Who we help
Physiotherapy for animals of all shapes and sizes
Every animal deserves to feel their best — and every owner deserves the joy of seeing them thrive. Based in Napier, Helen The Physio brings world-class, compassionate animal physiotherapy directly to you across Hawke’s Bay and the Lower North Island.
Whether your horse is facing a performance barrier, your dog is recovering from surgery, or your cat is slowing down with age, we look at the whole picture.
At our home clinic or on your property, we combine comprehensive expertise with genuine compassion, partnering with you to restore Performance, optimise Recovery, and maintain best Quality of Life.
Horse Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
From elite sport horses to beloved paddock companions —including minis, donkeys, and mules—we look at the whole picture of equine movement and comfort. We assess and treat the underlying musculoskeletal issues that hold your horse back, helping them move freely, recover correctly, and stay at their best.
Conditions we commonly treat include:
Spinal Discomfort: Back and neck pain, stiffness, and structural tension.
Joint & Pelvic Issues: Sacroiliac (SI) complex dysfunction and joint restrictions.
Soft Tissue Imbalance: Muscle soreness, asymmetry, and localized tension.
Clinical Recovery: Post-injury and post-surgery rehabilitation.
Movement Changes: Gait alterations, tracking irregularities, and poor performance.
Training Barriers: Performance-related hurdles and behavioral resistance under saddle.
Dog Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
From high-performance agility stars and hard-working farm dogs to cherished family companions, we look at the whole picture of canine movement and comfort. We assess and treat the underlying musculoskeletal and neurological issues that hold your dog back, helping them move freely, recover correctly, and stay at their best.
Conditions we commonly treat include:
Surgical Recovery: Post-surgical orthopaedic rehabilitation (including TPLO and patella luxation correction).
Developmental Orthopaedics: Hip and elbow dysplasia management and juvenile joint laxity.
Spinal & Neurological Care: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), neuropraxia, and degenerative myelopathy.
Degenerative Conditions: Osteoarthritis, age-related stiffness, and senior mobility loss.
Athletic & Working Strains: Performance drops, muscle tears, or soft-tissue injuries in working and sports dogs.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation for Cats & Other Animals
Because cats are masters at hiding discomfort, subtle changes like reduced jumping, stiffness, and altered grooming or interaction habits often signal underlying pain. From beloved felines to backyard goats and any other unique creature that holds your heart, we assess the whole picture of their movement and comfort to help them recover correctly, move freely, and thrive.
Conditions we commonly treat include:
Major Orthopaedic Trauma: Post-surgical recovery (including FHOs, fracture pinning, and pelvic trauma).
Tissue Healing: General post-injury rehabilitation, seromas, and wound healing.
Neurological Presentation: Spinal conditions and nerve trauma.
Compensatory Patterns: Muscle weakness and localized tracking soreness.
Geriatric Support: Osteoarthritis, age-related joint stiffness, and senior frailty.
Customised Care: Tailored rehabilitation plans designed for lifestyle, production, or unique companion animals.
Rider Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
As riders, we tend to invest everything into our horses and neglect our own bodies. But the reality is simple: our horses can only be as straight, balanced, and symmetrical as we are.
Subtle asymmetries, tight muscles, or old injuries affect how we ride our horse. You don't have to be in severe pain to benefit—working on your body off your horse unlocks a whole new level of comfort, balance, and clear communication when you're in the saddle.
How we help:
Posture: Correcting seat, pelvic, and posture asymmetries off the horse.
Mobility & Flexibility: Releasing chronic tightness in key riding zones (such as hips and shoulders).
Functional Strength: Improving core stability, balance, and independent seat position.
Pain Management: Managing old injuries, chronic aches, and riding-related discomfort.
Wondering if Physio is right for your animal?
You don't have to figure it out alone. Reach out for a friendly, no-obligation chat about your horse, dog, or companion animal, and we can help you work out the best next steps.