Case Study: Poppy Ventura's Recovery Journey with Rosie Jackson of Jackson Veterinary Physiotherapy

Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS, a renowned cyber security and neurodiversity advocate, is the devoted owner of Poppy, a German Shepherd/Husky cross. Poppy holds a special place in Lisa's life, often featured in her social media posts and blogs.

Here, Lisa talks about Poppy, the health challenges that Poppy has faced, and how Rosie Jackson has helped Poppy with canine massage and physiotherapy.

Background and Challenges Poppy came into my life in July 2015 when my husband Russell and I rescued her from Danemere Animal Rescue. We had not long lost our previous German Shepherd Curley to old age, and despite being absolutely devastated we knew we wanted to open up our hearts and our home to another rescue dog, as the house felt so empty without Curley. So on 4 July 2015, Poppy arrived at her forever home with us.

I’m very open in my social media posts and blogs about the health challenges that Poppy has faced, which I will go into, and how important Poppy is to my life and mental health. As someone who is neurodivergent (diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyscalculia), I often struggle with mental health challenges including anxiety and depression, and I have diagnoses of CPTSD and fibromyalgia. These challenges have led me to trying to take my own life on several occasions, and if it wasn’t for Poppy, I wouldn’t be here writing this blog today. I’m not being melodramatic; it is a fact.

Poppy had no problems at all with her health until September 2020 when she suffered from a burst disc in her back. After spending a weekend at Vets Now in Worcester, we had to rush her up to The Willows at Solihull. It was during the pandemic so Poppy was taken away and we couldn’t go in with her, and had no idea if we would ever see her again. She ended up spending a week there, then had 3 solid months of crate rest and rehabilitation, with the best Christmas present in December 2020 being that Poppy was healed and back to her normal self.

Then in February 2022 she was diagnosed with endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), but with enzymes and medicine in her food, she still lives a normal life.

Then after a couple of blips with her back where she had soft muscle tissue injuries which required pain relief and rest, her vet Zoe Hart at The Stocks Veterinary Centre in Worcester recommended that Poppy have a combination of physiotherapy, massage, hydrotherapy and laser treatment.

A referral to Rosie Jackson Physiotherapy was made.

Rosie Jackson, Owner and Physiotherapist at Jackson Veterinary Physiotherapy

Intervention by Rosie Jackson of Jackson Veterinary Physiotherapy

Rosie Jackson of Jackson Veterinary Physiotherapy is a qualified veterinary physiotherapist and registered veterinary nurse. Rosie specialises in canine remedial massage and offers mobile physiotherapy services across Worcestershire.

I’ll never forget the first time that Rosie came to see us for an initial assessment in February 2023, she was so kind and so gentle with Poppy and came up with a treatment plan that focused on some key areas where Poppy was struggling, especially in her back and chest area due to the burst disc she had in 2020.

Rosie’s recommended treatment plan for Poppy included:

• Laser Therapy: Targeted sessions to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, this was delivered by Izzy Badham of Worcester Vet Physiotherapy.
  

• Canine Massage: Techniques aimed at releasing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, this was delivered by Rosie.
  

• Physiotherapy Exercises: Customised routines to restore mobility and strength, this was delivered by Rosie.
  

• Hydrotherapy: it was also noted that Poppy would benefit from having regular hydrotherapy sessions, so she goes to Malvern Canine Hydrotherapy once a month for this.

Poppy having a massage over her lower back and pelvis to help relieve discomfort

Outcomes and Observations

Under Rosie’s attentive care, Poppy showed significant improvements in her physical well-being and overall demeanour. The combination of laser therapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises and hydrotherapy contributed massively to Poppy’s recovery enhancing her mobility and comfort.

It was like I had got the old Poppy back, and despite being 11 years old (12 in November 2025), she seemed to get a new lease of life. We even started going for walks twice a day instead of once a day, which was what The Willows in Solihull recommended we do after Poppy had her burst disc episode.

This in turn helped to improve my own mental health, as getting out in the fresh air twice a day helped me to relax and enjoy being in nature with Poppy.

My proactive approach in seeking alternative therapies really highlighted the importance of personalised care in veterinary medicine. Every pet is different, with unique challenges and needs, and Rosie worked with us to come up with the perfect treatment plan for Poppy.

I don’t feel it is over the top to say that if it wasn’t for Rosie, and if it wasn’t for the treatment plan that we’ve kept on top of since February 2023, Poppy wouldn’t be with us now. Or at least, if she was still with us now, her quality of life would have been massively impacted.

Through having regular canine physiotherapy, massage, laser treatment and hydrotherapy Poppy is still as playful as a puppy sometimes, she still has mad zoomies around the garden, and she is still living her best life.

The Benefits of Poppy Having Canine Physiotherapy and Massage

Through Poppy’s sessions with Rosie, I noticed several amazing benefits:

• Reduced Pain and Inflammation: The gentle laser therapy and massage sessions helped to ease Poppy’s pain and reduce inflammation in her joints and muscles. I could see her moving more freely and with less discomfort.
  

• Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Physiotherapy exercises tailored for Poppy’s specific needs really helped her regain strength and flexibility. She was able to get up and down more easily and seemed much happier on her walks.
  

• Better Relaxation and Comfort: The massage techniques Rosie used helped to release muscle tension and promote a deep sense of relaxation for Poppy. It was lovely to see her so calm and content during and after her sessions.
  

• Enhanced Bonding and Trust: Participating in Poppy’s therapy not only improved her health but also deepened the bond between us. I could tell she felt safe and cared for, and it gave me so much reassurance knowing I was supporting her recovery to the very best of my ability with Rosie.
  

• Prevention of Future Issues: Rosie also provided me with some simple exercises and massage techniques to do at home, which meant I could continue to support Poppy’s health and help prevent future injuries.
  

Seeing how much happier and more comfortable Poppy was after each session has been such a relief and a joy for me, I couldn’t be happier about how she has responded to her treatment.

Poppy’s response to canine physiotherapy and massage highlights the potential benefits of holistic and alternative veterinary therapies in addressing complex health challenges. Rosie’s tailored approach played a pivotal role in Poppy’s recovery, offering a compassionate and effective alternative to traditional treatments. And the results speak for themselves – Poppy is happy, more active and more mobile than she has been since she had her burst disc episode in September 2020.

Think of canine physiotherapy and massage as essential maintenance for your pet, much like an annual service and MOT for your car. These therapies can help prevent problems before they arise and can also address any underlying issues in your pet before they develop into more serious health concerns. So, if something is underlying or brewing in your pet, it can help to nip it in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem for them.

I now raise awareness as much as I can about the benefits of canine physiotherapy and massage when I share moments from Poppy’s therapy sessions, especially when she wears protective “doggles” during laser treatments and expressing my deep appreciation for the care Rosie has provided, it is beyond priceless to us.

Final Thoughts 

Reflecting on Poppy’s journey, I am truly grateful for the incredible care and dedication Rosie Jackson and her team have shown us. Witnessing Poppy’s transformation from a dog who was in so much pain when she had her burst disc in September 2020 that she couldn’t walk at all to one who now bounds around with youthful enthusiasm has been nothing short of amazing. It has also reinforced for me the power of seeking out holistic and alternative therapies alongside traditional veterinary care.

Beyond the physical improvements, this journey has strengthened the bond between Poppy and me in ways I never expected. Through her treatment sessions, I’ve found hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose for myself. It’s no exaggeration to say that Poppy has not just recovered physically but has given me so much strength and support through my own struggles. Her journey has been a profound reminder that our pets can be our greatest healers, and that with the right care, love, and attention, they can thrive even in the face of adversity. Thank you, Rosie, for everything you’ve done and continue to do for Poppy.