Canine Rehabilitation and Osteoarthritis Specialist

Rehabilitation, Arthritis & Sports Massage

Wicks and Wags provides specialist canine rehabilitation, osteoarthritis management, laser therapy, exercise prescription and massage in the comfort of your dog's own home.

Based in Cholsey, we cover South Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. Further distances can also covered following a discussion with you about your dog and their specific needs.

Along with rehabilitation and massage therapy, we also have several electro-therapies that we can use in conjunction with our hands, such as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, shortwave ultrasound and laser therapy should your furry companion need these additional services.

Massage is so incredibly beneficial for all of our pets no matter their age or condition, but especially for dogs with osteoarthritis. Read on below for more information on just how we help them feel amazing.

Will My Dog Benefit from Treatment?

Do any of these sound familiar?

Has your dog recently had surgery, or been diagnosed with a condition such as cruciate disease, luxating patella(s), hip or elbow dysplasia, osteo or rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative myopathy, spondylosis, etc.?
Has your dog had an injury, new or old, and they are struggling to return to their previous level of activity?
Is your dog slowing down or lagging behind on walks?
Do they struggle to get up or down the stairs or maybe onto a favourite sofa or bed?
Are they slightly more grumpy or withdrawn at home or on walks, not wanting to be touched as much or play with other dogs?
Is your dog sleeping more?
Do you see restless behaviour, like they can't get comfortable, particularly at night or after exercise?
Can your dog no longer jump into or out of the car, or needs a little while to get ready to jump in or out?
Is your usually rock solid agility dog suddenly knocking poles, struggling with tight turns or with weaving?
Does your obedience dog fall out of heel work more often than normal, or show signs of stiffness after training or a competition?
Is your dog moving around when urinating or defecating, like they can't maintain the position for long?
Do you ever hear audible clicks or clunks when your dog moves around, especially after rest?
Has your dog recently been prescribed pain medication?

Have you answered yes to one of more of these questions? Then Wicks and Wags can absolutely help!

Wicks and Wags treatments for Osteoarthritis

Our treatments all release endorphins, the "happy" hormones to make your dog feel great
Reduces pain and discomfort
Increases synovial fluid and its flow around joints
Increases blood flow to help get muscles working more efficiently
Helps maintain flexibility and muscle tone, particularly beneficial for weaker and older dogs
Reduces stiffness
Reduces swelling in painful joints
Supports the lymphatic system and encourages draining
We can use a variety of electrotherapies so even those dogs who are nervous of touch or strangers can benefit from treatment
Working with your vet to tailor our programmes to work in conjunction with any medication, supplements and co-morbidities to ensure the very best treatment for your special dog

Rehabilitation after injury or surgery

Reduce inflammation
Increase flexibility and mobility
Reduce pain
Post-surgical rehabilitation and break down of scar tissue after surgery is performed
Correct compensatory issues
Preserve the health of the unaffected limb(s)
Exercise prescription in conjunction with your veterinary programme to ensure the fastest possible return to activity
Passive range of motion to maintain and improve flexibility and overall range of movement
Lower blood pressure, stress levels, anxiety and maladaptive behaviours
Improve recovery time

Massage for working and performance dogs

Maintains and increases flexibility and elasticity of muscles
Increases oxygenation of the blood
Reduces the effects of repetitive actions to stop chronic reactions in muscles and joints
Addresses muscle spasms and soreness
Improves resting muscle tone
Decreases fatigue and minimises recovery time
Monitors for any issues or problems to help with injury prevention
Improves balance and body alignment

Rehabilitation For Your Dog

At Wicks and Wags, we can help and support you and your dog through all stages of rehabilitation. Whether it's from a minor injury, through pre and post-op surgery or for neurological issues or decline, we're here to help.

Injury Recovery

Advice on cryo and thermal therapies for maximum benefit following injury
Electrotherapy treatments such as Pulsed Electronic Magnetic Field Therapy, Laser Therapy and Short Wave Ultrasound to aid all kinds of joint, muscular, ligament and tendon injuries
Tailored conditioning programmes to encourage a quick and full recovery

Pre and Post Op Rehabilitation

By beginning conditioning and muscular treatments before surgery, we can help ensure the fastest possible recovery
Advice and guidance during the scariest first few days and weeks following surgery in conjunction with your surgeon, including support with any home exercises or hands on mobilisation needed
Electrotherapy, massage and myofascial release to decrease pain and increase muscular repair

Neurological Conditions

Support and advice on managing degenerative conditions such as degenerative myopathy, spondylosis, FCE or Intervertebral disc disease
Massage therapy to help manage compensation issues
Conditioning exercises and tailored programmes to help maintain as much muscle tone and strength as possible for as long as possible
Guidance and help with additional support tools such as wheels, orthopaedic braces, boots and mobility assistance items