THE CORE OFBALANCE: Why Stability and Symmetry Matter for Your Pet’s Health
- Categories - Articles
Balance and symmetry are vital for your pet’s mobility, comfort, and long-term health. Whether a young athlete or a senior companion, maintaining these elements helps protect joints, prevent injury, and support an active lifestyle.
UNDERSTANDING BALANCE
Good balance allows a pet to distribute weight evenly and adjust smoothly to movement or changes in terrain. When stability is compromised — from injury, ageing, or neurological issues — other parts of the body often overcompensate, leading to strain and fatigue.
WHY SYMMETRY MATTERS
Symmetry means both sides of the body share the workload equally. Pets that favour one side may develop muscle loss on one limb and overuse injuries on the other.
Physiotherapists assess this through observation and objective tools such as:
- Muscle circumference
measurements to compare left and right limb mass.
- Goniometry to measure
and track joint range of motion. These measurements provide accurate baselines and track progress over time.
THE CORE CONNECTION
Core strength isn’t just about the abdomen — it includes the deep stabilisers of the spine and pelvis. A strong core keeps the body aligned, allows smooth weight shifts, and supports even muscle development. Without it, balance and symmetry decline.
HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY HELPS
A veterinary physiotherapist can identify imbalances, weaknesses, and address them through a custom rehabilitation plan. Rehab plans may include:
- Stability work on wobble cushions, balance pads, or safe uneven surfaces.
- Cavaletti pole training for even limb use.
- Weight-shifting drills to retrain equal load bearing.
Programmes are tailored for each pet, from agility dogs to seniors recovering from injury.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
- Leaning or shifting weight to one side.
- Uneven muscle size.
- “Bunny-hopping” in the hind legs.
- Difficulty turning evenly in both directions.
- Performance issues and more.
IN SUMMARY
Balance and symmetry are more than training goals — they are essential for keeping pets mobile, pain-free, and active for longer. Veterinary physiotherapy offers the expertise to assess, improve, and maintain these foundations of movement.
By Tanri de Lange, SAVC Registered Veterinary Physiotherapist BSc Human Anatomy, Physiology & Marine Biology; BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy www.kinetixvetphysio.co.za Instagram: @kinetixvetphysio @vetphysio.tan
