Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my animal needs physiotherapy?
If your animal has suffered an injury, recently undergone surgical treatment or has a chronic musculoskeletal or neuromuscular condition, physiotherapy will help to reduce pain, optimise tissue healing and restore musculoskeltal or neuromuscular function.
How many physiotherapy treatment sessions will my animal need?
The number of physiotherapy treatment sessions required to resolve pain and restore optimum musculoskeletal and neuromuscular function will depend on the type and severity of injury or musculoskeletal or neurological condition. A follow up treatment or several treatment sessions may be necessary to resolve the primary issue. Follow up treatments are important to assess the animals response to physiotherapy treatment, check on progress and to adjust the remedial exercises, stretches and electrotherapy use and settings that may have been left for the owner to perform.Thereafter, maintainence treatments are recommended to maintain optimum musculoskeletal and neuromusclar function.
Why do I need to get veterinary consent prior to physiotherapy treatment?
Sections 19 and 20 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 state that a veterinary physiotherapist can only treat animals under veterinary referral or consent.
Will I need to book a treatment session in advance?
Yes you will need to book a treatment session in advance. Please contact Laura to discuss physiotherapy for your animal and to book a treatment session.
Will my insurance company pay for physiotherapy treatment?
NAVP members are recognised by veterinary insurance companies when submitting a claim to reimburse veterinary physiotherapy treatment costs. Most insurance companies will pay for physiotherapy treatment if the animal has suffered an injury, recently undergone surgery or has been diagnosed with a chronic musculoskeletal or neurological condition. However, it is advisory that you check this with your insurance provider.
I have booked some events; will my horse be able to be ridden after physiotherapy treatment?
Two days off ridden exercise is usually required following physiotherapy treatment. This is because the tissues response to physiotherapy occurs up to 24 to 48 hours post treatment. Physiotherapy treatment may initially result in increased muscle soreness and stiffness caused by the release of chemical substances from the tissue as a result of massage and electrotherapy. This is normal and is not of concern.
Will my dog need to rest after physiotherapy?
When appropriate, Laura will prescribe a bespoke remedial exercise plan to meet the individuals requirements that is safe, effecftive and progressive. Therefore the remedial exercise prescribed will depend on the individual as some patients may require a reduction in exercise, whereas others may require an increase in exercise along with introduction to different exericse types.
How should I prepare my horse or dog for assessment and physiotherapy?
Your horse or dog needs to be presented clean from mud and sweat and be dry for assessment and treatment.