Physiotherapy is therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilises therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapeutics), assistive devices, and patient/owner education and training.

 

By applying advanced, evidence-based assessment techniques, animal physiotherapists can accurately identify and address areas of pain, weakness, neurological deficits, asymmetry, dysfunction, and compensation. Mastering this assessment process requires years of training and clinical experience, and it forms the foundation of an effective, tailored rehabilitation program. Each animal responds to injury, surgery, and pain in a unique way, and their rehabilitation plan should be designed to reflect their individual challenges and compensatory patterns, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable recovery journey.

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Key responsibilities for and animal physiotherapist include:

• Assessing* joint function for stiffness, instability, or abnormal movement patterns.

• Assessing* for soft tissue dysfunctions such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries

• Applying knowledge of exercise physiology to design and deliver targeted, effective exercise therapy

• Evaluating overall function and pain to understand impacts on daily activities and quality of life.

• Developing individualised treatment plans to restore mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future complications through targeted interventions.
   

By addressing a wide range of physical challenges, animal physiotherapy plays a vital role in improving quality of life for animals across many conditions

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*It is important to note that animal physiotherapists are not able to diagnose conditions, this role falls onto the veterinary surgeon in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Exemptions Order.