Physiotherapy is a recognised discipline and an adjunct to medicine in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients post surgery, injury or illness. It is also beneficial in prevention of injury and maintenance of a healthy animal. Physiotherapy uses a combination of therapeutic exercise, a variety of manual treatments and electrical modalities to improve function and promote healing. It helps to decrease pain, increase joint mobility, muscle strength & endurance and improve cardio-vascular fitness In all cases, veterinary referral is sought prior to assessment. Physiotherapy has been shown to reduce healing time, to recover post surgery or trauma and to help return the animal to full function.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation uses a combination of:- Low impact exercise on land or a water treadmill
- Swimming/hydrotherapy pool
- Manual joint mobilisations and massage
- Range of motion exercises and stretching
- Therapeutic exercises/weight shift/balance
- Neuromuscular stimulation
- Therapeutic Ultrasound, laser, TENS machines
Physiotherapy Aims/Benefits of Treatment
- Relieve Pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Decrease muscle spasm
- Improve joint range of motion/flexibility
- Improve strength and function
- Advice on an exercise programme
Examples of Conditions Treated
- Spinal pain and stiffness
- Degenerative diseases e.g. Arthritis
- Muscle imbalance, weakness
- Weakness from neurological pathology
- Nerve injury
- Muscle, ligament and tendon injury
- Wounds – non healing and acute
- Trauma from sports injuries
- Orthopaedic conditions – pre/post operation
- Compensatory problems