Rehabilitating injury and enhancing performance
Fully insured
Fully qualified
NAVP member
What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a complementary therapy used alongside veterinary care to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance performance. Like people, animals can greatly benefit from physiotherapy and are often referred for treatment to rehabilitate after an injury or surgery, or for long-term management of an ongoing condition. Veterinary physiotherapy can also assist performance development in the animal athlete by minimising the potential risk of injury and maximising performance in competitive and working animals.
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A veterinary physiotherapist is able to identify problems, or potential problems, within the musculoskeletal system with a combination of in-depth assessment techniques and a detailed knowledge of anatomy. This guides them to select the most appropriate treatments to either address existing problems, or prevent a problem from developing. A veterinary physiotherapy treatment programme takes a holistic approach and will typically consist of a combination of different treatment methods, including manual therapies, electrotherapies, remedial exercise prescription, and management advice.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapies include massage, stretching, passive joint mobilisations, and myofascial release. These techniques are used to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain and adhesions, improve joint mobility, and to help your animal feel more comfortable. Manual therapies can help maintain condition and improve performance in sporting animals, as well as rehabilitate animals with an injury or on-going condition.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapies use electrical energy to provide therapeutic treatment. Their clinical benefits include; providing pain relief, encouraging wound healing, reducing scar tissue, and improving neurological function.
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Electrotherapies I offer include:
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INDIBA Radiofrequency
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Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
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Phototherapy
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Therapeutic ultrasound
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
Remedial Exercise
Remedial exercises are specific exercises prescribed as part of a treatment programme. They focus on strengthening to regain function after an injury or surgery, or to enhance performance in an animal athlete. They also address compensatory issues and reduce the risk of further injury. Remedial exercise requires repetition to be effective and is therefore ideally carried out by the owner between treatment sessions.
“Tiggy has been helping my horses for just under a year now and we've seen a big difference in their movement and temperament as they are now comfortable and strong. She's confident and friendly with the horses - they all love her! Tiggy is great at pinpointing issues or tightness and then treating the issues. She is very professional and is always a pleasure to have around.”
— Olivia & Rubi
“We couldn't thank Tiggy enough - ever since we have been having sessions with her, Jimmy has been a completely different horse and we are finally happy and having fun. I would definitely recommend Tiggy as a physio, she's helped Jimmy and I become the team we are today. We will continue having sessions with her and we couldn't thank her enough for the amazing work she's done for us.”
— Natasha & Jimmy
"We are so pleased that Ruby has made such a great recovery and know that Tiggy's contribution has made a huge difference. Tiggy has been so gentle and professional and clearly has a great way with animals (even the feisty ones!) as well as with anxious dog mums like me. She really helped to put my mind at rest and gave me the confidence to do the exercises and help Ruby towards her recovery."
— Kirsty & Ruby
