What is physiotherapy?

Veterinary physiotherapy is a science-based profession, which takes a comprehensive approach to each patient through functional assessment and treatment. Alongside veterinary care, physiotherapy can help in the treatment or management of many musculoskeletal or neurological conditions and injuries.

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What is physiotherapy useful for?

In assistance of rehabilitation of the injured or elderly, physiotherapy can;

• Reduce pain and enhance healing

• Improve movement

• Restore normal muscle control, mobility, and function

• Manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life

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For performance development of an athletic animal, physiotherapy can;

• Minimise the risk of injury or re-injury

• Identify and address musculoskeletal imbalances before they evidence as an issue/injury

• Optimise performance and maintain peak condition in competitive or working animals

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Which types of therapies are available?

• Manual therapies- massage therapy, joint manipulations, mobilisations and stretching.

• Remedial exercise programs- muscle strengthening, range of motion enhancement, correct movement development, posture adaptations and pole work programs.

• Electrotherapy- including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), laser, ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation therapies.

• Hydrotherapy

• Neuromuscular taping

 

All animals can benefit from physiotherapy. For specific conditions and common complaints, please see the species-specific pages under ‘Horses, dogs and other animals’.