Hydrotherapy Course
We are pleased to offer small group (max 10 participants) hydrotherapy courses within our beautifully renovated animal rehabilitation clinic in Kensington, 5min to Melbourne City. Our courses aim to provide a face to face experience into the world of small animal hydrotherapy. There is no pre-requisite to join our courses, and you will receive a thorough understanding of many aspects relating to working with small animals. You will be able to assist hands on with live cases and 2 underwater Hydrophysio treadmills, under the guidance of experienced animal therapists. Our course is uniquely completed over one weekend, making it logistically easier for most busy lives.
Your Instructors:
Lauren Elliott graduated in Physiotherapy with honours from Melbourne University in 2001. She then completed her master’s in Animal Studies through Queensland University in 2007, a 2-year concentrated program focusing on learning animal anatomy and movement patterns. She then launched Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy because of her love for Animals and for giving them a better quality of life. Laurens’ goal is to provide the best quality of care available to all small animals in Melbourne and the Geelong region, by growing an inspired team of highly skilled and caring animal therapists.
Lauren is joined by 2 Experienced Hydrotherapists from MAP during the course. The small group enables plenty of hands on case study practice with real patients in the clinic.
Module topics:
1. Canine Anatomy and Skeleton
– Introduction to anatomy, terminology, body parts, directional terms, skeleton, body systems, tissues and organs.
2. Canine Arthrology
– Introduction to the types of joints and outlines the major joints and their application to canine therapy.
3. Canine Nervous system
– Introduction to the canine nervous system and its application to canine therapy.
4. Canine Muscular Anatomy
– Introduction to the canine muscular system in more detail and the application to canine therapy.
5. Canine Orthopaedic Pathologies
– An overview of common canine orthopaedic pathologies seen in a clinical setting
6. Canine Neurological Pathologies
– An overview of common neurological pathologies seen in a clinical setting
7. Assessment of the Canine Patient
– Subjective Assessment
– Objective Assessment – Conformation, posture, gait, ADL’s, Palpation
8. Canine Hydrotherapy
– Introduction to canine hydrotherapy
– Physical properties of water and the physiology of immersion
– Hydrotherapy Programs – dosage and progression
– Specific conditions
– Skin and coat considerations
9. Water Chemistry
– An overview of water chemistry and the tools you need to ensure safe chemical composition of water in your hydrotherapy practice.
– Live water chemical testing in our plant room, with a variety of different water samples in small groups makes this tricky topic much easier to grasp. A chemical cheat sheet will be shared.
10. Case Studies
– Theoretical and live case studies will be discussed. There will be an opportunity to assist with their hydrotherapy treatment where possible.
11. The Tools and equipment you need for your canine hydrotherapy practice
– Lecture surrounding the hydrotherapy clinic, and what role you may take in this setting, including hydrotherapy Underwater Treadmill and associated accessories, Pools, Practice Management Software, Life vests and harnesses.
12. Final Practical Exam Assessment
– To be completed at the clinic on Day 2. Group live case studies, including assessment, clinical reasoning, treatment using hydrotherapy in the underwater treadmill, and plan for ongoing sessions. Competency will be assessed, and follow up assessment may be required if deemed appropriate by the examiners.
Outcomes:
The desired outcome is to provide the tools required for participants to begin practising canine hydrotherapy in a clinical setting. By providing 2 face to face days, this unique course will allow plenty of practise with live cases and real time problem solving. We have many experienced hydrotherapists, who will be excellent mentors for ongoing cases.
Next Events:
Date: Saturday 6 Dec 2025 2:00 PM – 6 PM, Sunday 7 Dec 2025 9 AM -5:00 PM (UTC+11)
Date: Saturday 13 March 2026 2:00 PM – 6 PM, Sunday 14 March 2026 9 AM -5:00 PM (UTC+11)
Location: Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, 26A Robertson St, Kensington VIC 3031
Booking
Click here to book now!
If you would like to be added to our EOI list please email info@map.physio. Max 10 participants, offered on first interest basis.
FAQs
What are my career options following completion of the course?
The pet industry is continually evolving and growing. We have noticed a large increase in the need for canine hydrotherapy services. Vets, in particular, are referring more and more cases across for hydrotherapy. Upon completion of our course, you have many options, and we feel our courses equip you with the practical skills you need to start working with live cases. Some of the option available to you include:
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- Work as part of a rehabilitation team within a vet clinic
- Set up your own mobile service for pet owners
- Become employed in a canine hydrotherapy or physiotherapy clinic, such as MAP
What happens if I don’t pass the competency assessment?
At the completion of the course, all participants will receive a competency grade. If our examiners believe you require more training, we can offer ongoing mentoring and training at our clinic, or via phone, in order to achieve the level of competency required for independence in this field. Additional fees may be incurred in these cases.
What qualification do I receive when I complete this course?
You will receive a signed certificate from Lauren Elliott, director of Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, certifying your competency in the field of canine hydrotherapy. Lauren has more than 22 years experience as a physiotherapist, and 16 years as an animal physiotherapist, making her one of the most highly skilled animal physiotherapists in Australia. Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy is a state of the art hydrotherapy and rehabilitation clinic. You will find no better way to experience and gain the necessary practical tools required to start working in this exciting and rewarding field.
How much is the course?
Our 2 day face to face course is $2000, including GST. You will receive a course book, with additional resources, a signed certificate, and a delicious lunch on day 2. Plus a network of likeminded animal lovers, who will create a community for your future in this field. We guarantee you will be satisfied with your investment into your future career.
Remedial Massage Course
We are pleased to offer a small group (max 10 participants) practical massage courses within our beautifully renovated animal physiotherapy clinic in Kensington, 5min to Melbourne City. Our course aims to provide a face to face experience into the world of small animal remedial massage. There is no pre-requisite to join our courses, and you will receive a thorough understanding of many aspects relating to working with small animal massage. You will be able to practice hands on with live cases, under the guidance of experienced animal therapists. Our course is uniquely completed over one day, making it logistically easier for most busy lives.
Your Instructors:
Lauren Elliott graduated in Physiotherapy with honours from Melbourne University in 2001. She then completed her master’s in Animal Studies through Queensland University in 2007, a 2-year concentrated program focusing on learning animal anatomy and movement patterns. Laurens’ goal is to provide the best quality of care available to all small animals in Melbourne and the Geelong region, by growing an inspired team of highly skilled and caring animal therapists.
Lauren is joined by 2 Experienced therapists from MAP during the course. The small group enables plenty of hands on case study practice with real patients in the clinic.
Learn how to safely and confidently massage dogs to improve mobility, reduce tension, and support overall wellbeing. This course is perfect for pet owners, groomers, vet nurses, and animal therapists.
What You’ll Learn
Canine Anatomy Basics
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Key muscles and joints
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How dogs move
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Common areas of tension and pain
Understanding Dog Behaviour
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Reading body language
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Creating a calm, safe environment
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Handling anxious or sensitive dogs
Massage Techniques
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Gentle introductory strokes
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Muscle-release techniques
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Stretching and range-of-motion
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When to avoid or modify massage
Safety & Contraindications
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When massage is safe
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When to stop or refer to a vet
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Post-surgery and chronic condition considerations
How to Run a Massage Session
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Setting up your workspace
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Step-by-step session flow
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After-care and owner advice
Real-World Applications
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Senior dogs
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Sporting and working dogs
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Dogs recovering from injury (with vet guidance)
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Stress, anxiety, and behavioural support
Who This Course Suits
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Pet owners who want to help their dog feel better
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Canine professionals wanting to add massage to their toolkit
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Anyone interested in animal wellbeing
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Next Event
Sunday Feb 8, 8am-5pm
Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, Kensington
FAQs
What are my career options following completion of the course?
The pet industry is continually evolving and growing. We have noticed a large increase in the need for canine holistic services. Upon completion of our course, you have many options, and we feel our courses equip you with the practical skills you need to start working with live cases. Some of the option available to you include:
-
- Work as part of a rehabilitation team within a vet clinic
- Set up your own mobile service for pet owners
- Become employed in a canine rehab or physiotherapy clinic, such as MAP
What happens if I don’t pass the competency assessment?
At the completion of the course, all participants will receive a competency grade. If our examiners believe you require more training, we can offer ongoing mentoring and training at our clinic, or via phone, in order to achieve the level of competency required for independence in this field.
What qualification do I receive when I complete this course?
You will receive a signed certificate from Lauren Elliott, director of Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, certifying your competency in the field of canine massage. Lauren has more than 24 years experience as a physiotherapist, and 18 years as an animal physiotherapist, making her one of the most highly skilled animal physiotherapists in Australia. Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy is a state of the art rehabilitation clinic. You will find no better way to experience and gain the necessary practical tools required to start working in this exciting and rewarding field.
How much is the course?
Our 1 day face to face course is $1200, including GST. You will receive a course book, with additional resources, a signed certificate, and a delicious lunch. Plus a network of likeminded animal lovers, who will create a community for your future in this field. We guarantee you will be satisfied with your investment into this course.
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