Veterinary Physiotherapy Working In Harmony Equine Sports Massage and Human Remedial Massage Therapist

Gaining the Veterinary Physiotherapy qualification has expanded theoretical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanical and pathological understanding. This understanding assists in making the correct clinical decision for applying physiotherapy at the correct time, thus optimising the bodies healing process.

Goals and Benefits of Veterinary Physiotherapy
These are to improve the animal’s quality of life and performance.
They may include the following:

•   To achieve maximum potential for the animal   •
•   Management of pain   •
•   Improvement in the range of movement within affected joints   •
•   Strengthening of muscle force   •
•   Maintaining or rebuilding muscle mass   •
•   Improving balance and co-ordination within neurological conditions   •
•   Prevention of injury   •
•   Improved healing time   •
•   Better quality healing of injuries   •
•   Improve and maintain functional fitness   •
•   Improved posture   •
•   To treat and rehabilitate injuries pre and post operatively   •
•   Improved recovery from activity   •

Veterinary Physiotherapy can include:

MANUAL THERAPIES
These include massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapies working to aid tissue repair, improve circulation, pain relief, relieve muscle spasms and tension, reducing adhesions and scar tissue, provide mobility within the joints and soft tissues and muscle strengthening.

PULSED MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY (PMFT)
Using dynamic magnets to restore or change a cells potential to enhance the body’s repair process. It has demonstrated excellent healing properties with fracture’s /bone repair, pain management, nerve regeneration, muscle relaxation and reducing inflammation in soft tissue.

PHOTOTHERAPY (LASER)
Laser utilisises energy from the high intensity light emitting diodes into the tissue structures this then creates an alteration to the chemical structure within the tissue cells, or in the form of heat. Blue light is used for its antibacterial properties within wound management. Red light is also used for wound management, soft tissue injuries and as a relaxant prior to manual therapies.

THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND
Therapeutic ultrasound is an essential part of collagen production and realignment. It works by applying sound waves to an area which increases circulation, extensibility and encourages appropriate orientation of the forming collagen fibres. This is extremely beneficial in conjunction with cryotherapy for an improved quality of heal in tendon and ligament injuries.

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRO STIMULATORS
Small electrical currents applied to affected tissues. This is beneficial for building muscle mass, nerve regeneration and pain management.

KINESIO TAPING
Kinesio tape is designed to support muscle function and range of motion, reduce inflammation and pain, adjust joint mis-alignement and prevent further injury

HEAT THERAPY
Heat therapy is suitable for chronic arthritic or stiff patients.

CRYOTHERAPY
Cryotherapy (cold therapy) is especially beneficial in acute inflammation, especially in orthopaedic post operative cases or where oedema is present

EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION
Exercises include passive and active range of motion exercises and/or stretches. These can improve circulation, prevent adhesions and to encourage pre-injury mobility