Frequently Asked Questions
“Does my pet need physiotherapy?"
Unfortunately, animals can’t tell us if they are experiencing pain, and are often very good at hiding pain. Often, both performance and companion animals will develop abnormalities in movement that overtime may lead to compensation and eventually injury. If you notice that your pet is no longer moving as often or as comfortably as usual, or if they are limping, then it is advisable to consult your veterinarian and he/she may recommend physical rehabilitation therapy for your pet.
“How are Physiotherapy Treatments performed?"
Assessment
Here, we will evaluate your animal’s movement, joint function, strength, co-ordination and other physical abilities and properties. This will enable the attending therapist to determine areas of limitation due to; injury, degenerative or inflammatory condition or disability.
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Physical ‘Diagnosis’ and Treatment Plan
We will then determine how best to restore proper movement and reduce the pain from an injury or disability. We will work with you to plan an individualised treatment program.
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Treatment
We will utilize a variety of tools and methods in order to evaluate and treat patients. Manual therapy encompasses mobilizations, manipulations, massage therapy and stretching. We have specialized training in the biomechanics of joints as well as muscle origins, insertions, and actions. Treatment may include ’Modalities’ such as- laser, electrical muscle stimulation, and magnetic field therapy. Lastly, an individualised and staged exercise program will be implemented.
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Report
After the initial session, a report will be made on the assessment and on what was discussed and performed during the course of the session. This report will outline and explain various exercises and supply other useful advice for managing your pet at home. A copy will also be sent to your treating veterinarian and or surgeon in the case of post operative patients.
“Will my pet be sore after a treatment?"
Generally, no, your pet should not be sore after a treatment. However, sometimes there may be some mild soreness associated with muscle stiffness after the initial evaluation, but the goal of therapy is for your pet to have improved with less pain after each session. If you are concerned about your pet don't hesitate to contact us immediately.
“Can I sit in on my pet's treatment?"
Definitely! Thought there may be a few cases in which a pet may do better without the owner present (i.e. Excessive excitement). But if at all possible, we want you with your pet so that you can be actively involved in the treatment sessions.
“Do I need a referral?"
A referral from the attending veterinarian is generally preferred by not totally necessary
"Is veterinary physiotherapy safe?"
After a thorough physical assessment and reviewing of your pet’s veterinary history, we will tailor a treatment program to suit your pet’s age, temperament and medical history. We have been extensively trained in order to ensure that your pet is handled in the safest way possible and receives treatment that is not contrary to their condition or may bring them harm.
"Will I need to do exercises with my pet at home?"
Yes. In almost all cases, you will be required to do some therapeutic exercises with your pet at home. You will be given a list of the exercises to perform, how to perform them and how many repetitions to perform with your pet. This is a very important part of the rehabilitation process, and should not be taken lightly. Most owners tend to find home exercises are an exceptional bonding experience for them and their animals.
"How often will my pet need to come for treatments?"
This depends entirely on the individual animal, but it may be necessary to see certain animals as much as twice weekly for a few months. The duration of treatment is variable and again depends on the animal. Some patients with chronic conditions may need to attend maintenance sessions every week for the rest of their lives, where as, some patients may only need three or four treatments before their pathology resolves.