Chelsea Cauwenbergh
Founder of Hydro-Fysio

Ever since I was young, I have had a big heart for animals and together with my parents I always found a way to get every injured animal back on its feet. Pigeons, chickens, magpies, jays, hedgehogs, my own goldfish,... we helped them all. But the greatest amount of love went to the dogs I grew up with. It was inevitable that I would do something with animals later.

However, after my secondary education I decided to take a different path and I chose the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program at the KULeuven. But after obtaining my Master's degree in 2014, I started to feel the itch to work with animals again. That is why I chose to follow a Continuing Education in Animal Physiotherapy with a specialization in 'dogs' at the University of Ghent after my university studies at the KUL.

Since I founded my practice Hydro-Fysio in 2016, I have always combined this independent practice with a permanent job as a responsible physiotherapist, social services and invoicing in a residential care center. But since the combination of both jobs became a bit too heavy after 8 years, I have chosen to end my permanent job in the summer of 2024 and fully focus on dog physiotherapy.

In recent years I have also made two world trips where I was able to combine my personal dream of adventure travel with helping animals in need as an animal physiotherapist. I was able to contribute to various animal shelters in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Australia, Thailand, Borneo, Tanzania and Indonesia. These adventures remain the most educational and inspiring experiences I have ever had. A large part of my free time therefore still consists of traveling and volunteering abroad.

Laura Diricx

I'm Laura. I got my masters degree in 2020 as a humane physiotherapist. I love working as a physiotherapist but I've also always loved animals. That's where I got my interest to become a animal physiotherapist at the university in Gent.

In 2022 I got my degree as a dog physiotherapist and since then I've been able to help dogs rehabilitate after injury or surgery. Combining working with dogs as well as humans, gives me a lot of joy. Recently I've also graduated as a horse physiotherapist. In my spare time I like to go to the gym and travel once in a while.

The Clinic

Hydro-Fysio is situated at Nekkerspoelstraat 181, 2800 Mechelen. There is a private parking lot available for clients. This way you don't have to walk far with your injured or older dog.

Are you a little too early? No problem, take a seat in our waiting room. Thanks to the double entry doorway, it's possible to come inside without your dog having to face another dog. The less stress, the better for everyone.