FlexiVet Physiotherapy

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FlexiVet Physiotherapy

Professional Veterinary Physiotherapy Services (George and Surrounds)

06/08/2026

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐯𝐬. 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞?

Active range of motion, or aROM, is the movement a dog produces voluntarily using their own muscles. During a canine fitness exercise, aROM can help us observe how much movement the dog can access and control in that particular position or task.

Passive range of motion, or pROM, is the range available when an external force (usually a person) moves a joint or body region without the dog actively producing the movement. When assessed appropriately, pROM can provide information about the range available passively, but it does not show whether the dog can actively access or control that range.

This distinction matters because a dog may have passive range available, but that does not necessarily mean they have the strength, coordination, stability, comfort, or task understanding needed to use that range actively.

In canine fitness, the goal is not to create as much flexibility as possible. The goal is useful, comfortable, controlled movement through ranges appropriate for the individual dog.

25/07/2026

BUSINESS NEWS - Every pet owner wants to see...

12/06/2026

𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬?
This is a question I get a lot when we’re talking about home setups like couches, beds, cars, and even small indoor steps.

Every time a dog jumps up or down from a couch, there are repeated concussive forces through the body — both through the peripheral joints (limbs) and the spinal column. Over time, this repetitive loading is exactly what we try to reduce, especially in dogs with arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, spinal sensitivity, or IVDD risk.

And I’ll be honest… if it’s a well-designed, properly angled ramp — I’ll usually choose the ramp.

The reason isn’t just convenience. It comes down to how the body loads.

A good ramp helps reduce impact by allowing a smoother, more controlled movement pattern, rather than repeated “impact events” on landing.

Stairs aren’t “bad”, but they are more segmented. Each step creates a discrete load-and-lift pattern, which increases repetitive joint loading rather than smoothing it out.

So in practice:

✔ Ramp = smoother movement, lower impact, better long-term joint protection
✔ Stairs = can be useful, but more impact-heavy and dependent on precise stepping

One important caveat: the ramp has to be done properly — good grip, correct incline, and confidence in the surface.

But when it’s done well… it’s one of the simplest ways to reduce long-term wear and tear in everyday life.

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐠'𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐭? 👀

Watch closely and see if you can identify what is happening.

Answer: This dog has Achilles tendinopathy. See how he drops through the hock.

The Achilles tendon plays an important role in extending the hock and supporting normal movement of the hindlimb. Injuries to this tendon can result in characteristic gait changes and altered limb posture.

While relatively uncommon in dogs, Achilles tendon injuries can have a significant impact on mobility and comfort.

05/06/2026

During the week, life gets busy, and then the weekend arrives...

Suddenly it's a long beach walk, a hike, hours of fetch, or a big adventure day.

While our dogs usually love every minute of it, their bodies aren't always as enthusiastic afterwards.

Just like us, animals cope best with regular, consistent exercise. Going from very little activity during the week to a big burst of exercise over the weekend can leave them feeling stiff, sore, tired, struggling with old injuries, or worse, creating new injuries.

This is especially important for older dogs, overweight dogs, and those with arthritis or previous orthopaedic issues - although the principle applies to all animals.

You don't need to be doing hours of exercise every day. Even shorter walks and regular movement throughout the week can help keep your dog's body better prepared for those weekend adventures.

After all, nobody wants to spend Monday recovering from their weekend... including your dog. 🐶

15/05/2026

Thank you, Angelique, for your lovely review!

11/05/2026

Layla had a TPLO on both of her knees after rupturing her cruciate ligaments.
Thanks to Layla's incredible surgeon, and her owners' dedication, Layla is more comfortable and playful than ever before!

08/05/2026

Arthritis can have a big impact on an animal’s comfort, mobility, and day-to-day quality of life, but there are ways to help support them.

Veterinary physiotherapy may assist by:
• Improving mobility
• Supporting joint health
• Reducing discomfort
• Building strength
• Improving overall comfort and quality of life

Some common signs may include stiffness, difficulty getting up, slowing down on walks, reluctance to exercise, or changes in normal movement.

Early support and appropriate management can make a real difference in helping animals stay more comfortable for longer

06/05/2026

Loki came to me with suspected cervical IVDD (disc herniation in the neck). He was painful, very ataxic (walking wobbly), and tripping or falling with almost every step. His wonderful owners were starting to lose hope as his mobility declined.

With targeted veterinary physiotherapy support, Loki is now moving comfortably, no longer tripping, and is back to functioning almost like the happy, capable dog he should be.

A big thank you to for the stunning photos

30/03/2026

Thank you Linda, for your wonderful review!

Veterinary physiotherapy and appropriate rehab is vital to to the success and optimisation of various orthopaedic surgeries

Address

10 Knysna Road, Loerie Park
George
6529

Telephone

+27769336317

Website

http://flexivetphysio.co.za/

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