Holistic Treatment for Joint Pain
When your pet is struggling to move comfortably, it affects every part of their daily life. At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet through these challenges. Our holistic approach aims to support the whole body, ease discomfort, improve mobility, and nurture long-term well-being so your pet can return to doing the things they love most.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
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Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
Why your pet’s musculoskeletal health matters
With painful joints, bones, or muscles, everyday activities become difficult (e.g. walking, climbing stairs, getting comfortable to sleep) and quality of life is heavily impacted.
Pets in pain may eat less, seem withdrawn/unsettled, and may show irritability/aggression. If these issues go untreated, they can progress into chronic conditions – such as osteoarthritis – making long-term management more challenging. Supporting your pet’s musculoskeletal health is important for their mobility, comfort, and happiness throughout their life.
What we treat:
Please be advised that this list is not exhaustive. If your pet’s ailment has not been listed, it is still likely that we can help. Please do not hesitate to reach out!
Long-term degeneration of the joints that leads to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.
Complete or partial tear of one of the main ligaments inside the knee, often causing sudden lameness and difficulty bearing weight.
A developmental condition where the bones in the elbow joint don’t fit together properly, leading to pain and early arthritis.
A condition where the ball and socket of the hip do not fit smoothly, causing joint laxity, pain, and reduced mobility.
A degenerative spinal condition where the discs between the vertebrae bulge or slip, placing pressure on the spinal cord and affecting mobility.
A degenerative condition affecting the lower spine where it meets the pelvis, often causing back pain and hindlimb weakness.
The formation of bony growths along the spine, which can limit flexibility and contribute to back pain.
A condition where the kneecap pops in and out of place, causing a skipping lameness or intermittent discomfort.
Injury to muscles, ligaments, or tendons caused by overstretching or sudden trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Inflammation of a tendon due to overuse or injury, leading to pain and stiffness, especially after activity.
How we support your pet’s musculoskeletal health
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentle, holistic way to support pets with musculoskeletal issues by combining the benefits of Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture.
With these therapies, our qualified vets aim to help ease pain, reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes. By improving circulation, they deliver vital nutrients and energy to injured tissues, helping to restore mobility and overall function.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
In TCM, an appropriate diet is fundamental for effective treatment. Once the holistic vet has determined your pet’s “pattern of disharmony”, they can tailor a simple dietary plan that is specific to your pet’s needs.
With food therapy for musculoskeletal complaints, the aim is to reduce inflammation and stiffness, improving comfort and supporting recovery.
Every pet is unique, and our goal is to tailor dietary recommendations to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall constitution. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that most pets find very soothing, making it an excellent option for supporting recovery from musculoskeletal problems.
It works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes: the light causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the affected area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the areas that need support. This helps reduce inflammation, ease swelling, and relieve pain by triggering the release of endorphins.
Laser therapy also encourages healthy cell division, which speeds up tissue repair and supports long-lasting healing.
Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses low-energy, high-pressure sound waves to stimulate the body’s own healing response. These gentle shockwaves pass through the skin to the injured tissues, creating tiny, controlled micro-traumas that prompt the body to increase blood flow and release growth factors—key ingredients for effective healing.
Many pets experience instant pain relief as the therapy helps to desensitise nerve endings, and the long-term benefits can be remarkable: shockwaves help break down disorganised tissue, scarring, and calcification while encouraging the formation of healthy new tissue. It’s a powerful way to support both immediate comfort and sustained recovery.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
