Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet physio only for rehabilitation from injury or conditions?
No! Veterinary physiotherapy has a range or benefits, including (and not limited to):
- Pre-habilitaion.
- Pain management
- Strengthening
- Conditioning
- Weight management
- Wound healing
- Breakdown of scar tissue
- Reduction of adhesions
- Prevention of injury
- Increasing quality of life
What does a typical vet physio appointment consist of?
- Full consultation
- Behavioural assessment
- Static assessment
- Gait assessment
- Neurological assessment (if necessary)
- Treatment - this can include a combination of massage, myofascial release, stretches and remedial exercises.
- Exercise prescription
and/or
- Treatment plan
Is veterinary physiotherapy covered by pet insurance?
Yes, for most pet insurers, they recognise physiotherapy as a complementary medicine and will either have an annual limit, or limit per condition.
Please be sure to check details with your insurer.
* I will not deal personally with direct claims from the insurance company. These will need to be settled in full and a receipt will be issued to send to the insurer.
How long do appointments take?
An initial appointment can take 1.5-2 hours depending on the individual. This is due to needing to gain case history, assess the animal's gait, head-to-tail palpation, compile notes, perform treatment and prescribe remedial exercises.
Maintenance and massage appointments can be 45 minutes - 1 hour depending on the individual.
'Top-up' appointments do not exceed 30 minutes.
Electrotherapy appointments can take 20-30 minutes.
Groundwork sessions can be up to an hour.
*These sessions are animal lead as much as possible, therefore appointment times may vary depending on the animals' reaction to the appointment.
My animal is aggressive or nervous. Can they have physiotherapy?
Yes. I offer 'Top-up' sessions, which are a maximum of 30 minutes long. These are either for treating mild conditions or can be used as an introduction session for nervous or inexperienced animals.
During this session, I can help to make your animal feel comfortable and confident with a veterinary physiotherapist and work on building trust before beginning full treatment sessions.
* I reserve the right to terminate an appointment at any time if I deem the animal has become dangerous.
Why do I need to receive an initial appointment before I can book different appointment types?
An initial appointment allows me to undergo a thorough clinical history check, before an in-depth gait, postural, conformational, and palpation assessment. This will allow me to identify areas of tension, weakness, pain, or anything else that I can address during this, and subsequent appointments.
Unless your animal develops a new condition, you'll only need an initial assessment once.
What is a veterinary referral form?
A veterinary referral form is a formal document, signed by your veterinarian allowing for your animal to receive veterinary physiotherapy.
*To request a veterinary referral form, please contact me via email.
Why do I need a veterinary referral form?
This form provides the veterinary physiotherapist with your animals' veterinary history and their reason(s) for requiring physiotherapy (if applicable).
It also acts as a way to ensure your animals will be treated by a qualified professional as most veterinarians will require the veterinary physiotherapist to provide evidence of their registration and qualifications before they sign the form.
When do I need a veterinary referral form?
You need a form when coming to a new veterinary physiotherapist, or when treating a new condition.
What happens if I can't make an appointment?
All appointments have a 48-hour cancellation policy.
If you cancel your appointment at least 48 hours before your appointment start time, you will be entitled to a full refund or rearrangement of the appointment at your discretion.
If the appointment is cancelled under 48 hours before the appointment start time, I reserve the right to keep some or all of the appointment cost.
*There is a caveat for exceptional circumstances at my discretion.
What happens if my animal is unwell on the day of my appointment?
If your animal is unwell, and unable to proceed with the appointment; please contact me via phone or email ASAP.
The appointment will be rearranged at the earliest convenience.
What do I have to prepare for an appointment?
Your animal must be present and restrained ready for the appointment i.e., in their stable or wearing their collar and lead.
They must be clean, with long fur free of matts.
Can I ride my horse after physiotherapy?
Depending on the intensity of treatment, your horse may require 24-48 hours without exercise post-appointment.
I will typically recommend that horses be turned out where possible after an appointment.
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