Physiotherapy

Veterinary physiotherapy is the use of non-invasive methods, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and electrotherapy to rehabilitate animals after a musculoskeletal injury. The aim is to restore normal function. 

Physiotherapists are part of the vet-led team, so animals cared for or treated by physiotherapists must be registered with a veterinary surgeon. If we think your pet needs to see a physiotherapist, we will perform a clinical examination and then discuss referral to an appropriately qualified and competent therapist, which we have a few local centres we use frequently. 

The general principles to conservatively treat your dog after a soft tissue injury are: 

First 5 days following injury

Ice: Apply indirect cold pack to the injured area for 10 minutes, two to four times daily,

Passive Range of Movement Exercises: to maintain or restore normal range of movement in an affected leg and prevent joint stiffness caused by muscle shortening. These are to be instructed to you by a suitably qualified person. 

Husbandry Advice: NO impact activities i.e. jump on/off sofa or bed, up and down stairs, jumping in/out of car. Control the controllables. 

Walks: recommended 3 x 5 minutes daily lead only, walking very slowly. This is otherwise known as a toilet walk.

5 days to 3 weeks

Contrast Hot and Cold therapy: Heat may be used to increase blood flow to enhance tissue healing and reduce joint stiffness. This may be done using a heat pack or wheat bag for 10-15 minutes. 

Passive Range of Movement Exercises (as above)

Stretching Exercises and strengthening exercises: These are to be instructed to you by a suitably qualified person. 

Walks: recommended 3 x 10 minutes daily lead only at the two week mark, encouraging weight bearing of the affected leg by walking very slowly.

3-6 weeks injury  

Advice as above and start to build walking: recommended 3 x 10 minutes daily lead only encouraging weight bearing of the affected leg by walking very slowly. Add 5 minutes to each walk per week remaining on the lead i.e. 

From 6 weeks 

Walks: Ideally lead walks up to one hour pain free before off lead work begins, and then return to normal play. 

If your dog or cat is recovering from a surgical procedure, we will tailor a post-operative physiotherapy plan for your pet.