https://www.sarahabbott-vetphysio.co.uk/blog daily 0.75 2026-10-06 https://www.sarahabbott-vetphysio.co.uk/blog/the-stages-of-healing monthly 0.5 2026-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/4e1be484-8f97-4bd4-90e4-11708c4f4b14/1.png Blog - The stages of healing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/e991fa69-afe1-40bd-a715-b4dde1a79e1b/2.png Blog - The stages of healing The acute stage of healing is directly following the injury in the first 3 days, meaning the body needs to focus on damage control. What’s happening: the inflammation is at its peak and nerve endings are sensitised. Our goals at this stage are moving from non-weight bearing to toe touching. Rehab modalities: rest and ice alongside pain management from the vet. The danger at this stage is doing too much activity can cause a minor issue to be exasperated into a more complex issue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/cce528d4-62f7-46d6-9d65-4041a4a78e16/3.png Blog - The stages of healing The next stage is the subacute healing stage, where the tissue is in the construction phase. This happens following the acute stage and up to 6 weeks following, focusing on repair and mobility. What’s happening: cells are busy rebuilding tissue fibres, however total immobilisation can cause these to grow in disorganised and weak patterns so small bursts of gentel exercises can be added here. Our goal here is restoring range of motion and preventing muscle wastage. Rehab modalities: passive range of motion, massage, laser therapy, controlled lead walking. The danger is too much uncontrolled energy can tear these new fibres before they have a chance to strengthen, which causes set backs in healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/98bdcddb-d100-4dfd-b911-0a3d9b44689a/4.png Blog - The stages of healing The final stage of healing is the chronic stage, this can take up to 12 months and focuses on power and strength. What’s happening: the previous collagen is replaced with a stronger, more elastic collagen that learns to handle the musculoskeletal stresses of a dog’s life. Our goals are building muscle back up to previous strength. Rehab modalities: therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy. The danger is developing chronic compensations in other muscles and joints due to improper use, leading to secondary issues. https://www.sarahabbott-vetphysio.co.uk/blog/home-adaptations monthly 0.5 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/1774381321182-2FJ7MZFIVWS2A744XOLM/unsplash-image-OMvL1MLoXoQ.jpg Blog - Home Adaptations - While we may think a nice long walk is what a dog needs, that's not always the case. While walking will strengthen them and provide good mental stimulation, if they consistently end up stiff or lame we may need to rethink our options. What to think about: duration, frequency, terrain, lead work. Like we have said, duration isn’t everything and sometimes cutting those walks down but increasing the frequency makes all the difference, preventing overexertion and joint strain. This approach keeps muscles active and metabolism steady without causing exhaustion, as well as consistent mental stimulation and bathroom breaks. Does your dog prefer walking in the field rather than pavement? Different terrains affect different areas of the body. Soft surfaces such as grass and sand have better shock absorbing properties than that of concrete. Soft tissue injuries are more affected by those soft surfaces, similarly joint issues are more affected on hard surfaces. While a mix of terrains is recommended, we can tailor walk to different conditions or needs. Finally on the topic of walks is lead walking. While it's easy to assume speed equals recovery, the momentum of the faster paces is easier than slow controlled walking. When at a walk, all the limbs must be weight bearing and therefore building muscle and strength, it also allows for greater body awareness and deliberate foot placement and encourages a larger range of motion in joints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/1774381151982-SUCEQ06340IZFDLXV7YP/unsplash-image-ZRl2CJJ6G2Y.jpg Blog - Home Adaptations - Ball throwing can be a favourite activity for many dogs, but do you know what pressures this puts on the body? The front legs take the stopping impact, sending massive forces through the shoulders, wrists and elbows. When the ball suddenly changes directions and your dog follows, their spine/knees will twist to catch it which is when an injury is likely to happen. We need to be careful with this high drive game as adrenaline masks pain so we, and they, may not know they are hurt until we have cooled down at home and are hopping on 3 legs. To finish off the ball throwing saga, each throw causes a repetitive stress or ‘micro trauma’ to the joints, which over time can develop into something more sinister. Safer alternatives could be adding snuffle mats or liki mats to their routine to add mental stimulation to their day, or playing ‘find it’ with the ball where they wait till the ball has stopped and search, which takes out the high speed element. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67337a94dda8d023e52a2a56/d8e4d164-cbbb-4790-b487-4c495f09142d/file.jpg Blog - Home Adaptations - While we all like a cuddle with our furry friend after a long day we need to make sure the process of getting up to us is suitable. Jumping onto the sofa or bed are high impact activities putting the body under extra strain, especially jumping down where all the bodyweight is impacting the front legs. There is also the possibility of falling and landing funny which can cause injury or exacerbate existing conditions. 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