Physiotherapy for Animals

A variety of soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation techniques and electrotherapy treatments are all incorporated into veterinary physiotherapy treatments as appropriate. This helps your horse (or dog) to be in the best physical condition, enabling performance to the level that you require. Soft tissue injuries involving muscle, tendon, joint capsule or ligament can be treated successfully with physiotherapy if used correctly and at the right time.

Physiotherapy is not an alternative but often an essential adjunct to conventional veterinary medicine. Treatment in the early stages of injury is most beneficial and therefore prompt referral to the physiotherapist from the veterinary surgeon is recommended. Many veterinarians do not ask for physiotherapy intervention until all else has failed and the owner is pestering for 'something to be done'. Treatment at this stage is often less effective and this means that 'physiotherapy' is looked upon as a waste of time and money. Physiotherapy should not be thought of as a last resort, it is very effective when used at the appropriate time.

The horse (and dog) is an athlete whether he is used for light hacking (or as a domestic pet, respectively) or top level competition. Routine maintenance of the horse's neuromuscular and muscular-skeletal systems will help to ensure he remains in peak condition.

In accordance with the Veterinary Act 1966, it is a requirement that the Physiotherapist has veterinary consent prior to treat your animal. The aim is to work as a team alongside your vet, farrier, saddler and trainer to offer your animal the best possible care.