Veterinary Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?

Physiotherapy (a term restricted to human physiotherapists), is also known as physical therapy. It involves the use of specific non-invasive treatments (massage, exercise, light, heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, laser, magnetic therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture etc.) to rehabilitate injured patients. The goal of physical therapy is to return the patient to normal function as quickly as possible, and to restore the full range of movement and strength to injured body parts. 

The underlying principle of physical therapy is that the least effective treatment for injury is rest, and that stimulation of circulation through areas recovering from injury promotes an optimal rate and degree of healing.  

What is the history of physical therapy in veterinary medicine?

Although various forms of physical therapy have undoubtedly been used for centuries on animals, the foundation for its use as an applied science is very recent. Many veterinary practices in Australia, especially in the equine field, are now offering physical therapy alongside more conventional therapies. There are also a small and growing number of human physiotherapists with post graduate training in animal physiotherapy working along side veterinarians in small animal practice. They are termed Animal Physiotherapists.

On which species of animals is physical therapy practiced regularly?

Physical therapy is practiced regularly on horses, especially equine athletes. As a form of treatment, it is being used mainly in dogs in small animal practice, and could easily be applied to other animal species. 

Who practices veterinary physical therapy and do I need a referral?

Many veterinarians utilise physical therapy to help with rehabilitation of their patients. Animal Physiotherapists can only treat animals under the referral of a vet, following a veterinary diagnosis. Animal Physiotherapists should be registered with the Animal Physiotherapy Group (APG), a special interest group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

"Animal Physiotherapists can only treat animals under the referral of a vet, following a veterinary diagnosis."

If a veterinarian is performing the treatments, referral may or may not be necessary. If a non-veterinarian is the therapist, the patient must be referred by a veterinary surgeon, who will then assume responsibility for assessing and coordinating the patient’s care. 

What conditions are most often treated with physical therapy?

Acute and chronic injuries are amenable to treatment e.g. post-operative recovery or long term back or limb pain. 

Electrical stimulation has been shown to relieve pain, minimise muscle wasting, reduce tissue swelling, and speed healing of both open and closed wounds. Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to stimulate tissue repair and minimise the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. External application of ice and compression wraps is effective not only as a first aid treatment but also to break the pain-muscle spasm-pain cycle common to many musculoskeletal injuries. 

How can my pet benefit from physical therapy?

The appropriate application of physical therapy will speed healing, relieve pain, and improve the patient’s likelihood of a full recovery. 

How successful is physical therapy?

Physical therapy can be very effective. If the option is to just ‘wait and see’ how a wound heals or a musculoskeletal pain goes on, physio could well be a helpful additional therapy to return to health more quickly.

How safe is physical therapy?

Physical therapy has the potential for doing significant harm in the hands of therapists with inappropriate education and training. 

What is the cost of physical therapy?

Comprehensive physical therapy requires an initial veterinary assessment and formulation of a treatment plan, which usually consists of a series of treatments. The cost of treatment will reflect both the equipment being used and the skill and experience of the practitioner and therapist. The actual fees are set by the individual physio and vet respectively. 

Can physical therapy be combined with traditional veterinary medicine?

Physical therapy is most appropriately used in combination with either conventional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. A trained vet or animal physiotherapist should formulate the overall treatment plan, following the appropriate diagnostic examination and assessment of the patient. Follow-up evaluations are necessary to determine the individual’s response to treatment and adjust the therapy accordingly. If your animal is receiving physiotherapy from an individual other than us, please let us know so we can coordinate the care of your pet. This allows proper evaluation of treatment and to minimise any avoidable problems.

How can I find out more information about veterinary physical therapy?

We are able to assist you in evaluating the suitability of specific therapy for your animal.