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.
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.
