DIRT Physio | Sandra Oxtoby | Physio for horses humans and hounds | human physio

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Welcome to D I R T Physio - where getting dirty is absolutely part of the healing.

Sandra Oxtoby - Physiotherapist - runs a hyper-niche physio clinic for nature lovers, horse + dog people, and anyone who firmly believes fresh air should be a medical treatment.

Physiotherapy, dirt included

Physio for equestrian athletes

Physio for nature lovers

Physio for horses

Physio for dogs

Check out D I R T online shop! - coming soon

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Contact Us

dirtphysio@gmail.com

Phone: (403) 969-8292

Snow - it isn’t over yet!

Spring time walks, can lead to injury in your pups!

Recognizing the different types of snow your dogs have to run through, how much they weigh, what injuries their breed is prone to - should always play into your decisions of when, where and how long to walk your dog!

This is also so important across seasons - mud, beaches, ice, etc.
#caninefitnesscentre

Snow - it isn’t over yet!

Spring time walks, can lead to injury in your pups!

Recognizing the different types of snow your dogs have to run through, how much they weigh, what injuries their breed is prone to - should always play into your decisions of when, where and how long to walk your dog!

This is also so important across seasons - mud, beaches, ice, etc.
#caninefitnesscentre

Proof that you can still play in dirt with your friends on your 38th.

Proof that you can still play in dirt with your friends on your 38th.

It’s a good day, when the 170lb patient is before the 5lb patient.

It’s a good day, when the 170lb patient is before the 5lb patient.

Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) + riding

Quick tip: If you have been told you have a “tight ass” in riding or you have a super “driving seat”: for 1 min each direction at the beginning of your rides - CONSCIOUSLY think about allowing your anus to relax. Not any activation of muscles - simply just relaxing in motion. By you taking the time for your brain to understand, “I can relax, and therefore also contract my pelvic floor muscles” this will significantly help your pelvis motion in the saddle, and therefore improve your seat/communication of the aids.

Equestrian athletes are at a higher risk of pelvic floor muscle control dysfunction (hypertonic muscles) due to the biomechanics of our sport. If any concerns please do see a pelvic floor physiotherapist or discuss with your primary health care professional.

Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) + riding

Quick tip: If you have been told you have a “tight ass” in riding or you have a super “driving seat”: for 1 min each direction at the beginning of your rides - CONSCIOUSLY think about allowing your anus to relax. Not any activation of muscles - simply just relaxing in motion. By you taking the time for your brain to understand, “I can relax, and therefore also contract my pelvic floor muscles” this will significantly help your pelvis motion in the saddle, and therefore improve your seat/communication of the aids.

Equestrian athletes are at a higher risk of pelvic floor muscle control dysfunction (hypertonic muscles) due to the biomechanics of our sport. If any concerns please do see a pelvic floor physiotherapist or discuss with your primary health care professional.

Perimenopause + Equestrian Athletes.

Today I had the opportunity to attend the @calgaryhealthfoundation Woman Health Symposium at the beyond beautiful Calgary Central Library. It was a chance to network with health care professionals in Calgary specializing in menopause (and everything that goes with it). I could not believe my opportunity to speak directly with OBGYN’s, NP’s, pelvic health physios and orthopaedic surgeons on my passion for equestrian athletes health. My main focus of today was to absorb information on muscle/tendon function through hormonal changes, and then extrapolate that to how riders feel + manage symptoms in the saddle.

Takeaways:
For bone health through perimenopause and menopause, you need to JUMP! And I don’t mean show jumping 🤣. But you need to jump jump jump in workouts for your bone health. You also need to strength train HARDER than what we expect we should - you have to push yourself.

Perimenopause symptoms can start in mid 30’s, and symptoms are often referred to as “NFLM syndrome” (not feeling like myself). But the answer is rarely initially medical intervention, the first line of defence in prevention is: 1) Impact exercise 2) Strength training 3) Proper nutrition.

If you are “NFLM” in the saddle, take a listen to your body. Perimenopause is an opportunity to listen to your body.

@themfactorfilm

Perimenopause + Equestrian Athletes.

Today I had the opportunity to attend the @calgaryhealthfoundation Woman Health Symposium at the beyond beautiful Calgary Central Library. It was a chance to network with health care professionals in Calgary specializing in menopause (and everything that goes with it). I could not believe my opportunity to speak directly with OBGYN’s, NP’s, pelvic health physios and orthopaedic surgeons on my passion for equestrian athletes health. My main focus of today was to absorb information on muscle/tendon function through hormonal changes, and then extrapolate that to how riders feel + manage symptoms in the saddle.

Takeaways:
For bone health through perimenopause and menopause, you need to JUMP! And I don’t mean show jumping 🤣. But you need to jump jump jump in workouts for your bone health. You also need to strength train HARDER than what we expect we should - you have to push yourself.

Perimenopause symptoms can start in mid 30’s, and symptoms are often referred to as “NFLM syndrome” (not feeling like myself). But the answer is rarely initially medical intervention, the first line of defence in prevention is: 1) Impact exercise 2) Strength training 3) Proper nutrition.

If you are “NFLM” in the saddle, take a listen to your body. Perimenopause is an opportunity to listen to your body.

@themfactorfilm

Happy Friday!

A lot of talk of Peter Campbell this week for various reasons. I always feel so lucky, I learned “horsemanship” from this mentor since about 6 years old. The things he taught me about the horse - have kept me safe and minimized my injuries from riding over the years.

Happy Friday!

A lot of talk of Peter Campbell this week for various reasons. I always feel so lucky, I learned “horsemanship” from this mentor since about 6 years old. The things he taught me about the horse - have kept me safe and minimized my injuries from riding over the years.

CFC as we call it 🤎🤎🤎

A facility physios from across the world dream of working at - and it’s been an honour to be part of the team.

CFC as we call it 🤎🤎🤎

A facility physios from across the world dream of working at - and it’s been an honour to be part of the team.

Total Hip Replacements (THR) + return to the tack

Quick tip: If you have had a THR (or a similar hip surgery) for 2 min each direction at the beginning of your rides - CONSCIOUSLY think about allowing motion of the horse through your seat. Not any activation of muscles - simply ALLOWING motion. By you taking the time for your brain to understand, “it’s okay- it doesn’t hurt anymore” - this will significantly help your pelvis return to the natural motion it once had before pain began, and therefore improve your seat/communication of the aids. Plus it will be MUCH appreciated for your horses back.

Whether you had a hip replacement 3 months ago, or 3 years ago. Chances are you need to think about what your seat is allowing. Please share with riders who have had this procedure done. Super proud of them for getting back in the tack!

Total Hip Replacements (THR) + return to the tack

Quick tip: If you have had a THR (or a similar hip surgery) for 2 min each direction at the beginning of your rides - CONSCIOUSLY think about allowing motion of the horse through your seat. Not any activation of muscles - simply ALLOWING motion. By you taking the time for your brain to understand, “it’s okay- it doesn’t hurt anymore” - this will significantly help your pelvis return to the natural motion it once had before pain began, and therefore improve your seat/communication of the aids. Plus it will be MUCH appreciated for your horses back.

Whether you had a hip replacement 3 months ago, or 3 years ago. Chances are you need to think about what your seat is allowing. Please share with riders who have had this procedure done. Super proud of them for getting back in the tack!

Fridays are shaping up to be lit for 2026 Q1 wrap-up and Q2 kick off!

“Because life’s better when you can get a little dirty doing what you love🤎”

Fridays are shaping up to be lit for 2026 Q1 wrap-up and Q2 kick off!

“Because life’s better when you can get a little dirty doing what you love🤎”

I don’t take new patients!
But…. Still want to work with me?

4 ways around this:
1) Virtual - in booking link
2) Book a riding physio clinic at your barn
3) I go to your existing barn
4) Another health care professional or a coach/trainer asks sends a referral
5) For canines - at the Canine Fitness Centre you can get in - but it will be quite a few weeks/months - so please see another physio there!

I don’t take new patients!
But…. Still want to work with me?

4 ways around this:
1) Virtual - in booking link
2) Book a riding physio clinic at your barn
3) I go to your existing barn
4) Another health care professional or a coach/trainer asks sends a referral
5) For canines - at the Canine Fitness Centre you can get in - but it will be quite a few weeks/months - so please see another physio there!

Happy Friday!

#dirtdonthurt #getdirty #backtodirt #dirtphysio #fridayfeels #friday #quotes #TGIF #cowgirl #horse #yyc #love #setbacks #mindset #goals #stronger

Happy Friday!

#dirtdonthurt #getdirty #backtodirt #dirtphysio #fridayfeels #friday #quotes #TGIF #cowgirl #horse #yyc #love #setbacks #mindset #goals #stronger

Does this happen to you?

#wellnesswednesday #workoutwednesday #challenge

Does this happen to you?

#wellnesswednesday #workoutwednesday #challenge

Tuesday's have always been about the dogs for me 🐾

#dog #dogsofinstagram #puppy #dogs #pet #instadog #dogstagram #petstagram #doglover #dogoftheday #seniordog #puppy
#caninephysio #caninerehab #dogphysio #dogphysiotherapy #dogrehab #caninefitnesscentre #yycdog #yycdogs

Tuesday's have always been about the dogs for me 🐾

#dog #dogsofinstagram #puppy #dogs #pet #instadog #dogstagram #petstagram #doglover #dogoftheday #seniordog #puppy
#caninephysio #caninerehab #dogphysio #dogphysiotherapy #dogrehab #caninefitnesscentre #yycdog #yycdogs

When on stall rest, enrichment toys for the W!

When on stall rest, enrichment toys for the W!

Sandra Oxtoby. D I R T Physio 🤎🤎🤎

Sandra Oxtoby. D I R T Physio 🤎🤎🤎

Add a brain challenge this winter- plus its great for coordination and your core!

#wellnesswednesday #workoutwednesday #challenge

Add a brain challenge this winter- plus its great for coordination and your core!

#wellnesswednesday #workoutwednesday #challenge

Tuesday's have always been about the dogs for me 🐾

#dog #dogsofinstagram #puppy #dogs #pet #instadog #dogstagram #petstagram #doglover #dogoftheday #seniordog #puppy #pugs #pugsofinstagram #puglove
#caninephysio #caninerehab #dogphysio #dogphysiotherapy #dogrehab #caninefitnesscentre #yycdog #yycdogs

Tuesday's have always been about the dogs for me 🐾

#dog #dogsofinstagram #puppy #dogs #pet #instadog #dogstagram #petstagram #doglover #dogoftheday #seniordog #puppy #pugs #pugsofinstagram #puglove
#caninephysio #caninerehab #dogphysio #dogphysiotherapy #dogrehab #caninefitnesscentre #yycdog #yycdogs

Happy Friday!

#dirtdonthurt #getdirty #backtodirt #dirtphysio #fridayfeels #friday #quotes #TGIF #cowgirl #horse #yyc #love

Happy Friday!

#dirtdonthurt #getdirty #backtodirt #dirtphysio #fridayfeels #friday #quotes #TGIF #cowgirl #horse #yyc #love

Welcome 2026! The year of the horse 🐎 Big things coming and being planned this year for sure! Let DIRT be a catalyst in supporting your goals, not just this year but also in the years to come.

#Yearofthehorse #happynewyear #goals #fitness #animals #exploremore #growwithme

Welcome 2026! The year of the horse 🐎 Big things coming and being planned this year for sure! Let DIRT be a catalyst in supporting your goals, not just this year but also in the years to come.

#Yearofthehorse #happynewyear #goals #fitness #animals #exploremore #growwithme

Not D I R T employees, but still cute.

Not D I R T employees, but still cute.

Merry Christmas from my two amazing DIRT employees! Shimmer and Saleo helped patients in 2025 get back to riding after overcoming concussions, total knee replacements, T/Sp fractures, grief from losing their horse, and more! Not all hero’s wear capes, they wear reindeer ears!

Merry Christmas from my two amazing DIRT employees! Shimmer and Saleo helped patients in 2025 get back to riding after overcoming concussions, total knee replacements, T/Sp fractures, grief from losing their horse, and more! Not all hero’s wear capes, they wear reindeer ears!

A little December reminder!

A little December reminder!

What's your best tip for managing routines and conditioning for yourself and your horse through winter?

It's always a challenge in cold snaps, and I'd love to learn from what's actually working for you. For me I like to do ground work. Even in the field with blankets on - back ups, side steps, turn on the forehand, and turn on the haunches etc. Yes, likely with hand warmers in my gloves at these temps 🥶

What's your best tip for managing routines and conditioning for yourself and your horse through winter?

It's always a challenge in cold snaps, and I'd love to learn from what's actually working for you. For me I like to do ground work. Even in the field with blankets on - back ups, side steps, turn on the forehand, and turn on the haunches etc. Yes, likely with hand warmers in my gloves at these temps 🥶

Western, English, or "Wenglish" – Does the discipline influence my approach to treatment? Yes, very much so! The muscle and activation points will be very different from a show jumper to a cutter, so treatment and approaches need to be custimized.
Whether it's Western, English, or a blend of both, known as Wenglish, the discipline significantly impacts my method of treatment. Indeed, it greatly affects it! Therefore, the treatment and strategies must be tailored accordingly.

Western, English, or "Wenglish" – Does the discipline influence my approach to treatment? Yes, very much so! The muscle and activation points will be very different from a show jumper to a cutter, so treatment and approaches need to be custimized.
Whether it's Western, English, or a blend of both, known as Wenglish, the discipline significantly impacts my method of treatment. Indeed, it greatly affects it! Therefore, the treatment and strategies must be tailored accordingly.

What is with all the D I R T? What is the D I R T?

Marketing: My name and branding are getting a fresh new look, to lean into the active, animal-loving, outdoorsey 🏔️ vibe of my people.

Headquarters (home office): I now offer in person appointments at my home office 🏡 (SW Calgary) on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 - 5:30, which is bookable online: https://dirtphysio.janeapp.com

Pricing: You will notice a small increase to my fees in some areas, but more notably I am going to adhere to staying inside the designated times ⏰ of the appointments so that I can accommodate more patients.

Mobile services: Revised availability throughout the winter ❄️ months; Wednesdays will be inside Calgary city limits, and Fridays outside. I rotate through Cochrane, Airdrie, Priddis and Red Deer regularly, along with riding clinics across Western Canada.

Virtual services: I am excited in December to launch virtual rider 💻 physiotherapy assessment services, know as DIRT: Dynamic and Innovative Rider Therapy. This online exercise based program will allow patients not in proximity to Calgary to access equestrian expertise.

New services: 1) Order human diagnostic imaging in 🏥 Alberta (X-Ray, Ultrasound and MRI (private)). 2) I am the 1st physiotherapist in Alberta to be able to prescribe on paper NATURE. What does that mean? You will just will have to ask at your next appointment - but it fits right in with the DIRT values, getting those hiking boots dirty in our federal parks.

Communication: Please begin to utilizate the platform - Jane, for all my home office and virtual bookings going forward. Mobile appointments can still be requested via the platform 📱 we have previously conversed on.

Intake forms - Once you book your next appointment, I will be sending out intake forms 📋 to be updated. Please take the time to fill this out before our appointment, or worst case - we can do it together.

What’s Staying the Same? My care and my commitment to you. 🤎

What is with all the D I R T? What is the D I R T?

Marketing: My name and branding are getting a fresh new look, to lean into the active, animal-loving, outdoorsey 🏔️ vibe of my people.

Headquarters (home office): I now offer in person appointments at my home office 🏡 (SW Calgary) on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 - 5:30, which is bookable online: https://dirtphysio.janeapp.com

Pricing: You will notice a small increase to my fees in some areas, but more notably I am going to adhere to staying inside the designated times ⏰ of the appointments so that I can accommodate more patients.

Mobile services: Revised availability throughout the winter ❄️ months; Wednesdays will be inside Calgary city limits, and Fridays outside. I rotate through Cochrane, Airdrie, Priddis and Red Deer regularly, along with riding clinics across Western Canada.

Virtual services: I am excited in December to launch virtual rider 💻 physiotherapy assessment services, know as DIRT: Dynamic and Innovative Rider Therapy. This online exercise based program will allow patients not in proximity to Calgary to access equestrian expertise.

New services: 1) Order human diagnostic imaging in 🏥 Alberta (X-Ray, Ultrasound and MRI (private)). 2) I am the 1st physiotherapist in Alberta to be able to prescribe on paper NATURE. What does that mean? You will just will have to ask at your next appointment - but it fits right in with the DIRT values, getting those hiking boots dirty in our federal parks.

Communication: Please begin to utilizate the platform - Jane, for all my home office and virtual bookings going forward. Mobile appointments can still be requested via the platform 📱 we have previously conversed on.

Intake forms - Once you book your next appointment, I will be sending out intake forms 📋 to be updated. Please take the time to fill this out before our appointment, or worst case - we can do it together.

What’s Staying the Same? My care and my commitment to you. 🤎

🤎 Physio • Dog Lover • Cowgirl • Equestrian 🤎

I’m a horse girl at heart — the kind who loves all disciplines (English, Western, and my personal favorite: Wenglish). My passion for helping riders and horses started early… like before-I-could-walk early, when I was already “teaching” riding lessons at the family boarding stable.

Then everything changed when, at six years old, I watched a human physiotherapist fix a horse that no vet could help.
Right then and there, tiny me declared:
“I’m going to be a physio when I grow up.”
And honestly? I never looked back.

Fast forward through my coaching certification, a Kinesiology degree (majoring in sports psychology), a Master’s in Physiotherapy, and ten years running a niche rider-focused physio clinic… and here I am.

The next chapter?
Leaning fully into my truest identity: a physio for riders and the animals they love.
Yes — that includes the dogs. Especially the dogs.

If you’re seeing this post, I’d love for you to stick around and learn from the incredible people and animals I get to support every day — whether they’re on a rehabilitation journey or chasing high performance goals.

Welcome to the ride. 🤎

🤎 Physio • Dog Lover • Cowgirl • Equestrian 🤎

I’m a horse girl at heart — the kind who loves all disciplines (English, Western, and my personal favorite: Wenglish). My passion for helping riders and horses started early… like before-I-could-walk early, when I was already “teaching” riding lessons at the family boarding stable.

Then everything changed when, at six years old, I watched a human physiotherapist fix a horse that no vet could help.
Right then and there, tiny me declared:
“I’m going to be a physio when I grow up.”
And honestly? I never looked back.

Fast forward through my coaching certification, a Kinesiology degree (majoring in sports psychology), a Master’s in Physiotherapy, and ten years running a niche rider-focused physio clinic… and here I am.

The next chapter?
Leaning fully into my truest identity: a physio for riders and the animals they love.
Yes — that includes the dogs. Especially the dogs.

If you’re seeing this post, I’d love for you to stick around and learn from the incredible people and animals I get to support every day — whether they’re on a rehabilitation journey or chasing high performance goals.

Welcome to the ride. 🤎

Welcome to 🤎 D I R T Physio — where getting dirty is absolutely part of the healing.

Sandra Oxtoby runs a hyper-niche physio clinic for nature lovers, horse + dog people, and anyone who firmly believes fresh air should be a medical treatment.

Her superpowers?

Understanding the unique dance between horse and rider — she speaks fluent rider.

Believing every dog deserves the same quality of healthcare your mother would get (yes, really!).

At 🤎 D I R T Physio, Sandra blends education, therapeutic exercise, delightfully fancy medical-modality gadgets, and skilled hands-on treatment to get you and your animals feeling strong, heard, and ready to hit the trails (or the arena).

Welcome to 🤎 D I R T Physio — where getting dirty is absolutely part of the healing.

Sandra Oxtoby runs a hyper-niche physio clinic for nature lovers, horse + dog people, and anyone who firmly believes fresh air should be a medical treatment.

Her superpowers?

Understanding the unique dance between horse and rider — she speaks fluent rider.

Believing every dog deserves the same quality of healthcare your mother would get (yes, really!).

At 🤎 D I R T Physio, Sandra blends education, therapeutic exercise, delightfully fancy medical-modality gadgets, and skilled hands-on treatment to get you and your animals feeling strong, heard, and ready to hit the trails (or the arena).

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