PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

Physiotherapy is widely recognised as being effective in the treatment and rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, arthritis, neck and back pain and following fractures or surgery. Animal physiotherapists are qualified and registered human physiotherapists who have a special interest in treating similar conditions in animals. The aim of physiotherapy is to aid the animals healing capacity by reducing pain and inflammation, improving joint range of motion and muscle strength thereby restoring movement, function and quality of life.

An initial physiotherapy consultation includes a thorough assessment of your pet's condition. This enables the physiotherapist to formulate an individually designed treatment program, including hands-on treatment techniques as well as a home exercise program allowing the owner to have an active role in their pets rehabilitation. Physiotherapists have an extensive knowledge of many different treatment techniques, and are as skilled at evaluating movement patterns both on dry land and in the water.

Treatments may consist of soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisations, stretching / strengthening exercises, movement re-education, balance and proprioception exercises, electrotherapy ( laser therapy), hydrotherapy and conditioning for sport.

Physiotherapy is beneficial in the treatment of many orthopaedic and neuromuscular disorders, e.g.: cruciate ligament injuries / tibial plateau leveling osteotomies (TPLO) / tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgeries, following patella luxation surgery, femoral head excision arthroplasty, hip dysplasia (conservative and surgical management), elbow dysplasia (conservative and surgical management), spinal disorders, peripheral nerve injuries, neck and back pain, arthritis, muscle / ligament and tendon injuries, movement disorders / gait re-education, and strengthening following medical conditions and cancer treatment.

Hydrotherapy can be used as an effective part of your pets rehabilitation. It increases muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness and joint range of motion without placing undue stress on painful joints or surgical repairs.

Although swimming can be beneficial, the advantage of using an underwater treadmill is that it enables the physiotherapist to facilitate the animals normal walking patterns and encourage the use of all affected limbs. Assistance is provided by varying the depth of the water and the speed of the treadmill. To increase muscle strength and fitness the resistance can be increased by introducing water jets.

The ozone sanitised water in the treadmill is heated to approximately 30 degrees Celsius to promote muscle relaxation and comfort.

Animal Physiotherapy Solutions is a referral based practice only, therefore all animals must have a veterinary referral prior to commencing treatment. This is a legal requirement, and is needed to allow the physiotherapist to comply with the Veterinary Surgeons Act, and allows both the veterinarian and physiotherapist to work together ensuring that your pet receives the best possible management for their condition.

To learn more about our specialist physiotherapy team and the locations you'll find them, please visit the pages below:

• Physiotherapy Team
• Underwood Hospital
• Carrara Hospital
• Jindalee Hospital

For more detailed information, please visit the Animal Physio Solutions website.