A Veterinary Physiotherapist’s “Toolkit”
Veterinary Physiotherapists spend years learning and refining their knowledge & skills. The techniques and modalities listed below are never used in isolation, but are combined to build a bespoke treatment for each individual animal.
Manual Therapy
Massage & Fascial Mobilisation
A variety of different techniques may be used to improve tissue condition, break down adhesions, release trigger points, improve tissue mobility, as well as promoting recovery and removal of toxins through increased circulation.
Joint Mobilisation
Different types of joint mobilisations may be used to increase joint range of motion, to decrease pain and to improve neuromotor function. Passive range of motion may also be used to help improve joint health and range of motion.
Stretches
Passive (held by therapist) and active (performed by animal) stretches may be carried out to improve soft tissue condition, improve tissue mobility and flexibility, increase range of motion, release trigger points and break down adhesions.
Electrotherapy
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment which stimulates the cells to encourage tissue healing, reduce inflammation and decrease pain. It is often used to reduce pain in arthritic joints, encourage healing post-injury or post-surgery, and reduce muscle tension.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)
PEMF generates a small electric field similar to the body’s natural electric field, which stimulates the cell membrane to improve healing & reduce pain. It is best used to reduce arthritic pain, encourage nerve healing and bone healing.
Electrical Stimulation (TENS / NMES)
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) is used to reduce pain, and works by stimulating the body’s natural pain relieving system. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used to stimulate nerves & muscles, and is often used in cases of severe muscle wastage.
Home Exercise Plan & Advice
Exercises & Activity
Once we have established short and long term goals for your animal, I will demonstrate suitable exercises for you to carry out at home. This can include specific therapeutic exercises with/without equipment, guidance on general exercise/activity, simple stretches and basic massage.
Advice & Recommendations
As we treat every animal holistically, we often have further recommendations to help improve the health of your animal. This can include home/lifestyle adaptations, further veterinary investigation, and seeing paraprofessionals such as dog behaviourist, nutritionist, etc.
Report
Your report and home exercise plan will be emailed to you, and can be accessed via a simple click of a button. This includes handy video demonstrations of each exercise! Your plan will be progressed and adapted at each follow-up appointment.