What is Physiotherapy?

Veterinary/Animal Physiotherapy can play a huge role in the health and rehabilitation of animals. A variety of therapy methods are employed, to help aid in the healing and maintenance of various orthopaedic and neurological issues. These methods are essential in the safety, health, wellbeing and rehabilitation of animals.

 

Common conditions Physiotherapy can help rehabilitate 

There are a wide range of conditions affecting dogs (and cats) of all ages, from the very young to the older companion, that can benefit from physiotherapy treatment including, but not limited to:

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Soft tissue injuries

Muscle, tendon, ligament tears and strains

Wounds

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Muscular imbalances

Muscle atrophy

Asymmetric muscle development

 

Degenerative orthopaedic conditions 

Hip Dysplasia

Osteoarthritis

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)

Elbow dysplasia

 

Neurological conditions

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Syringomyelia

Chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)

Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)

 

Pre and post orthopaedic and neurogical surgery

Amputations

Hip replacement

Fracture repair

Spinal surgery such as for IVDD

Patella luxation surgery

Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE)

Cruciate ligament repair

 

​Reduced function, general stiffness and / or weakness in older animals

 

How Physiotherapy can help

The overall aims of physiotherapy are to promote healing and restore normal function by:

 

• Aiding in pain management
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving and / or maintaining joint mobility
• Building and / or maintaining muscle mass and strength
• Improving balance, coordination, core strength and stability
• Improving proprioception
• Correcting compensatory gait patterns
• Improved quality of life
• Enhanced well-being

 

Physiotherapy can be beneficial in aiding in the fitness of sporting animals, something our dogs and horses are regularly involved in as a preventative measure and managing issues conservatively as well as, after surgery. Physiotherapy is designed to work alongside any veterinary treatment given.

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Physiotherapy plays a big role in the prevention of injuries, particularly in young animals, by educating their gait and sporting animals by maintaining their fitness and enhancing their performance,​

 

Types of Therapies

There are many different techniques that can be tailored to your animal or pets needs. These can include:

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Manual therapies

Massage

Myofascial release

Passive range of motion exercises

Passive stretches

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Active exercises

Active range of motion exercises

Active stretches

Core strength and stability work

Proprioceptive work

 

Electrotherapies

Therapeutic ultrasound

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy

Photobiomodulation Therapy (low level laser therapy / red phototherapy)

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Thermotherapies

Heat

Cold

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Hydrotherapy

Walking though water

Passive & active exercises in the water environment

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A post treatment home program is provided to help support and continue your animal or pets rehabilitation. ​

 

If you think your animal may benefit from physiotherapy treatment or are unsure as to whether your animal will benefit from treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.