I am a fully qualified, insured and RAMP registered Veterinary Physiotherapist practising in Essex and the surrounding areas. I use a wide variety of electrotherapeutic modalities, manual therapy techniques and remedial exercises to optimise healing following injury or surgery, to address areas of pain, tissue dysfunction, muscular imbalance, tension and restricted range of motion, and to reduce the risk of injury and optimise athletic performance.
Veterinary Physiotherapy is widely used to optimise recovery following musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery, reduce pain and manage musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis. For athletic and working animals, veterinary physiotherapy can form a crucial part of their performance management, reducing the risk of injury and identifying musculoskeletal issues early. However, all animals can benefit from general wellness sessions, to maintain and monitor musculoskeletal health. Not only is the identification of musculoskeletal dysfunction early important for welfare issues, but also allows more optimal treatment and recovery.
Along side a full veterinary history, an extensive musculoskeletal assessment is essential to optimise treatment sessions and allow the formulation of bespoke rehabilitation plans. Statically, the animal’s conformation, posture, muscle balance and weight bearing are appraised. The animal will then be assessed dynamically to evaluate symmetry and quality of movement and identify any possible lameness. For equine clients, a visual assessment on the lunge and under saddle may also be performed if required. Range of motion, spinal and neurological assessments are also performed to identify areas of musculoskeletal pain, dysfunction, and restrictions.
Once all elements of the physiotherapy assessment have been brought together, a combination of electrotherapeutic modalities, such as LASER, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, long wave/ shortwave ultrasound, H-wave, TENS and NMES, and manual therapy techniques, including massage, passive stretching and mobilisation techniques are used to optimise healing, reduce pain and muscle spasm, improve musculoskeletal function. Modalities to use at home, that can aid healing, pain relief and tissue function in between sessions, will be discussed with the owner. Some modalities are also available for hire. Specific remedial exercises, including pole work, weight shifting, stretching and dynamic mobilisation exercises will be prescribed to improve core stability, range of motion, flexibility, muscle development, balance, co-ordination and proprioception.
The Register for Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) is a voluntary register for a variety of animal practitioners in the UK, including physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. The register was set up to provide reassurance to veterinarians and owners that registered practitioners are fully qualified, insured, meet standards of competence (knowledge, skills and behaviour), are up to date with continual professional development(CPD) and comply with a strict Code of Conduct, to ensure safe and effective therapy for animals. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.rampregister.org.
The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) is a governing body that promotes professional practice in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Similarly, to RAMP, members must be fully qualified, insured, keep up to date with CPD and comply with current veterinary legislation and their code of conduct. The NAVP aim to ensure the highest standards of veterinary physiotherapy are delivered to animals, by promoting a foundation of scientific knowledge, with clinical practice and continuedresearch. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.navp.co.uk.
Important Information:
Please note that Veterinary Physiotherapy is not a substitute for correct veterinary care. Veterinary permission will be required before physiotherapy sessions, in accordance with The Veterinary Surgeons Act1966. I will also not be able to treat your animal if undiagnosed pain or lameness is present on assessment. Your veterinarian should be your first point of contact for any major concerns.
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