In this episode, Hannah is joined by Lucy Goodright, an experienced McTimoney chiropractor and manual therapist, to explore the role of complementary therapies in supporting dogs with osteoarthritis. Together, they discuss how chiropractic care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and other manual therapies can fit within a truly multimodal approach to arthritis management. Rather than promoting any single treatment as a cure, the conversation focuses on collaboration, realistic expectations, and empowering caregivers to make informed decisions. They examine the current evidence for manual therapies, why research remains limited, and the importance of using appropriately qualified, regulated practitioners who work closely with veterinary teams. The episode also highlights the value of environmental adaptations, careful observation, compassionate communication and setting measurable goals when introducing any new intervention. Ultimately, Hannah and Lucy emphasise that every dog is an individual, successful arthritis management requires teamwork, and maintaining quality of life depends on combining evidence-based medicine with thoughtful, personalised care.

References:

Find Lucy online at AnimalSpine.com

Visit the McTimony Animal Association here or Discover MAA Research

Animal Health Proffesions' Register (AHPR)

Visit RAMP - Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners

PainScience.Com

5 Key Take-Home Points

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—arthritis management should always be tailored to the individual dog.

• Choose qualified professionals who are appropriately trained, insured and willing to work alongside your veterinary team.

• Set realistic expectations and regularly review whether a treatment is genuinely helping.

• Small lifestyle changes matter, including home adaptations, weight management and environmental modifications.

• Communication and collaboration are key—the best outcomes come when caregivers, vets and therapists work together towards shared goals.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

Join us in August for “Pain Medications” month!