The aim of
physiotherapy is to improve the animal’s movement and wellbeing in order to
enhance their quality of life. Like
humans, animals can benefit hugely from treatments aimed at reducing pain and
developing strength, flexibility and control of movement. A good veterinary physiotherapist will work
closely with the animal’s vet to improve and maintain the animal’s
musculoskeletal health.
Every animal
is different and every case has specific factors that need to be assessed and
considered. A physiotherapist will treat the “whole animal” rather than just
the primary presenting issues. There is
no “template” treatment programme as each patient has different needs and the
treatments need to be individually tailored. Pet insurance companies will often cover the costs of Veterinary Physiotherapy by a suitably qualified professional.
Key aims are
to:
- Reduce/minimise
pain
- Increase
flexibility, including range of motion of joints
- Address incorrect posture or movement
- Increase
strength and endurance
- Improve co-ordination,
proprioception and balance
- Correct or minimise any compensatory issues arising from acute or chronic conditions
- Minimise the effects of degenerative conditions
- These all
help to improve/maintain the animal’s functional movement, improve quality of
life and/or enhance athletic performance.
Veterinary physiotherapy can improve outcomes for animals suffering from both acute and chronic conditions, soft tissue injuries/pathologies, fractures, neurological conditions and degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis. Sporting animals can also benefit from physiotherapy to improve their neuromuscular and cardiovascular performance.
Following a comprehensive assessment treatments
may include:
- Soft tissue
therapy, including therapeutic massage and trigger point release
- Therapeutic
range of motion
- Stretches
- Electrotherapies
(laser/phototherapy, pulsed magnetic field therapy, ultrasound, neuromuscular
stimulation, TENS etc)
- Exercise
programme and rehabilitation plan
Hydrotherapy is a musculoskeletal therapy which uses the properties of water to address discomfort and dysfunction. Hydrotherapy delivered by a veterinary physiotherapist enables integration of physiotherapeutic goals into each hydrotherapy session, utilising the professional skills of the therapist.
