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, manual treatments and various electrotherapeutic modalities to improve function and promote healing. It can help 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 facilitate healing time, to aid recovery post surgery or trauma, and to help return the animal to full function
Physiotherapy uses a combination of:- Low impact exercise on land or a hydrotherapy treadmill
- Swimming/hydrotherapy
- Manual joint mobilisations and massage
- Range of motion exercises and stretching
- Therapeutic exercises/weight shift/balance
- Neuromuscular stimulation
- Therapeutic Ultrasound, laser, TENS machines
- Advice on a combination exercise programme
Physiotherapy Aims/Benefits of Treatment
- Relieve Pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Decrease muscle spasm
- Improve joint range of motion/flexibility
- Improve strength and function
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