testimonials

Oscar’s story

My dog Oscar, a 4 year old, very tall long-haired German Shepherd, had partially ruptured his cruciate ligament, damaged part of his meniscus and unfortunately he has starting arthritis in that left hind knee as well.

My Vet suggested rehab for Oscar as soon as the stitches were removed to give him the best chance to get full use out of that leg again and minimise the chances of him damaging the other leg in due course.

He recommended Oscar to see Monika Alston from rehab4dogs.

Monika did a full history and assessment of Oscar and started with gentle massages and stretches. She also taught me some stretches and massage strokes which I could do on a daily basis to help his recovery. It was then important to re-train Oscar’s brain to learn again how to properly bend/use his knee when walking and tracking. This was a challenge, but Monika brought in some height adjustable hurdles we could easily set up in the yard.

Oscar slowly learned to lift his knee again by stepping over the hurdles, which we gradually increased in height over the following weeks. He started to lift his knee when tracking and his muscle was slowly building up.

The turning point came when he understood how to engage his knee properly again.

Monika’s work was done, but she continues to take an interest in Oscar’s recovery and is only a phone call away if I need some advice or treatment.

It is now almost 5 months since the operation and Oscar is doing really well. His knee is stable thanks to my vet, but his mobility and muscle strengths have come back thanks to Monika and her great work. We now have a better chance for Oscar to make a full recovery, slow down his arthritis since his movements are properly aligned again and hopefully minimise the chances of damaging his other knee.

Thank you Monika. It has been a fantastic experience for all of us.

UG.

Baron’s story

Since Baron, a German Shepherd-X, was adopted from the Lost Dogs’ Home in December 2003 he had shown a slight reluctance to “sit” on command. Gradually his left hind leg showed a decrease in mobility. By mid May 2007 he was reluctant to walk more than about one kilometre.

Vet x-rays showed that the femur head had developed growths of bony spur which indicated he had suffered some sort of trauma earlier in his life – the right hip was in perfect condition. These spurs interfered significantly with the movement of his left hip.

A Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) was performed to allow better movement in Baron’s hip joint. Unfortunately his recovery was very slow which was of some concern.

Monika suggested that I discuss the relevance of Canine Myofunctional Therapy (CMT) with the Vet as an aid to Baron’s recovery. Our Vet was initially sceptical. He reluctantly agreed to the treatment, with which he was unfamiliar, provided that Monika first discussed Baron’s case with him so that he could outline his requirements.

Monika began working with Baron using massage techniques and setting a daily exercise routine which I followed with Baron. These exercises progressed from very simple to more advanced as Baron’s muscles developed to better assist his walking.

Our Vet had been monitoring Baron’s progress on a weekly basis for some time. He was amazed at the increased rate of recovery once Monika had begun working with Baron. Baron progressed from walking slowly and reluctantly to being able to walk and trot comfortably. Our Vet is a convert!

Baron now enjoys his walks twice each day. Most days I continue to flex and extend his leg to keep it supple. Monika visits once each month to keep all Baron’s muscles relaxed which promotes more fluid movement when he walks.

Without Monika’s treatment, Baron would not be enjoying his walks because he would be limping stiffly and uncomfortable.

JS.

Kipper’s story

Last year our Staffie (Kipper) had the second of both of his cruciate ligaments repaired, at which point our vet suggested he would benefit from some rehabilitation given the fact he is such a young dog.

We were referred to rehab4dogs and I am taking this opportunity to voice our experiences.

Initially we were a bit sceptical as myofunctional therapy seemed a bit “out there” and possibly over the top for a dog but it wasn’t long before we appreciated the benefits.

Once Kipper was up and about Monika came to our house and did an in depth assessment of his health, current ability, nature and medical history. She took time to get to know our wimp of a dog and built his confidence up as his leg was very wasted, weak and tender where he had had his surgery. He was not weight bearing at the beginning of treatment.

Manipulation began and also massage to warm up his muscles and very gradually she (we) introduced exercises into his routine such that he began to limp less, the pain was clearly easing and his muscle bulk began to improve. He gradually seemed to want to put weight on his leg, thus we had overcome the psychological side of things too where he was too scared to try.

Monika went to great lengths to explain what she did every step of the way and how Kipper would benefit or how he might deteriorate if we didn’t keep up with the exercises she set each week.

What impressed us all the most is Monika’s sheer passion, joy and love of what she does and needless to say after only a couple of sessions Kipper became putty in her hands. He went all goofy as soon as the doorbell went each week but it was important he was happy and trusted her totally as the whole session was a lot more beneficial when he was relaxed.

Kipper is fully recovered now I believe we got there a whole lot faster with Monika’s help.

JJ.

Saba’s story

Saba is a very active and strong three year old Vizsla. When she ruptured both her cruciate ligaments in the space of three months we were very concerned that she wouldn’t fully recover her movement following TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery. Our Vet recommended contacting Monika from rehab4dogs who specialises in post-orthopaedic surgery Canine Rehabilitation.

Monika started working with Saba a couple of weeks after the first operation, introducing a therapy program to ensure restoration of full range of movement. Monika commenced with massage and when Saba showed signs of weight bearing specific rehab exercises were introduced to promote confidence, correct movement and strength in the joint. Another important part of the process was working with us as owners which gave us confidence that
Saba was getting the right rehabilitation in between Monika’s sessions.

Saba seemed to enjoy her “massages” and responded quickly after both operations. Six months later she is now back at full force with no sign of limping or pain.

Monika’s contribution to Saba’s recovery was significant and I’d have no hesitation in recommending her services.

RK.

Abi’s story

Dear Monika

Just a short note to tell you how much I appreciate the work you did with Abi following her cruciate ligament surgery. After having her walking on 3 legs for nearly six months it was wonderful to finally get my walking companion back onto 4 legs. She is now able to walk 5km each morning without any problem. It was great to watch you working with her and showing me how to do the follow-up exercises.

JW.