Petffisio

09/12/2025

When is the best time to start physiotherapy?

The short answer: as early as possible!

In human healthcare, physiotherapy is often introduced early to reduce the risk of surgery or heavy reliance on medication. So why is it different in veterinary medicine? The truth is, veterinary physiotherapy is still relatively new and not always front-of-mind in treatment plans.

As veterinary physiotherapists, we work closely with your vet to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our goal is simple: see animals sooner to reduce pain, improve function, and avoid further complications.

Referral at diagnosis

For degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia—don’t wait until standing becomes a struggle.

Referral before surgery

For pets needing orthopaedic procedures—don’t wait until 8 weeks post-op when lameness persists.

Early intervention means we can reduce pain, improve function, and build strength—giving your pet the best chance for a happy, active life.

It’s never too late to start physiotherapy, but the sooner we act, the better the results!

📩 Contact us today to learn how we can help your pet thrive.

09/12/2025

Directions & Parking Update

Please find the directions and important instructions for your visit below:

Directions from Carmarthen:

1. Turn left, heading west on the B4306 towards Pontyberem.
2. Pass the bungalow on the right-hand side.
3. Drive approximately 300m and turn right into the field gateway. This is the designated parking area (located just before Garthowen House).

The clinic is a one-minute walk from the parking area.

Important Reminders:

- Please open and securely close any gates you encounter behind you.
- All dogs must be kept on leads at all times due to the proximity of the main road and free-roaming livestock.
- Please be mindful of other dogs arriving at and leaving their appointments.

Find us on Google maps

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WDauUUpNWZACMNAj6

Find us on What3words

https://w3w.co/slang.snuggled.minds

19/11/2025

Pebbles arriving for her hydrotherapy treatment with a gentle helping hand from Aurora 🥰. The degenerative myelopathy condition means that she is slowly loosing the use of her back legs. The wheels have given her a new lease of life and freedom. They have been kindly donated from a charity.

20/10/2025

10/09/2025

Aubrey waiting patiently for big brother to finish his hydrotherapy.

21/08/2025

Well done to everyone competing at the Pembrokeshire show and a big thank you to all the organisers for another fantastic show.

Credit to beautiful Lily winning her last ever agility run sponsored by Petffisio. Happy retirement!

29/07/2025

📲 Why Titles Matter in Animal Therapy: it’s easy to get in knots as to who is who!

🐕💡**“My dog had physio last week!”** Or was it massage? 🤔 🖐️

It’s easy to blur the lines, but when it comes to your animal’s care, words matter. Here’s why 👇

👩‍⚕️ Veterinary Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession that requires:
✅ 3–5 years of university-level education
✅ Extensive clinical training
✅ Ongoing CPD and insurance
✅ Working under veterinary referral
✅ Professional body registration (NAVP, ACPAT, RAMP, etc.)
✅ the title of qualification must carry Veterinary Physiotherapy within it either at BSc or MSc

👐 On the other hand, Animal Sports Massage Therapists:
✅ Use soft tissue techniques to aid muscle comfort
✅ Often train via shorter courses (weeks to months)
✅ Generally use manual therapies
✅ Provide supportive, maintenance care and valuable complimentary care
✅ work as part of a wider team, especially when injury or performance issues arise.

⚠️ Here’s the issue: The term “physio” is protected by law in human medicine, and increasingly being challenged in veterinary contexts too. One day the industry will get there and this will help alleviate this problem. Some massage therapists still use “physio” in their title which may unintentionally mislead owners or infringe boundaries.

🙏 We say this respectfully: every qualified professional has a place. Massage therapy is a fantastic tool when used appropriately. However, if someone is calling themselves a “Vet Physio” or “Animal Physiotherapist”, they should be qualified to that level.

🎯 Check credentials. Ask questions. Protect your pet.
Not sure who’s who? Do your homework, check qualifications, ask questions.

10/07/2025

Two of our regular hydrotherapy patients Ziggy and Coco with the lovely Lauren. Both under rehabilitation to help improve hindlimb function and showing positive improvements. 💚💚

28/03/2025

🚀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢-𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭! Want a copy? Comment "𝐏𝐒𝐎𝐀𝐒" below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🔥🙌

When it comes to canine conditioning, most people focus on the big, visible muscles. But there’s one deep, often-overlooked muscle that plays a massive role in your dog’s movement, strength, and even emotional well-being…

It’s the psoas – often called the “𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥.”

Why does it matter? This powerhouse muscle connects the spine, pelvis, and hind limbs, making it essential for stability, posture, and athletic performance. But that’s not all—it also influences the nervous system, affecting stress levels, relaxation, and overall health.

💪 A strong, well-conditioned psoas means:
🔥 More power, speed, and agility
🛡️ Reduced risk of injuries and discomfort
🏃‍♂️ Smoother, more efficient movement
🌿 A calmer, more balanced dog

But here’s what most people don’t realize...
❌ Many common exercises actually strain the psoas rather than strengthening it.
❌ A weak psoas can lead to compensations that cause stiffness, weakness, or even pain.
❌ Without proper activation, your dog’s mobility and efficiency decline over time.

So how do you fix it? It’s not about more exercise—it’s about the right exercise!

That’s exactly what you’ll get in the Psoas Power Mini-Guide! 💪

🔥 Comment "𝐏𝐒𝐎𝐀𝐒" below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🔥

28/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1WMrRw91pS/

22/02/2025

Polite Notice Regarding Etiquette At Petffisio Appointments T&Cs.

Speed: Please keep speed slow at walking pace. Kindly remember that young children and pets frequently play in the vicinity of the driveway.

Parking: Vehicles should be parked beyond the second gate, not in front of the house. Please ensure access to the barn and field remains unobstructed unless priority parking via the ramp is utilized.

Exercising Dogs: Kindly exercise your dogs before your appointments, not on the lawns. Please use the nearby lane for walking if you arrive early. Please dispose of any waste properly. Entry into the barns is not permitted.

Arriving at Appointments: Please don't enter the building until your session time. Kindly to allow for cleaning time between patients. Late arrivals won't extend appointment times. Please be mindful of other dogs.

Dog Cleanliness: To maintain a clean therapy room, dogs must be clean before entering, especially the hydrotherapy treadmill. Muddy dogs are prohibited from the treadmill.

Leash Policy and Toilet Accidents: All dogs must remain leashed unless instructed otherwise by a therapist to prevent accidents and injuries.Owners will be charged for any dog accidents inside the building.

Cancellation Policy: A strict 48-hour cancellation policy is in effect. A 50% cancellation fee applies for cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment. Cancellations within 24 hours will incur a 100% charge. This policy ensures compensation for our self-employed staff.

Please be mindful that Petffisio is shared with a private residence in addition to being a canine rehabilitation facility.

Thank you, from Petffisio Team.

04/01/2025

⭐️Job Vacancy Petffisio⭐️

We are looking for a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist with hydrotherapy experience. Initially, the position will be 1-2 days per week days self-employed. No weekends required.

* Level 6-7 Veterinary Physiotherapy qualification
* Hydrotherapy qualification level 3/4 or working towards
* Membership to a professional body such as IRVAP, NAVP, RAMP, ACPAT, or NARCH.
* Own insurance

Carmarthen, West Wales

Please email CV and cover letter to;
Hello@petffisio.wales