Animal physiotherapy, Geelong and the Bellarine
Bellarine Animal Physiotherapy provides personalised physiotherapy to help animals recover from injury or surgery, manage ongoing physical conditions, improve mobility and maintain their quality of life.
Led by Gabrielle (Gabby) Curtis, a qualified physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in human physiotherapy and postgraduate training in veterinary physiotherapy, the service combines detailed physical assessment, hands-on treatment and tailored exercise programs to support each animal’s individual needs.
How can animal physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy may benefit animals experiencing a range of orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation: Supporting recovery following orthopaedic procedures, including cruciate ligament surgery, and helping restore strength, mobility and function.
- Orthopaedic conditions: Assisting animals with joint problems, patella luxation, hip or elbow dysplasia and other conditions affecting movement.
- Soft tissue injuries: Supporting recovery from muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.
- Degenerative conditions: Helping manage arthritis and other ongoing conditions through appropriate exercise, mobility strategies and pain management support.
- Neurological conditions: Improving strength, balance, coordination and functional mobility where neurological conditions affect movement.
- Reduced mobility and ongoing lameness: Identifying movement limitations and developing an individualised plan to improve comfort and function.
Individualised assessment and treatment
Every animal receives an individualised treatment plan based on their medical history, physical assessment, current abilities and rehabilitation goals.
Treatment may include:
- Detailed gait and functional assessment
- Hands-on assessment and joint mobilisation
- Therapeutic massage and stretching
- Dry needling, where clinically appropriate
- Tailored strengthening, balance and coordination exercises
- Home exercise programs and practical advice to support recovery between appointments
Programs are reviewed and progressed according to the animal’s response to treatment and changing needs.
Working alongside your veterinarian
Animal physiotherapy complements veterinary diagnosis, medical management and surgical care. Working collaboratively with the treating veterinarian helps ensure rehabilitation is appropriate for the animal’s condition and stage of recovery.
An initial consultation includes a review of the animal’s veterinary history and a comprehensive physical assessment. A detailed report outlining the findings and proposed treatment plan can then be provided to the referring veterinarian.
About Gabby Curtis
Gabby holds a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool in the UK.
Combining her extensive experience in human physiotherapy with specialist postgraduate training in animal rehabilitation, Gabby is passionate about improving the recovery, comfort and long-term wellbeing of animals through a physiotherapy-led approach.
Appointments and service areas
Bellarine Animal Physiotherapy is based in Newcomb and offers appointments across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Torquay, including home visits. Telehealth appointments are also available.
Appointments are available on Thursdays, Friday afternoons and selected Saturdays.
To learn more about animal physiotherapy, discuss your pet’s needs or arrange an appointment, visit bellarineanimalphysio.com.au or email hello@bellarineanimalphysio.com.au
