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Small Group Hydrotherapy & Canine Massage Courses

Hands-on Training at Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy

Join us for an immersive learning experience at Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, one of Australia’s leading animal rehabilitation clinics.

Our small-group, face-to-face courses (maximum 12 participants) are designed to give you real-world experience in canine rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, and massage techniques. Held in our beautifully renovated clinic in Kensington, just 5 minutes from Melbourne CBD, these courses provide a rare opportunity to learn directly from experienced animal physiotherapists while working with real canine patients.

Whether you are looking to start a new career path or expand your professional skills, these courses provide practical knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience in the rapidly growing field of animal rehabilitation.

Please reach out to info@map.physio to book a discovery call to learn more about our courses.

Book Hydrotherapy Course 9/10 May 2026

Book Massage Course 14 June 2026

Small Animal Hydrotherapy Course

Hydrotherapy is one of the fastest-growing areas in animal rehabilitation, and the demand for skilled therapists continues to increase.

Our two-day intensive hydrotherapy course provides a unique opportunity to learn the science and practical skills required to work safely and effectively with canine patients in a hydrotherapy setting.

You will gain hands-on experience using two HydroPhysio underwater treadmills, assist with live clinical cases, and learn how to design effective hydrotherapy programs under the guidance of experienced therapists.

Best of all, the course is completed over one weekend, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.

What Makes This Course Unique

🐾 Small group learning (max 12 participants)
🐾 Hands-on experience with real canine patients
🐾 Training in a fully operational rehabilitation clinic
🐾 Access to two HydroPhysio underwater treadmills
🐾 Expert instruction from experienced animal physiotherapists
🐾 Practical case-based learning

Meet Your Instructor

Lauren Elliott graduated with Honours in Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in 2001 and completed her Master’s in Animal Studies in 2007 through the University of Queensland.

Lauren founded Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy to combine her passion for physiotherapy with her love for animals. With more than two decades of clinical experience, she has built one of Australia’s most respected animal rehabilitation practices.

Her vision is to provide exceptional care for small animals while developing a team of highly skilled, compassionate therapists.

Lauren is joined by experienced MAP hydrotherapists, ensuring participants receive extensive hands-on mentoring throughout the course.

Course Modules

Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a range of key topics, including:

Canine Anatomy

  • Anatomy terminology and directional terms

  • Skeletal structure and body systems

  • Understanding tissues and organs relevant to therapy

Canine Arthrology

  • Types of joints

  • Major joints involved in canine movement

  • Application to rehabilitation and hydrotherapy

Canine Nervous System

  • Overview of the canine nervous system

  • Implications for neurological rehabilitation

Muscular Anatomy

  • Major muscle groups involved in locomotion

  • How muscles influence movement and therapy

Orthopaedic Conditions

  • Common orthopaedic injuries seen in practice

  • Rehabilitation approaches for these conditions

Neurological Conditions

  • Overview of common neurological disorders

  • How hydrotherapy can support neurological recovery

Assessing the Canine Patient

  • Subjective history taking

  • Objective assessment

  • Conformation, posture, gait and functional assessment

  • Palpation techniques

Canine Hydrotherapy Principles

  • Physical properties of water

  • Physiological effects of immersion

  • Designing hydrotherapy programs

  • Exercise dosage and progression

  • Skin and coat considerations

Water Chemistry

Understanding water chemistry is essential for safe hydrotherapy practice.

Participants will:

  • Learn how to maintain safe water quality

  • Perform live chemical testing in our plant room

  • Analyse real water samples in small groups

  • Receive a practical water chemistry cheat sheet

Equipment & Hydrotherapy Practice

  • Underwater treadmill operation

  • Life vests and harnesses

  • Pool systems and accessories

  • Clinic workflow and practice management tools

Case Studies

Participants will analyse real clinical cases and assist with hydrotherapy sessions where appropriate.

Final Practical Assessment

At the end of the course, participants will complete a practical case-based assessment, including:

  • Patient assessment

  • Clinical reasoning

  • Designing a hydrotherapy treatment plan

  • Performing a treadmill session

Course Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to begin working with canine hydrotherapy in a clinical setting.

The combination of hands-on learning, real patient cases, and expert mentorship ensures participants leave with practical skills they can immediately apply.

Many graduates continue to receive ongoing mentoring and support from the Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy team.

Upcoming Course

Saturday 9 May 2026 – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 10 May 2026 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy
26A Robertson Street
Kensington VIC

Limited to 12 participants

Investment

The two-day hydrotherapy course is $2,000 (inc GST) and includes:

  • Comprehensive course manual

  • Additional learning resources

  • Certificate of competency

  • Lunch on Day 2

  • Access to a network of like-minded animal professionals

Canine Remedial Massage Course

Learn how to safely and confidently perform remedial massage for dogs in this highly practical one-day course.

Held in our state-of-the-art rehabilitation clinic, this course combines theory with extensive hands-on practice so you can develop real confidence working with canine patients.

You will learn how massage can be used to:

✔ Improve mobility
✔ Reduce muscular tension
✔ Support recovery from injury
✔ Promote relaxation and wellbeing

This course is ideal for pet owners, groomers, veterinary nurses, and animal professionals looking to expand their skills.

What You Will Learn

Canine Anatomy Fundamentals

  • Key muscles and joints

  • Understanding canine movement

  • Common areas of muscular tension

Understanding Canine Behaviour

  • Reading body language

  • Creating a calm treatment environment

  • Handling nervous or sensitive dogs

Massage Techniques

  • Introductory massage strokes

  • Muscle release techniques

  • Stretching and range-of-motion exercises

  • Modifying massage for different conditions

Safety & Contraindications

  • When massage is appropriate

  • Situations where treatment should be avoided

  • Working with post-surgical and chronic conditions

Structuring a Massage Session

  • Preparing your treatment space

  • Step-by-step session flow

  • Aftercare advice for owners

Real World Applications

  • Senior dogs

  • Sporting and working dogs

  • Injury recovery (with veterinary guidance)

  • Stress and behavioural support

Who This Course Is For

This course is perfect for:

🐾 Pet owners wanting to support their dog’s wellbeing
🐾 Groomers and canine professionals
🐾 Veterinary nurses and therapists
🐾 Anyone passionate about improving animal welfare

Upcoming Course

Sunday 14 June 2026
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy
26A Robertson Street
Kensington VIC

Investment

The one-day course is $1,200 (inc GST) and includes:

  • Course manual and learning resources

  • Certificate of competency

  • Lunch

  • Hands-on clinical learning experience

  • Access to a network of animal professionals

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