About Nicola
Certified Canine Myofunctional Therapist (Angel’s Animals CMFT Holistic Studies, 2020).
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, New Zealand (Graduated 1997).
Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Certificate of Animal Nutrition, Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation (2018).
Owner of an American Bulldog, a Bull Arab & a ‘Heinz Variety’ Bully (plus four cats & seven sheep).
A big thank you to our dogs Meg (RIP 2018), Diesel (RIP 2023), McCaw (RIP 2024), Kaos & Justice for being exceptional models.
Hi, I’m Nicola, and here’s a little bit about me.
There is nothing worse than watching your dog suffer from pain. In the middle of 2016 my heart dog, Meg, suddenly stopped wanting to go for a walk. Up until then she had been a very active dog, with swimming being her favourite thing to do. But this changed overnight. Over the next two years we watched her slowly deteriorate physically … and it was gut-wrenching. Making the decision to put her to sleep was one of the hardest calls we have ever made. At the time I wished there was more we could have done to make her comfortable but, apart from medications the vet offered, there were no holistic canine services available in our local area.
While researching different holistic therapies at the time, I came across a course to become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist. Having been a physiotherapist for the past twenty-odd years, and with a passion for dogs (we currently have three dogs, but at one point had five!), I jumped at the chance to be able to transfer my skills from working with humans to working with canines. This also coincided with one of our American Bulldogs (McCaw) starting to suffer from degenerative disc disease, and our Bull Arab (Kaos) partially tearing her cruciate ligament. The benefit they received from the regular Myofunctional treatments and rehabilitative exercises I gave them strengthened my desire to help other dogs and their owners.
Unfortunately, our dogs are all going to get older and we know they won’t be with us forever. But if we can help them stay healthy, active and strong for as long as possible, wouldn’t we all want that for our best friend?
Here’s what other pet owners, like yourself, are saying about how I’ve helped their dogs.
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A friend recommended Nicola to me after our 12 year old Golden Retriever, Cooper, was diagnosed with arthritis, and put on regular medication & monthly injections. Once Nicola commenced working with Cooper I noticed almost instant relief, & after a couple of treatments the injections & medication were no longer required. Nicola was patient & very caring with Cooper, & her friendly nature always put him at ease. It is obvious Nicola is knowledgeable about overall dog health, as she offered support & advice with Cooper’s diet & other strategies to support a more holistic approach to his treatment. As a direct result of Nicola’s treatment Cooper’s quality of life improved greatly during the time she treated him. I cannot recommend Nicola highly enough. I am so very thankful to her for ensuring my fur baby was comfortable & happy in his final months.
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— Kayla H.
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When our dog Zeik was diagnosed with Wobblers Syndrome, Nicola treated him & we saw an immediate improvement in his overall movement & wellbeing. Zeik felt very comfortable around Nicola & warmed to her instantly. It is obvious how experienced & knowledgeable she is in her field & in many other areas of animal care. My wife & I would definitely recommend her & I can guarantee your pet will be in the best hands.
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— Josh T
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I wish you could have seen Ruby last night. She’d been for a pretty big walk & then floated up onto the Ute, wagging her tail madly. Even my friend noticed how much happier she is! If my dogs are happy, I’m happy. So we all appreciate you helping us out.
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— Jenny B
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Thanks for being a part of his life & for the relief & buzz you gave him - it made my heart flutter when he used to trot around like a young dog after his therapy. I will be forever grateful.
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— Cacia R
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You certainly had an impact on Frankie. He was a different dog over the weekend. I can’t remember the last time he chased a ball and brought it back continuously. He wasn’t roaming around, whinging at all either.
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- Vanessa T
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We are so happy with Nicola & her excellent treatment of Billy, our four year old Groodle. Billy was run over by a four-wheel drive & sustained multiple fractures, & had four complicated surgeries. Nicola came to our house weekly, & has got Billy to a stage where he can walk, run & is very happy. Nicola was very gentle & compassionate with Billy. I would recommend Nicola 100% to help facilitate healing with your beloved dog. Nicola communicates very well & is punctual with her appointments. Nicola is the best physio in the canine world.
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- Michelle H
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After my Cavoodle, Ollie, had luxating patella surgery his recovery started to regress post-op. Having no idea what exercises he should be doing,, Nicola’s guidance, expertise & care of Ollie has been amazing. Being given easy & progressive exercises to do, with Nicola providing adjustments specific to Ollie’s needs & physical environment, has made a stressful time so much easier. Nicola has also been able to provide referrals to other Canine Specialists with knowledge about supplements & diet to aid specific issues. I highly recommend Nicola. She has a genuine love of animals that is clear to see, & I am so grateful for the change in Ollie who is enjoying an active & chaotic life again!
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- Jade R
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Nicola has been treating Fletcher, my two-year-old Staffy x Shar-Pei, for the past 18 months after he had a femoral osteotomy at six months of age. Fletcher has come a long way since then, & now loves running, jumping to catch balls & swimming. Nicola has tremendous empathy, as well as knowledge & experience & I have always trusted her opinion on what is best for Fletch. Following his initial surgery, it was suggested to me that needed a follow-up operation that I was quite concerned about, especially as a relatively new dog owner. I discussed this with Nicola & we decided to implement a less invasive programme of massage & stretches first, whilst keeping a close eye on Fletcher, before deciding whether to go ahead with the second surgery or not. I’m certain this was the best decision, as so far no further surgery has been required, & Fletcher is a health & happy dog. Nicola has broad knowledge of many areas of dog health, & always provides helpful & impartial advice.
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- Philip M
Continuing Education
Courses Completed through the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
K9 Conditioning
Get Out in Front: A Focus on Forelimb Health and Strengthening
Preventing and Addressing the Iliopsoas
Dogs With Long Backs - The Things You Need to Do
Canine Fitness Trainer I
Canine Fitness Trainer II
What’s Right With My Dog
Shape Up or Ship Out - Strengthening the Core, Front and Rear
Dog and Handler Fitness: Spring into Action!
Courses Completed through the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Animal Special Interest Group
Business Success Masterclass
Canine Cruciate Disease - Current Concepts of Management
Tripawds - What’s a Physio to Do?
Spinal Cord Injuries in the Canine
Webinars Completed through the Fenzi Sports Dog Academy
Shoulder Injuries in Dogs - Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Train Your Dog to Gait for Fitness and Performance
How to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Lifespan
Understanding Gait Mechanics
Managing Arthritis in Active Dogs: Evidence-Based Strategies for Slowing Progression, Reducing Pain and Increasing Mobility
Fit to Finish: Benefits of Canine Fitness for the Nose Work Dog
If you have any more questions …
If you’d like to find out more about how I can help your best friend then please fill in the form below to organise a free chat by phone, or head to the FAQs page.