Physiotherapy

Animal Physiotherapy

The aim of animal physiotherapy is to improve and maintain the functional ability of sick, injured and healthy animals. The selection of effective treatment methods is of paramount importance in physiotherapy in order to achieve an optimal and long lasting result.

Animal physiotherapy is mainly used in treatment of neurological and orthopaedic conditions in addition to surgical or medical therapies or as a sole therapy. Physiotherapy is essential also for active sporting animals as preventive care and for senior animals as maintenance procedure. Methods used in animal physiotherapy are therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, manual therapy, (mobilisation, passive movements, stretching and massage), physical modalities, (electrotherapy, laser, ultrasound), as well as cryo- and heat- therapy. All methods are discussed further in the text.

The animal physiotherapist begins his/her work with the initial examination. The examination includes interview with the owner, observation of the posture, gait, coordination and balance. Later palpation of the patient, assessment of joint structure and mobility as well as evaluation of muscle condition is performed. The aim of the examination is to determine functional ability level, the nature of the disability and the functional problem itself. The goals for the rehabilitation plan are set up individually based on the veterinary diagnosis, physiotherapy assessment, clinical reasoning and the needs of both patient and owner. The referral veterinarian is informed about the rehabilitation plan and will receive written feedback by the end of the rehabilitation period.

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