Areas covered: Warkworth, Amble, Alnwick, Morpeth : 15 mile radius form Warkworth
Telephone: 07734662385
Email: vickysowerby@mac.com
Website: www.clinicalcaninemassagewarkworth.co.uk
About the therapist
Hello, my name is Vicky Sowerby and I run Clinical Canine Massage Therapy- Warkworth.
I live in the Warkworth, Northumberland with my much-loved Weimaraner, Freyja.
I discovered Clinical Canine Massage as I was about to retire from the Police after 30 years of service and it has changed both my life and that of my own dog.
I have always loved animals and have been very fortunate to have had three wonderful dogs during my working life, who have been my companions in the good times and my rocks during the difficult times.
I was looking for a change of direction and working with animals has always been my dream. I researched canine massage and was accepted on to the 2-year Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme, taught by the inspirational Natalie Lenton, who developed the Lenton Method®.
During my training I worked at my local vets to gain experience of handling dogs and was able to observe the vets performing orthopaedic surgery and treatments. Having achieved my accreditation, I now work with dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes with both acute or chronic conditions.
Clinical Massage is a non-invasive therapy used to rehabilitate soft tissue injuries which you will see as lameness or limping. It helps to reduce and manage chronic pain, improve your dogs range of movement and flexibility, improve their mood, comfort levels, willingness to be groomed or petted and so improving their quality of life.
It can help your dogs ability to undertake activities of daily life such as getting in and out of the car, up and down stairs and improved enjoyment and duration of exercise.
I have been delighted by the positive results I have seen with the dogs I have been lucky enough to work with, which makes every treatment something I enjoy and very rewarding.
I have worked with physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and a McTimmoney to provide a coordinated, holistic vet led treatment programme for several dogs who have undergone orthopaedic surgery.
I provide massage in the dogs own home or at my home depending on what is most convenient for you and most suitable for your dog.
I look forward having the opportunity to working with you and your Dog, helping to promote and enhance their quality of life and your relationship. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.
Costs
£35 at my home address, £40 at clients address
Client comments
Fly is a large (37kg) dog, who we adopted on his 6th birthday. Until this time, he had spent his life racing. Because of this he has problems with stiffness in his shoulder joints. We were told that he pulled up lame in his last 2 races, but no injuries were detected. He’s now 9 & 1/2.
After Vicky’s first visit, we saw a huge improvement in Fly’s walking. He no longer wakes up in the middle of the night-we now realise he was, probably, doing this due to discomfort.
Vicky is professional, caring and pays attention to detail. She brings a freshly laundered, large fluffy blanket for our gentle giant to lie on during his treatment. She has a playlist of relaxing music. She does everything possible to relax your dog, before starting treatment.
Fly is now having monthly maintenance visits and gets excited when he sees her, knowing he’s got an hour of pampering ahead. Despite still having a few stiff, sore areas that need attention, he usually falls asleep during his massages.
If your dog has any issues, get in touch with Vicky. Your dog will thank you for it.
Lynn Whittaker
My lovely 10-year-old Weimaraner Ralph began seeing Vicky for regular treatments after he became unable to stand or walk unaided and was diagnosed with chronic disc degeneration in his neck which was causing him pain and lack of balance.
Ralph was unable to bend his front legs and had lost a lot of weight and muscle due to being immobile.
At the end of the first session, he was so relaxed he was sleeping but then got up and walked towards me unaided. I was shocked and thrilled as he had not been able to do this for a couple of months. Vicky recommended hydrotherapy/ physiotherapy to assist him, and Vicky worked with the therapist to get the best all-round treatment for him.
He could bend his elbows a lot more even after the first session and he loved being with Vicky.
Sessions continued and he was able to go on short walks again and despite being wobbly he could stand on his own.
Unfortunately, after 8 months of improved quality of life with monthly maintenance sessions he bloated at home and had to be put to sleep. Vicky came with him to the vets and gave him a gentle relaxing massage as he passed. He trusted her and relaxed knowing she was there to help us both.
I would recommend Vicky and would defiantly use her services again if my other dogs had issues.
Hayley Wood
My dog Roxy had severe hip dysplasia and had femoral head excision performed on both hips. The first hip she had physio and hydrotherapy pre and post-surgery. The second hip I also had Vicky give her regular massages. Her recovery time on the second hip was significantly shorter. The massage really helped with getting her mobile again. Roxy had a lot of tightness in the muscles surrounding her hips and her back as a result of how she was carrying herself after her operation. Vicky came to treat her at home after her surgery which was much more relaxing for her as she was in her own environment. Roxy absolutely loved her massages, Vicky was brilliant with her, she took the time to put her at ease and was very reassuring to her. The massage lasted approximately an hour and the majority of time Roxy was so chilled and laid back. There were certain areas that were uncomfortable for her, and Vicky was very patient with her and distracted her whilst still dealing with any painful trigger points. I can’t recommend Vicky highly enough, her compassion and kindness with the dogs is outstanding, all my dogs look forward to her visits. Vicky’s knowledge on the dogs anatomy and muscle structure is very impressive and she always takes the time to explain her treatments and answer any questions that would arise. I can honestly say if you are looking for a way to improve your dogs recovery after orthopaedic surgery Vicky is invaluable!!
Crissy Hodgson
I cannot recommend Vicky enough. My Labrador pup was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dessecans in her hock and bilateral subluxation of her hips at 6 months. I was beyond heartbroken. Vicky came to our rescue like a Knight in shining armour. She has been working with Thistle for 8 months now, after her arthroscopy and the progress is way beyond my expectations. Specialist treatment and support, including massage therapy with Vicky means my dog, now just 16 months is medication free and not in any pain at all. She exercises like every other Labrador. Vicky has not only treated Thistle; she has been such a significant support to myself. Together we have got Thistle in her best shape, and we are now aiming to maintain this. Thistle gets so excited to see Vicky for her massage. I am delighted that Vicky has chosen this path, she is a natural. We are incredibly lucky to have her on our team.
Gillian Parker