physiotherapy

Chartered animal physiotherapists assess and treat a wide variety of conditions. Musculo-skeletal injuries in the dog and horse are seen most frequently. All types of animals are referred by veterinary surgeons for treatment, including professional and working animals eg race horses, show jumpers and greyhounds, and domestic pets eg cats and dogs.

Other animals such as cattle, goats and ducks have also been treated successfully with physiotherapy for a variety of problems.

Soft tissue injuries involving muscle and tendon, joint capsule or ligament can all benefit from physiotherapy, if used correctly and at the right time. Physiotherapy can also aid in the rehabilitation process following orthopaedic surgery. Both spinal and peripheral conditions respond well to appropriate treatment.

Chartered physiotherapists are taught to use their hands to perform joint and soft tissue mobilisation and manipulation. They are also trained in the correct use of electrotherapy, eg ultrasound, laser, muscle stimulators, and know when to use this safely and when it is appropriate. Often, to achieve best results, a combination of mobilisation, manipulation and electrotherapy are used in conjunction with advice on exercise programmes, with referrals to saddlers and farriers if appropriate. Communication with the referring vet is vital.

Treatment in the early stages after injury is most beneficial and therefore prompt referral to the physiotherapist from the vet is recommended. Physiotherapy is not an alternative but often an essential adjunct to conventional veterinary medicine.

Wright and Morten work alongside Anne Sweeney MCSP SRP ACPAT, a fully qualified animal physiotherapist. Anne treats a variety of animals, pet cats and dogs, as well as horses etc. Anne can be contacted via the veterinary surgeries, or directly on 07904406881.

A growing number of chartered physiotherapists now work with animals. Unlike the title 'veterinary surgeon' the word 'physiotherapist' is not protected by law. This means that any person can call themselves a 'physiotherapist'.

The word 'Chartered' is protected and can be used only by physiotherapists who have attained a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physical therapy and are consequently qualified and registered to practise. When choosing a physiotherapist for our animal ensure they have the letters MCSP after their title.

To qualify as a chartered physiotherapist involves a three or four year course at university giving the successful student a diploma or BSc in physiotherapy.. The physiotherapist is then eligible to be both 'chartered' and 'state registered'. Chartered phyiotherapists who wish to specialise in animal therapy must then complete two years general practice before embarding on a post graduat training in animal therapy. This involves attendance of certificated courses run the The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT). They must also work and train under the direct supervision of veterinary surgeons and chartered physiotherapists, and will not be allowed to work independently until they have proved their competence.

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