My name is Mihály Kovács, canine physiotherapist and human as well as small animal massage therapist.
I have been working in the field of human and veterinary healthcare for over two decades. This has provided me with a comprehensive, integrated perspective that uniquely combines experience from both human and animal musculoskeletal rehabilitation. I have consciously incorporated my knowledge gained as a human massage therapist into the treatment of small animals, allowing me to assess and manage conditions more holistically than practitioners trained in only one field.
Since 2022, I have also been working as an assistant in local veterinary clinics, where I participate daily in diagnostic and therapeutic processes. My professional development has been significantly shaped by the opportunity to learn alongside outstanding local and Budapest-based veterinarians, whose approach and precision fundamentally influenced my work.
Services
We support your pet’s recovery with modern equipment and professional expertise. At the TalpraMancs DogRehab clinic, we offer, among others:
specialized therapeutic devices
magnetic field therapy
laser therapy
TENS electrotherapy
ultrasound therapy
In addition to modern technologies, we place strong emphasis on proven manual methods, including:
manual therapy
various massage techniques
gentle passive joint mobilization
muscle stretching
individualized physiotherapy
fitness and balance training
Dog Tapping technique
Successful rehabilitation is based on accurate diagnosis and a well-structured plan. Therefore, every new patient undergoes a detailed assessment. Exceptions apply only to healthy dogs where the goal is conditioning or prevention. The assessment takes approximately 1–1.5 hours.
Why is a complex approach important? We do not treat only symptoms — our goal is to identify the root cause. The body constantly compensates: if one area does not function properly, others take over the load, which may lead to further issues. Therefore, we assess the entire musculoskeletal system, not just the symptomatic area.
Assessment includes:
review of veterinary diagnosis
detailed medical history
gait analysis
muscle and joint evaluation
neurological testing (if needed)
After assessment you receive:
individualized treatment plan
short- and long-term goals
therapy recommendations
home exercises
Progress is regularly reassessed and the plan adjusted accordingly.
Each treatment plan is individualized. Session duration: typically 45–50 minutes (adjusted to the dog’s tolerance).
Possible elements include:
massage techniques
lymphatic drainage
stretching
manual therapy
passive joint mobilization
stabilization exercises
physiotherapy
fitness & balance training
laser therapy
magnetic therapy
treadmill therapy
ultrasound
TENS
Dog Tapping
We use medical-grade infrared laser devices.
Effects:
accelerates tissue healing
reduces inflammation
relieves pain
Indications:
muscle, tendon, joint injuries
sprains, strains
arthritis
cartilage damage
wounds, burns
Targeted exercises to improve strength, coordination and stability.
Applicable for:
healthy dogs (conditioning)
rehabilitation
pre-surgical preparation
Includes Swedish, Thai elements and gentle lymphatic techniques.
Effects:
reduces pain
improves circulation
relieves muscle tension
supports recovery
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief without medication.
High-frequency sound waves for deep tissue treatment.
Effects:
improves circulation
reduces pain
breaks adhesions
Specialized rehabilitation treadmills support muscle development, improve endurance, and help restore correct movement patterns. It is a gentle and safe method of canine movement therapy, applied according to individual needs. For healthy pets, it can be booked without prior assessment; in other cases, it is included in the PRO and MAX treatment packages combined with other therapies.
How does it affect the body and what conditions is it recommended for? Treadmill training gradually increases range of motion, supports recovery after injuries, and strengthens weak muscle groups. It is particularly beneficial for senior or overweight dogs, as it helps maintain fitness without placing excessive strain on the joints.
Recommended for post-surgical rehabilitation, supporting movement in overweight dogs, treating muscle weakness, and conditioning sport dogs.
Please do not feed your pet for at least 4 hours before the session. Certain therapeutic stimuli or more intensive treatments may cause nausea, which can lead to discomfort if the stomach is full. Fresh water should still be provided; drinking does not need to be restricted. Before arrival, please ensure your pet has the opportunity to relieve itself. Retaining this can cause discomfort, and treatment stimuli may increase bowel activity, so “accidents” may occur. During treatments, we use treats as a motivational tool, therefore please bring an adequate amount. Especially during the first sessions, more may be needed while the dog is getting familiar with the environment and equipment.
Treats
The selection of treats is the owner’s responsibility, as each dog is motivated differently and may follow a specific diet. Ideally, treats should be:
small in size
soft in texture
easy to swallow
highly valuable for the dog
Course of the treatment
The duration and structure of treatments are always adapted to the dog’s current physical and mental condition. These conditions may also be influenced by external factors such as weather fronts or temperature changes.
Aggressive behaviour
If the dog shows aggressive behaviour, the use of a muzzle is required for safety. Please bring a muzzle that:
prevents biting
allows the mouth to open
enables drinking, panting, and accepting treats
This is essential for both the dog’s comfort and safety.
Owner’s presence
All treatments take place in the presence of the owner. This reduces stress, improves cooperation, and allows the owner to learn how to perform home exercises correctly.
Difficult-to-motivate dogs
It is recommended to try different types of treats with varying “value.” Practical experience shows that cooked meat is highly motivating for many dogs. Alternatively, skipping feeding before treatment may increase motivation.
Stressed or fearful dogs
If the dog cannot be examined or does not allow handling, treatment cannot begin. Gradual habituation is recommended:
repeated visits near the clinic
positive reinforcement with treats
pre-arranged, “no-pressure” visits
These sessions are free of charge and aim to build a sense of safety. At home, it is recommended to start basic cooperative care training.
Damage
If the dog causes damage to equipment during treatment (e.g. chewing), the owner is responsible for covering the cost.
Appointments and timing
Cancellation / rescheduling
Please inform us as early as possible. Within 24 hours: 30% cancellation fee applies.
Late arrival
Treatment duration is fixed. In case of delay, available treatment time is reduced, which may affect effectiveness.
“Accidents”
If an accident occurs during treatment, cleaning time will be deducted from the session. Therefore, it is important that the dog relieves itself beforehand.
Hygiene and health requirements
Treatment cannot be performed in cases of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or infectious disease. Please reschedule in such cases. We only accept animals that are:
clean
free from external and internal parasites
vaccinated (rabies and combined vaccines)
Please bring the vaccination record to the first session. Brushing the coat beforehand is recommended. Proper nail length is also important. Please inform us in advance about any existing or new health conditions.
Dogs in heat
Dogs in heat cannot be accepted.
Cooperation between veterinarian and physiotherapy
Physiotherapy does not replace veterinary care; it complements it. A veterinary diagnosis is required before starting treatment (except for preventive cases in healthy dogs). Regular veterinary check-ups are strongly recommended. Please bring all relevant medical documentation to the first session and follow-ups.
Photo and video recording
Photo and audio recording during treatments is only allowed with prior permission. However, by participating in the session, the owner consents to recordings necessary for the therapy.
Owner’s responsibility
Canine physiotherapy is always a collaborative process.
The owner’s role:
follow recommended activity and rest guidelines
perform home exercises
monitor the dog and provide feedback
avoid overloading the dog
Consistency is more important than perfection. Best results are achieved when the owner acts as a partner.
Expected progress
Improvement depends on the condition, severity, and duration. Some cases improve within a few sessions, others require longer. A realistic outlook is provided after assessment.
Is physiotherapy painful?
No. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase comfort. All techniques are adapted to the dog’s condition. If discomfort occurs, treatment is modified or stopped.
