Veterinary physiotherapy
In the
vetereinary medical world, just as in human medicine, there are many health conditions and surgical procedures that can benefit
from physiotherapy intervention.It is an effective and proven therapy that optimises healing, recovery and return to full
function.
Why see a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist? Chartered veterinary physiotherapists (MCSP- Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) are Chartered veterinary physiotherapists belong to a group called ACPAT - The Association of Physiotherapists in
Animal Therapy. This is a clinical interest group of the CSP- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). This means they are
trained to degree level in human physiotherapy and then go on to further education within the veterinary field. They are governed
by a strict code of practice and have a high level of expertise and knowledge to ensure that your pet receives the best possible
care.
Physiotherapists have a depth of core knowledge that includes anatomy and physiology, joint mechanics, applied
biomechanics and disease pathophysiology. They are expert in rehabilitative exercise and are therefore qualified to provide
detailed physiotherapy assessment and treatment/rehabilitation for animals with a variety of problems.
Physiotherapy
is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, nor does it replace veterinary treatment. Under the Vet Surgeons Act (1966)
I require consent from your veterinary surgeon prior to assessment and treatment of your pet. I liaise closely with your
registered veterinary surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the most appropriate care and treatment.
How can physiotherapy help my pet?
Many common canine conditions and injuries respond well to physiotherapy such as:
- Hip/elbow
displasia
- Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
- Injuries to ligaments (e.g. Cranial cruciate disease/rupture),
- Joint problems (degenerative joint disease/arthritis, patella luxation, injury, pain, stiffness)
- Spinal
conditions (disc disease,)
- Soft tissue injuries (tendon, ligament & muscle)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Fractures
- Neurological conditions (fibro-cartilaginous embolism, disc prolapse)
The therapist
will discuss with the owner their expectations and goals for their pet. This is re-evaluated on a regular basis depending
on the condition and response to therapy. Physiotherapeutic goals will vary according to each individual case, but generally
will include:
- Reduction of pain
- Improvement of mobility
- Return to pre-injury strength and flexibility
- Return to full function and performance
- Prevention of reoccurrence of injury
- Pain management
- Long
term maintenance
The assessment and treatment will be individual to your pet’s needs and any management
advice or rehabilitative exercises will be tailor made for your dog.
What does the treatment involve?
Physiotherapy techniques include may include any of the following, depending on your dogs condition;
- Soft
tissue mobilisation and massage techniques
- Joint mobilisation
- Heat and cold therapy
- Laser therapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- Rehabilitation
- Home exercise
regimes
- Advice and management strategies
A treatment may involve just one or a combination of the above
techniques. The treatment programme will be specifically designed to meet the individual needs of your pet and you will usually
be provided with some exercises and/or advice to do at home.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the
physiotherapist will discuss with the owner how often their pet needs to be seen, and how many sessions they may require.
This may change throughout the rehabilitation process as you see your pet improving. Depending on the nature of the problem
maintenance treatments can be useful to help your pet achieve a consistent level of comfort and function. Other cases require
a more intense course of treatment/rehab and can be discharged from physiotherapy when the injury/condition has resolved.
After surgery or injury
your dog/cat may experience discomfort and reduced mobility. Rehabilitation is an important aspect of recovery. Chartered
veterinary physiotherapists are experts in rehabilitation. Using knowledge of disease physiology and soft tissue healing,
the physiotherapist is able to create a specific rehabilitative exercise programme to help speed up recovery and assist
your dog to full function. Secondary complications such as pain and stiffness are minimised which facilitates optimal recovery for
your pet.
The Goals of therapy are to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Restore pre-injury strength and flexibility
- Restore
full function
- Advise on prevention and home management
Assessment
An
assessment can take up to 1 hour and will involve taking a full history from the owner, observation/gait analysis, full body
palpation of joints and soft tissues and assessment of joint mechanics and function. Findings will be discussed with the owner
and then a treatment programme outlined. There is time in the initial consultation to begin treatment and give advice or home
home exercises as appropriate.
Treatment
A variety of manual techniques or electrotherapy can be used to influence structures
in the body, either to alleviate muscle soreness and spasm or improve mobility in the joints. Rehabilitation exercises may
be appropriate to help improve your dogs function. Exercises may be assisted or active and are used to:
- strengthen muscles
- mobilise
joints
- Improve balance/ co-ordiantion
- Improve transfers e.g. lie to stand
- Improve walking
- improve fitness
The type and amount of treatment your dog requires will vary depending on the condition
that your dog has and how he responds to treatment.
All treatments
and exercise programmes are tailor made to meet the specific needs of your pet.
To lawfully treat any animal your veterinary surgeon must give their authorisation.
