Veterinary physiotherapy, also known as animal physiotherapy, is a specialized branch of healthcare that focuses on providing rehabilitative and therapeutic care to animals.

This field employs techniques adapted from human physiotherapy to address various musculoskeletal and neurological issues in animals. Veterinary physiotherapists utilize exercises, massage, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and other non-invasive modalities to promote healing, improve mobility, and enhance the overall well-being of animals.

From post-surgery recovery to managing chronic conditions, veterinary physiotherapy plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for animals of all shapes and sizes.

Just as in humans, not all pets experience or demonstrate their pain in the same way, and many choose to hide their discomfort. They could be exhibiting subtle signs, such as a decrease in daily activity levels or increased grumpiness, or their symptoms could be more overt, such as a lameness/limp.

If you suspect your animal might be in pain due to a musculoskeletal condition, it could be time to pursue an initial assessment with The Animal Physio Co. Our physiotherapists are trained to pick up the slightest signs of pain and stiffness and would be happy to assist you.

Veterinary physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of animal patients and cases, including:

1. Post-surgery patients: Animals that have undergone orthopedic or neurological surgeries can benefit from physiotherapy to aid in their recovery, reduce pain, and regain mobility.
   
   
2. Arthritis and joint conditions: Pets suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues can benefit from physiotherapy to manage pain, improve joint flexibility, and maintain muscle strength.
   
   
3. Sports and working animals: Competitive animals or working dogs may require physiotherapy to prevent injuries, optimize performance, and ensure they stay in top physical condition.
   
   
4. Age-related mobility issues: Senior animals may experience reduced mobility and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy can help improve their mobility and maintain muscle mass, promoting a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
   
   
5. Neurological disorders: Animals with neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injuries or degenerative nerve diseases, can benefit from physiotherapy to improve balance, coordination, and proprioception.
   
   
6. Obesity management: Overweight animals can benefit from physiotherapy exercises and hydrotherapy to aid weight loss and improve overall fitness.
   
   
7. Performance enhancement: Animals involved in agility, show jumping, or racing may undergo physiotherapy to enhance their performance and prevent injuries.
   
   
8. Respiratory conditions: Certain physiotherapy techniques, such as chest physiotherapy, can assist in clearing airway secretions and improving lung function in animals with respiratory issues.
   
   
9. General fitness and well-being: Physiotherapy can be beneficial for healthy animals to maintain optimal fitness levels, prevent injuries, and improve overall well-being.

It is essential to remember that veterinary physiotherapy should only be administered by trained professionals who have experience working with animals, as each patient’s treatment plan must be tailored to their specific needs and condition.

If physiotherapeutic techniques are administered according to the below checkboxes, then they are perfectly safe to employ in the treatment of our animal patients:

• Administered by a qualified and licensed veterinary physiotherapist (such as those employed by The Animal Physio Co.) in a scientifically sound manner.
• Administered after an initial assessment has taken place.
• Administered in a gentle way taking contraindications into consideration.
• Administered with the consent of the treating veterinarian.

Although beneficial to have when you approach us, if you do not have a referral from your treating veterinarian, we will make contact with the practice to acquire your pet’s history and your veterinarian’s consent in order to proceed with treatment.

Our goal at The Animal Physio Co. is to provide holistic treatment and management wherever possible. This includes working closely with veterinarians and other healthcare professionals in order to cover every aspect of your animal’s care.

It’s important to note that we do not offer medicinal, surgical, or diagnostic services.

Throughout your pet’s rehabilitation program, we will maintain open communication with your treating veterinarian to keep them informed of your pet’s progress.

If, during the rehabilitation process, your therapist finds it necessary for your pet to receive additional veterinary attention, they may refer you back to your treating veterinarian.

Due to being a mobile physiotherapy company, we at The Animal Physio Co. will plan with you to see your pet either at your house/stable yard or at your treating veterinarian, depending on the circumstances.

Thereafter will proceed an introductory period which will involve an evaluation of your animal’s movement and functionality, as well as their pain levels.

Throughout this period, the physiotherapist will ask several key questions which will help them to formulate a clinical picture and plan. For this reason, it is advisable that you as the pet parent are present for the initial assessment. This is also important to help put your pet at ease for the duration of the assessment.

Following the assessment, the physiotherapist will implement a short treatment while supplying a summary of what he/she found during the evaluation period.

The physiotherapist will then work with you to plan an individualised program that is tailored to best suit the needs of your pet within given parameters, establishing a professional relationship where compassion and encouragement are at the forefront.

Sometime in the days following the first assessment, you will receive a report written by your therapist documenting all their findings at the initial evaluation. It will also outline and explain various exercises and supply other useful advice for managing your pet at home. A revised copy will be sent to your treating veterinarian, as well as the operating surgeon in post-surgical cases.

Although specializing in dogs, horses and cats, our physiotherapists have experience dealing in animals of all shapes and sizes!

We have a special interest in exotics, so please be sure to contact us should you have a cow, rabbit, rat, cheetah, penguin or snake in need of care.

Payments are typically made after the appointment is complete. The Animal Physio Co. is equipped with a YOCO card machine, making payments by card safe, easy and instant.

Cash payments are discouraged, while EFT payments are allowed for long-term clients and by request. Invoices (complete with banking details) are typically sent out within the same week as the appointment takes place.

Unlike in humans, pet insurances do not require medical professionals to be factored in.

You will need to review your specific policy and the limitations thereof, as not all insurance policies include a physiotherapeutic stipend.

If physiotherapy is included into your plan, please ensure that you email the appropriate documentation to our [email protected] email address as soon as possible after your session.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to the above question, as each individual differs markedly in their response to treatment. Sometimes, an animal might need only two or three sessions before their pathology resolves.

Other animals, however, may require ongoing treatment. This is something that can be discussed at the initial assessment. It is important to remember that physiotherapy is not a quick fix, and it usually takes at least 2-3 sessions to see a noticeable difference.

Occasionally, animals may experience some discomfort and residual stiffness after an initial assessment, and it is normal for them to seem more sleepy or lethargic.

However, any discomfort lasting longer than 24 hours, or of a severity over-and-above some stiffness and tenderness, please contact your physiotherapist who should be able to advise you further; [email protected] 

One of the lesser-utilized services that we offer is a quality-of-life assessment meant to help you through the most difficult time in a pet-owner’s life.

Although not meant to take the place of a veterinary assessment, our compassionate physiotherapists can run you through a quality-of-life questionnaire after performing a gentle assessment on your animal. They will take into consideration every aspect of your pet’s life and surroundings, summarizing key points to help you assess your pet’s levels of comfort, autonomy, and happiness.