What is Animal Physiotherapy?
Veterinary Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of the musculoskeletal and neurological system in animals. It aims to alleviate pain, restore function and optimise movement.
Physiotherapy can improve animal health in many ways:
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Rehabilitation
Get your pet back to doing what they love most. Physiotherapy can help to:
Enhance recovery from orthopaedic surgery (e.g. cruciate ligament surgery, hip replacement, fracture repairs).
Restore function following neurological surgery or injury (e.g. spinal injury, IVDD, FCE)
Rehabilitate injuries such as muscle, tendon or ligament tears (e.g. medial shoulder syndrome, tendonitis, conservative cruciate management).
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Management
Improve mobility and quality of life in pets with orthopaedic and neurological conditions, such as:
Arthritis
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Patella Luxation
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Lumbosacral Disease
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Performance & Prevention
Build strength, increase fitness and optimize movement patterns to prevent injury and improve performance in:
Working dogs e.g. gun dogs, farm dogs, security/service dogs
Sports dogs e.g. agility, canicross, bikejor, scentwork
Active dogs who like to hike, bike & adventure
Predisposed breeds e.g. Dachshunds
What is included in a physiotherapy session?
Prior to your session
Through your preferred method of contact, I’ll take a few details about your pet, as well as discuss the individual needs or specific concerns you may have. I’ll email over your appointment confirmation, along with a welcome pack. I’ll also contact your vet to arrange veterinary consent (this is a legal requirement for all animal therapists - to find out more, scroll to the bottom of this page).
Assessment
An introductory chat allows time for your pet to get to know me, while we discuss your pets history and any concerns you may have. I will begin with a dynamic assessment in which I will ask you to walk & trot your pet while I assess their gait, and may include other movements such as circles, sit-to-stand or stair use. I will then assess your pet statically, and carry out palpation of soft and hard tissues, joint range of motion and any appropriate orthopaedic or neurological tests.
Treatment
Based on my findings, I will carry out the most appropriate treatment for your pet during that session. Further details about treatments can be found here. After treatment, we will identify short and long term goals for your pet, and discuss the plan going forward. We will discuss any lifestyle adaptations, as well as go through massage, stretches and exercises to be carried out at home between sessions.
After your session
Your treatment report and personalised home exercise plan (including instructional video demonstrations) will be delivered via email using specialist Equicantis software. This can be accessed at the click of a button, with no sign-up or log-in necessary. A full report will also be sent to your veterinary surgeon. I am always available to answer any questions and give advice in between appointments.
“We use specialist software Equicantis - meaning you can access your treatment reports and home exercise plan (including instructional video demonstrations) at the click of a button, with no sign-up or log-in necessary!”
Why do I need Vet Consent?
It is a legal requirement that all Veterinary Physiotherapists (and other therapists) have consent from your veterinary surgeon before carrying out any remedial treatment. We strive to work together with your vet and any other paraprofessionals to ensure your animal receives the most effective & appropriate treatment.