Wesley is an elite agility competitor, having just won into Grade 7. Competing at this level demands top physical condition, so Wesley attends regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions at the Canine Fitness Centre to maintain peak performance and prevent injuries.
In addition to his agility training, Wesley has low-grade luxating patellas, a condition that can affect knee stability. His sessions not only focus on muscle strength and joint health but also ensure early detection of any changes to his knees.
Managing Performance & Joint Stability
Agility is a high-impact sport requiring:
- Explosive speed & jumping ability
- Quick turns & rapid acceleration/deceleration
- Strong core & hindlimb muscles for stability
Without proper conditioning, agility dogs risk muscle strains, joint injuries, and ligament damage. Wesley’s routine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy help keep him competition-ready and reduce injury risks.
Treatment Plan: Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy
Wesley’s programme focuses on injury prevention, muscle conditioning, and knee stability.
Physiotherapy Sessions
- Joint Mobilisation & Soft Tissue Work – Relieves muscle tightness and improves flexibility
- Strength Training & Proprioception Drills – Enhances balance and coordination for agility
- Patellar Stability Exercises – Strengthens quadriceps and core muscles to support knee joints
- Stretching & Range-of-Motion Work – Maintains joint flexibility and prevents stiffness
Hydrotherapy: Underwater Treadmill
Despite not being a fan of water, Wesley thrives in hydrotherapy sessions, where the controlled resistance helps him build strength with minimal joint stress.
- Weight-bearing exercises – Encourages even weight distribution to prevent strain on his knees
- Muscle strengthening – Supports hindlimb stability and power
- Gait correction & endurance building – Helps Wesley maintain top form for competitions
- Patellar tracking monitoring – Ensures knees remain stable and functional
Progress & Key Improvements
Wesley’s dedicated treatment plan has led to notable improvements:
- Increased muscle strength – Better stability when landing jumps
- Improved flexibility & movement efficiency – More fluid, powerful strides
- Stronger hindlimb weight-bearing – Less stress on knees
- Reduced patellar instability episodes – Maintaining knee function in competition
- Sustained endurance – Handling agility courses with greater control and speed
His physiotherapists have observed fewer instances of patellar luxation, even after high-impact activities like weaving and sharp turns.
Spreading Awareness of Physiotherapy for All Dogs
Wesley’s journey has made his owner a strong advocate for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, not just for sporting dogs but for all dogs. By building muscle, maintaining joint health, and improving mobility, these therapies benefit pets of all activity levels.
With continued physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and agility training, Wesley is on track to continue competing at Grade 7 while remaining injury-free. His enthusiasm for his sessions—despite his dislike of water—shows that structured physiotherapy isn’t just essential, it’s enjoyable too!
Wesley’s story highlights the importance of preventative physiotherapy for agility dogs. With expert care from the Canine Fitness Centre, he is staying strong, stable, and ready for competition success. His commitment to conditioning and rehabilitation proves that peak performance comes from both training and proactive care.
