Danielle van der Merwe
IMSc Veterinary Physiotherapy; RAMP Registered.
I have always been passionate about animals and knew from a young age that I would want to work in the Veterinary sector, but fell in love with Veterinary physiotherapy after seeing how much difference it made to my animals. After qualifying as a Level 7 Masters Veterinary physiotherapist, I’ve established Proactive Veterinary Physiotherapy to enable me to help a variety of animals to live happier and more comfortable lives, using science based techniques. I set up Proactive as a mobile service, covering Cheshire and surrounding areas, to treat any 4-legged friend who may benefit from some support including Horses, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Guinea pigs and farm animals!
During University study I completed treatment on many pets including placements on yards and a hydrotherapy centre, which allowed me to get hands on with a variety of cases ranging from neurological cases in dogs, to supporting function in performance horses. I believe every animal can benefit from physiotherapy, and have loved seeing the difference regular support can provide.
Outside of study I also have extensive experience with animals from a young age, and currently keep busy with my working Labrador retriever, my horses and my cat. I also enjoy providing care for a wide variety of small animals (rabbits/guinea pigs) that come to stay at ‘The Warren’.
I look forward to meeting you soon, and seeing how I can help support you and your pet, whatever species, age or stage of life they may be in!
Why Physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a scientific modality utilising a variety of techniques such as massage, stretching, tailored remedial exercises and electrotherapies to provide specialist care in support of maintenance of fitness and condition, recovery from surgery or management of conditions.
Utilising expertise in broad knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and common injury and dysfunctions, we perform assessment with the whole animal in mind, including their history, performing a thorough movement assessment, palpating for any muscular abnormalities and assessing their joint mobility. We then use our findings and any veterinary history to tailor treatment and create a bespoke fitness or rehabilitation programme. We also work closely with your animals vet and surrounding professional team such as trainers and farriers to ensure optimum care!
Utilising evidence-based techniques, Physiotherapy overall aims to restore or enhance movement and function, improve recovery, reduce pain and improve quality of life!
Prevention
We strongly believe in taking a Proactive approach to your pets health to help prevent the occurrence of injury! This is often referred to as ‘Prehabilitation’, where we optimise the way your pet moves, improve comfort and enhancing their musculoskeletal condition and fitness to help prevent injuries.
Conservative management
We provide specialist care to optimise comfort, mobility and function in treatment of a variety of different degenerative, long-term or non-surgically managed musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
Post-Operative care
Following surgery, Physiotherapy will help to reduce pain, enhance tissue healing, optimise mobility, improve surgical outcomes and overall prognosis following surgery for a variety of musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and neurological conditions.
Signs your animal may benefit from Physiotherapy:
Reluctance to do their normal activities or showing signs of ‘slowing down’
Reduced performance
Changes to their normal mobility or increased stiffness, especially if worse after exercise
Over arousal and difficulty settling
Loss of interest in e.g. toys and playing
Changes in behaviour such as difficulty being handled or aggression
Becoming more anxious or disliking being touched especially in certain areas
Changes to posture, such as becoming hunched
Loss of balance and lack of coordination
Difficulty getting up the stairs/jumping into or out the car/difficulty rising from rest
‘Lazy’ sitting posture
Dragging feet when walking
Biting or chewing at their limbs/tail
Not like ‘their usual self’
Our Friends
Proactive works closely with a variety of other animal professionals to ensure gold-standard, holistic care for your animals. We are proud to have built special partnerships with the following businesses, please click on the profiles below for more information.
Pawtential Instinct is built on a deep respect for a pet’s natural behaviour, an ongoing commitment to education, and a genuine desire to help pets and their owners thrive together.
Dog Trainer/WalkerPawtential Instinct
The Warren
Established in 2023, The Warren provides bespoke holiday boarding for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs, alongside in-home care.
Small Animal Boarding Business
PhotographerKD Photography
Specialising in Equine and Canine photoshoots, but with a keen eye to capture a variety of special moments, is KD photography, who has captured many of the photographs Proactive uses for advertisement.
Have Questions? Please get in touch!
Feel free to fill out the form with any queries you may have, we are always happy to help!