About Veterinary Physiotherapy
Equine: 205 Bones, 700 Skeletal Muscles, 350 Degree Vision
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Canine: 320 Bones, 350 Pairs of Skeletal Muscles, 240 Degree Vision
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Anatomy is paramount in Veterinary Physiotherapy!
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As equestrian and canine sport popularity is on the rise, alongside modern demands which might include stabling and haynets or laminate flooring and climbing the stairs, our four legged friends regularly require some additional care and attention to ensure they are in tip top condition. Contrary to popular belief, physiotherapy is not exclusively for injured animals or animal athletes. Every horse, pony and canine companion can benefit from physiotherapeutic treatment, the aim is not just to improve performance prospects but also improve comfort and aid in reducing the risk of injury.
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What to expect
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Whether your animal is an athlete, companion, leisure horse or a pet, the purpose of physiotherapy is to promote musculoskeletal health and psychological well-being in order to allow improved suppleness, extensibility of movement, promote relaxation and improve overall wellbeing....
1 - Discussion
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At the beginning of each session we will have a discussion that will involve going over the animals history pre-provided by you as completed on your new client form. We will also talk about your concerns and any aims that you might like to achieve.
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2 - Assessment
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Your animal will then be assessed statically, dynamically and by palpation. The links between findings will be discussed and key findings will direct us to areas requiring improvement thus directing our treatment and rehabilitation focus.
3 - Treatment
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The assessment will determine what treatment modalities will be used in order to improve muscle quality and joint range of motion, aid with healing and pain management. This will allow for further developments to improve your animals posture, gait and comfort. Both horses and dogs are super compensators, they shut down the site of pain and use other parts of the body instead, creating secondary issues. The first session is often more about therapeutic pressure, bringing their awareness back to the site of pain, discomfort and restrictions in order to begin the important cycle of processing, re-educating and recovery.
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I use a combination of manual and electro based therapies to achieve these aims.
4 - Exercise Recommendations
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Exercise recommendations tailored to your animals individual needs will be included in your report and completion of these exercises will be key in restoring function, improving strength or increasing range of motion. The exercises will give consideration to your available time and facilities. It may involve weight shifting or other static exercises, pole work, ridden work or ground work exercises. Comprehensive week-by-week plans are also available at additional cost.
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5 - Additional Recommendations
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Where required, I might make other management, lifestyle or husbandry recommendations such as feeding from the ground, more or less turn out, rugs or mats to cover slippery flooring for the dogs. I often work very closely with your farrier, saddle fitter or vet to devise a plan best suited to the needs of your animal as success often requires a multi-pronged approach from the entire team.
Post Appointment Care
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Extensive after-care and communication is available to all clients in between treatments. I consider myself a part of your support network and will lend an ear or eye whenever needed.
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Rest: I always recommend no ridden work for 24 hours post treatment but this can vary and may be longer depending on treatments carried out.
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Report: A report is written following the appointment and is usually available within 48 hours at which point it will be emailed to you and is suitable for forwarding to your vet, farrier, saddle fitter etc.
