Osteopathy for a greater sulphur-crested Cockatoo

A case study in avian Osteopathy

Meet Levi

Levi is a 35-year-old Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, a species known for its intelligence, strong social bonds, and long lifespan. With appropriate care, these birds can live well into their seventies and beyond.

When I first met Levi, he was experiencing significant mobility challenges. He spent much of the day lying down and found it difficult to remain upright for extended periods. His feet were severely affected by chronic disease, and movement was clearly uncomfortable.

Levi had been rescued from a previous environment that had contributed to long-term physical deterioration. While his veterinary team was already providing extensive care, his prognosis remained guarded. His owner, Angela, was preparing herself for the possibility that his condition might continue to decline.

Understanding Levi’s Condition

At the time of his referral, Levi was living with severe bilateral pododermatitis (graded 4-5), commonly known as "bumblefoot," a painful, inflammatory condition affecting both his feet and hocks. It becomes chronic and debilitating when fueled by abnormal weight-bearing, poor perching surfaces, immobility, and underlying joint issues. In Levi’s case, there was also suspected advanced degenerative joint disease throughout the hocks, stifles (knees), and digits. Years of chronic compensation and discomfort had altered the way he moved and carried himself.

By October 2025, Levi's health had reached a critical low:

• Weight: dropped to just 0.59 kg

• Body condition score: a fragile 3/9

• Muscle wasting: significant loss of muscle mass across his body

• Pressure sores: developed along his keel from prolonged periods of lying down

• Mobility: severly limited

Levi's veterinary team had him on long-term pain relief manage his chronic pain. While this provided support, his mobility and overall quality of life remained significantly affected. His vet recommended exploring osteopathy and acupuncture as complementary therapies, and that’s where our journey together began.

Our first sessions together 

Working with birds requires patience, sensitivity, and careful observation. Parrots often communicate discomfort subtly, and trust must be built gradually.

During Levi's initial osteopathic assessment, several areas of restriction were identified as a result of chronic joint disease, altered weight-bearing, and long-standing compensatory patterns.

Levi demonstrated poor balance and instability through his hind limbs, making it difficult for him to stand comfortably. Mobility was reduced throughout his hips, stifles, and lower limb joints, affecting his ability to position and use his digits effectively. Assessment of the upper body also revealed reduced mobility in the right elbow and stiffness through the thoracic region and trunk. In avian biomechanics, the thoracic skeleton serves as a rigid anchor for flight; consequently, any local soft tissue or articular restrictions will profoundly amplify overall stiffness and compromise the bird's balance.

Treatment focused on carefully adapted osteopathic techniques appropriate for his tolerance and condition, including:

• Lymphatic pump techniques to support passive lymphatic return and reduce chronic swelling.

• Functional osteopathic techniques using indirect approaches to encourage tissue release without force.

• Sustained stretching to gradually restore movement within restricted joints.

• Soft tissue techniques addressing protective muscular and fascial tension.

• Gentle joint mobilisation guided entirely by Levi’s comfort and response.

Alongside osteopathic treatment, Levi's veterinary team also provided acupuncture as part of his ongoing management plan. The combination of veterinary care and supportive manual therapy formed an important part of his rehabilitation.

Rebuilding strength and mobility

Recovery in chronic cases rarely happens dramatically. More often, improvement appears through small but significant changes over time. Over the following months, Levi spent more time sitting upright, his keel sores healed, and he became increasingly engaged with his surroundings. As his strength improved, he gained muscle mass, became more active, and started exploring movement with a newfound confidence.

By May 2026, seven months after beginning treatment:

• Weight increased from 0.59 kg to 0.80 kg

• Body condition score improved from 3/9 to 5.5/9

• Veterinary reassessment described him as "much stronger, brighter, and more mobile".

For Angela, however, the most profound changes couldn't be measured on a scale:

"Just wanted to let you know Levi has made great progress after our last session. He is now climbing down from top of sofa, even all the way to the floor. A couple of days ago he launched himself (flew!) from sofa top to my daughter’s shoulder a good metre away. She freaked out but I laughed so hard I cried. This progress is huge."  - Angela, May 2026

A collaborative approach to care

While Levi's breakthrough is incredibly heartwarming, it is important to note that he still lives with chronic structural changes that cannot be completely reversed. However, his case highlights the benefits of an integrated approach to care.

Veterinary medicine addressed pain management, medical treatment, and ongoing health monitoring. Osteopathy focused on mobility, circulation, tissue adaptation, and reducing the effects of long-term compensation. Together, these approaches supported improvements in comfort, function, and quality of life.

As with many chronic cases, daily management was equally important. Angela, monitored his comfort closely, adapted his environment to support his mobility, and celebrated every small improvement along the way. Her consistency and dedication was vital to the outcome we achieved together.

Could your bird benefit?

Birds experiencing chronic pain, arthritis, post-injury stiffness, reduced mobility, or age-related decline can benefit from supportive manual therapy as part of a broader veterinary treatment plan.

If you would like to discuss whether osteopathy is appropriate for your bird, feel free to get in touch, I would love to support your feathered family member.

About the author

Julie Garreau is an animal osteopath originally from France, holding a Master’s degree in Animal Osteopathy and additional qualifications in dry needling. Her clinical experience includes working with Grand Prix dressage and show jumping horses across Germany, Luxembourg, and France, collaborating with veterinary and canine hydrotherapy clinics in Australia, and treating a wide range of wildlife species including dingoes, koalas, freshwater crocodiles, and elephants in Thailand.

Now based in New Zealand, Julie works with horses, dogs, cats, exotic pets, farm animals, and wildlife, combining clinical expertise, traditional osteopathic methods, and evidence-based techniques to enhance your animal’s mobility and quality of life.

Book a consultation

If your animal companion is struggling with pain, stiffness, mobility changes, or recovery following injury, I would be happy to discuss how osteopathic treatment can help your bird.