What is Physiotherapy for Your Pet?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a science-based profession that takes a holistic approach to assessing and treating your pet. By evaluating their functional movement, physiotherapy helps determine the specific needs of your pet to support recovery, pain management, and overall well-being.
Physiotherapy is often used alongside routine veterinary care to aid in the treatment and long-term management of acute and chronic orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. It is also an excellent tool for chronic pain management.
Physiotherapy aims to rehabilitate pets, restoring normal muscle control, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Additionally, it can enhance performance and prevent injuries in working and athletic animals.
What to Expect from a Physiotherapy Assessment at Faxbridge Veterinary
Step 1: Medical Records Review
Before your appointment, we request your pet’s medical history, including previous examinations, tests, and diagnostic imaging. This allows us to assess past treatments and therapies.
Step 2: Initial Consultation (60 minutes)
During this session, we will:
- Discuss your pet’s medical history, current medications, and supplements.
- Review their home environment, lifestyle, and your goals for treatment.
- Conduct a gait analysis to observe mobility, pain, and any compensatory movements.
- Perform a neurological examination to check for nerve-related issues.
- Complete an orthopaedic evaluation, including muscle mass measurements and joint flexibility assessments (goniometry).
Step 3: Tailored Treatment Plan
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Based on our findings, we will create a personalised plan that may include:
- In-clinic treatments
- Home exercise and therapy routines
- Medication adjustments
- Joint supplements and weight management strategies
- Environmental modifications for better mobility and comfort
Rebecca Keefe
MVB CCRT Cert SAIM
Small Animal Vet
Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy
Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal Conditions
✔︎ Osteoarthritis
✔︎ Hip & elbow dysplasia
✔︎ Cranial cruciate ligament disease
✔︎ Patellar luxation
✔︎ Achilles tendinopathy
✔︎ Bicipital tenosynovitis & supraspinatus tendinopathy
✔︎ Iliopsoas muscle strains
Neurological Conditions
✔︎ Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
✔︎ Lumbosacral disease
✔︎ Spondylosis
✔︎ Fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE)
✔︎ Degenerative myelopathy
Post-Operative Recovery
✔︎ Fractures, joint surgeries, and trauma rehabilitation
Physiotherapy Services at Faxbridge Veterinary
We take a multimodal approach, combining various therapies for optimal results:
Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
- Non-invasive, drug-free therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
- Stimulates cellular repair, ideal for osteoarthritis, post-op care, and soft tissue injuries
Electrical Stimulation (TENS/EMS)
- Helps with pain relief and muscle function recovery
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) prevents muscle atrophy in immobilised pets
Massage Therapy
- Releases muscle tension and trigger points
- Improves flexibility and circulation
Manual Therapies
- Hands-on joint mobilisations to reduce stiffness, pain, and improve range of motion
- Effective for osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and spinal issues
Cryotherapy & Thermotherapy
- Cold therapy: Reduces swelling and slows nerve conduction for pain relief
- Heat therapy: Relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, and improves flexibility
Assistive Devices
- Custom fittings for harnesses, wheelchairs, braces, protective boots, and toe grips
Home Exercise Plans
- A customised program tailored to your pet’s lifestyle
- Access to guided exercise videos via our dedicated app
Give Your Pet the Best Care
Physiotherapy can significantly improve your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Whether managing a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or optimising performance, our team at Faxbridge Veterinary is here to help.
Book an assessment today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier pet.
