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What is physiotherapy?

Veterinary Physiotherapy is a conservative, holistic method of treatment that helps to restore movement to an animal after an injury, illness or disability. It can also help to prevent further injury.

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Veterinary physiotherapy is a science and evidence-based profession that aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and improve the animals quality of life. Working alongside para-professionals such as vets and farriers provides the best possible care for your animal.  Treatment is provided  with the use of massage and manual techniques, electrotherapy techniques and remedial exercise prescription.

 Veterinary physiotherapy can be used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, rehabilitation after surgery, to improve performance and for long-term management of a number of musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.

 

Below shows some examples of conditions and signs that you animal may benefit from physiotherapy.

picture of grey horse standing on a yard

Equine conditions

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Back pain

  • Kissing spines

  • Locking/ injured stifles

  • Sacroiliac conditions

  • Muscle strains

  • Tendon injury

  • Fractures

  • Haematomas

  • Nerve damage

  • Bite or kick injuries

  • Post-surgery

Two dogs in a wooded area

Canine conditions

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Hip/ elbow dysplasia

  • Cruciate ligament Injury

  • Patella luxation

  • Amputees

  • Following injury or surgery

  • Fractures

  • Muscle, tendon and ligament strain

  • Spinal injury

  • Neurological conditions (e.g. IVDD, Wobblers syndrome)

Subtle signs there is a problem:

Changes in behaviour normally indicate pain or discomfort. This can be expressed through changes in personality, reduced activity or stiff movement. Horses may buck, rear or refuse to jump. Dogs may show reluctance to run, go up or down steps or get on the sofa.

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Reduced performance is often related to musculoskeletal pain or weakness in equine and canine athletes. Examples include; reduced jumping height, knocking jumps down, reduced speed or stride length and incorrect canter lead (horses). 

Do I need veterinary consent?

My animal is currently being treated by my vet- Prior to your appointment we will require a completed veterinary consent form. This can be sent from yourself to your vet or we can send on your behalf. Download the form here.

 

My animal is not currently being seen by my vet - no veterinary consent is required but in the event we think your animal should be seen by a veterinarian we reserve the right to refuse treatment until consent is obtained.

purple logo for EC Veterinary Physiotherapy
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