Physiotherapy for dogs and cats

Overview

• Physiotherapy can be used to help treat many injuries and conditions including rehabilitation after surgery, helping pets recover from an injury or if they have a condition that limits their movement, such as arthritis.
• Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle function in your pet.
• Our vets have put together this information to help you understand when your pet might need physiotherapy, and how to choose an appropriate physiotherapist for your pet.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy for your pet can be called animal or veterinary physiotherapy. It involves a range of techniques such as massage, trigger point release (gentle massage that releases tense painful knots), and controlled exercise and movements. It can be used to help relieve pain, improve movement, and speed up recovery from injury.

Physiotherapy is used alongside veterinary care to help in the treatment or long-term management of many different injuries and conditions relating to muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and nerves. It can also be used to improve and maintain working and competing dog performance.

When is physiotherapy used in pets?

Physiotherapy can be used for:

Rehabilitation after an operation
Physiotherapy can be used to help pets recover from operations on muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. For example, after surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, or patella luxation. It can be used before an operation, to help prepare, or afterwards, to help aid with recovery. 

Long term pain and movement problems
Physiotherapy can be used to keep older pets mobile, and also to help pets with long-term conditions such as arthritis stay as comfortable, pain free and active as possible. It can also be used to help pets with neurological conditions such as a Slipped disc (IVDD) or Degenerative myelopathy (DM).

Injuries and pain relief
Physiotherapy might be suitable if your pet has sustained an injury that doesn’t require surgery but is affecting a muscle, tendon, or ligament. It can help to relieve pain and discomfort and restore normal function.

Working or competing dogs
Physiotherapy can be used to enhance the performance of a working or competing dog.

How to access veterinary physiotherapy

If you feel your pet may benefit from physiotherapy, the first thing to do is to talk to your vet, who will refer them if appropriate. They may request that you bring your pet in for a check up to ensure its right for them.

By law, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths must have a vet’s permission before treating any animal. This is to make sure that your pet receives the safest and most effective treatment. Referral to a physiotherapist early on is best, as it’s important to prevent issues worsening and promote quality healing.

How to find a veterinary physiotherapist

The titles ‘Animal Physiotherapist’ and ‘Veterinary Physiotherapist’ aren’t protected, which means anyone can use them, regardless of their qualifications. So, our vets recommend finding a pet physiotherapist who has qualified via a recognised training programme, and, as a result, has the letters BSc, MsC or PgDip after their name. Your chosen physiotherapist should also be a member of one of the governing bodies listed below - this proves they are properly qualified and insured. The main governing bodies in the UK are:

• ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy): members have a degree in human physiotherapy followed by further training in animal or veterinary physiotherapy. Only human trained physiotherapists can use the protected term ‘chartered’.
• NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists): members will have postgraduate training in animal physiotherapy; and usually have prior experience at undergraduate level in animal science, veterinary nursing or veterinary medicine.
• IRVAP (The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists)
• RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners)
• AHPR (Animal Health Professionals Register)

Always ask any potential physiotherapist about their insurance before committing to your pet’s first appointment.

What to expect at your pet’s physiotherapy appointment

Some physiotherapists work from their own clinic, some are based in a veterinary practice, and others offer home visits. Facilities at your physiotherapist’s clinic should be well maintained, clean and dry. They may also have non-slip flooring. There are various pieces of equipment that can be used to help with range of motion, balance, strengthening, and core work such as foam, wobble cushions, poles, peanut balls, platforms, ramps, and steps.

Your physiotherapist can also advise you on changes that can be made to your pet’s home environment that will help them move around more easily. For example using rugs on slippery floors and having ramps or steps to access the sofa.

Cost

Physiotherapy sessions can vary in cost, so it’s best to ask your physiotherapist how much they are charging before starting treatment. It’s important to speak openly to your physiotherapist about your finances.

Many pet insurance policies cover physiotherapy treatment. However each company is different and it will depend on the policy you have - check with your insurance company what your pet’s individual policy covers before starting treatment. Your insurance company may also specify that your physiotherapist will need to be registered with certain governing bodies.

FAQ

Published: January 2024