

Re-examination after 3 months (approx. 90 min) €100.00

  • All applied therapy forms are included in the price.

Gift Certificate

Would you like to give a special treat to a friend’s horse or dog (and their owner)?

Then give a gift certificate for a treatment.

For more information, call or write to me.

Laser-
therapy

E.g., for ligament / tendon injuries, fresh wounds, etc., without other physiotherapeutic treatment.
Included in physiotherapy treatment at no extra charge if needed.

Dog/Horse: 20 min. €25.00
each additional 10 min. €10.00

Scars:

Mobilization and Release

Scar treatment aims to keep scar tissue supple, release adhesions, and alleviate movement restrictions and pain.

After operations, without other physiotherapeutic treatment.

Dog/Horse: 20 min. €25.00

Wellness
massage

Wellness massages support health, stabilize the psyche, and thus increase mental and physical well-being.

Dog: 30 min. €30.00
Horse: 30 min. €40.00

  • The incurred costs can be paid in cash.

  • If you have health insurance for your animal, it is advisable to inquire with the insurance company before treatment begins whether the costs will be covered.
  • For postoperative treatments / after acute injuries with a referral from the vet, the price depends on the individual time required (reduced).
  • Long-term patients who require one or more treatments per week over several weeks as part of a therapy plan (e.g., post-op, acute injury) receive special conditions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment method from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The goal is to bring the body into balance and compensate for imbalances—understood in Western terms as diseases. Through targeted stimulation of acupuncture points using needles, low-level laser, or moxibustion, a therapeutic effect is achieved and energetic balance in the body is restored.

Treatment areas include:

  • Neurological problems: epilepsy, nerve injuries, ataxia.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, lameness, laminitis, tendon problems, cauda equina syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, blockages, postoperative pain, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia.
  • Skin conditions: itching, allergies, mud fever, thrush, sweet itch, autoimmune diseases, wound healing disorders.
  • Respiratory conditions: rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, cough, COPD.
  • Behavioral problems: anxiety, aggression, or restlessness.
  • Eye and ear diseases.

Acupuncture according to TCM requires its own comprehensive diagnostic assessment and can therefore also be applied independently of physiotherapy. This detailed diagnosis and its development are crucial for treatment success. To achieve lasting improvement, several sessions are usually necessary.

Treatment Dog

Initial appointment (approx. 60 min.) €55.00
Follow-up appointment (approx. 30 min.) €35.00

Treatment Horse

Initial appointment (approx. 60 min.) €85.00
Follow-up appointment (approx. 30 min.) €50.00

Hello dear animal lovers!

Lara

I am Lara – a trained physiotherapist for dogs and horses – with heart, mind, and a great deal of animal love.
Animals have accompanied my life since childhood. The special bond between humans and animals fascinated me early on – today it is my daily motivation.

In my work, I combine sound expertise with an empathetic approach to help four-legged friends regain their joy of life after pain, movement restrictions, injuries, or operations. I am committed not only to targeted treatment but also to holistic care, which I tailor individually to their respective needs.

Whether horse or dog – I take the time to look closely and listen to achieve the best for your animal together with you as the owner.

I look forward to meeting you!

Contact

Dog and horse physiotherapy
Practice at Panorama Hotel Aschberg

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A special place for health and relaxation

Location of my practice

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My animal physiotherapy practice is idyllically located at the Panorama Hotel Aschberg, in the heart of the Hüttener Berge Nature Park. The quiet, natural surroundings offer ideal conditions for a relaxed and stress-free treatment for your animal.
Thanks to its elevated position on the Aschberg, two- and four-legged friends enjoy a magnificent view, fresh air, and plenty of space for outdoor movement therapy.

Whether you come from Rendsburg, Eckernförde, Kiel, or the surrounding area – the practice is easily accessible. Free parking is available directly at the hotel.