What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?

Veterinary Physiotherapy is a BSc (Hons) degree-based profession that involves the assessment and treatment of animals, in particular horses and dogs. Veterinary physiotherapists often treat problems and injuries that affect the soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves all of which form the musculoskeletal system. As a Veterinary Physiotherapist, it is important to have sufficient knowledge of anatomy as this knowledge is used to clinically reason and develop effective programmes for rehabilitation. Moreover, Veterinary Physiotherapy takes a physical approach with aims to promote, maintain and resort optimal function in any clinical case. 

Veterinary Physiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions using manual techniques for soft tissue manipulation. Electrotherapies such as laser and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are often applied in conjunction with manual therapies to optimise the healing process. Veterinary Physiotherapy also incorporates remedial exercise prescription, including muscle strengthening, training aids and tactile stimulation. 

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The treatments provided by Veterinary Physiotherapy covers animals ranging from competition horses to family pets. Animals that have suffered a recent injury or making progressive movements in their exercise levels also often require physiotherapy to promote or restore optimal function. In many cases animals are left without physiotherapy and develop abnormal gait patterns which ultimately leads to poor performance. 

If you think your horse/ dog would benefit from physiotherapy, get in touch today for free advice or to book an appointment.