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How to Prepare for a Physiotherapy Session
Prior to making a booking, there are a few things that are required, below is a checklist of how to prepare for your appointment. If you have any further questions, contact tailstherapy@outlook.com. For full terms & conditions click here.
Free phone consultation
Tails Therapy offers a free phone consultation to anyone wanting to make a booking. This ensures that your animal friend receives suitable and effective treatment and that Tails Therapy can provide the services you require.
Referral form / Consent form
Prior to any physiotherapy treatment taking place, a referral or/and consent form is required. A referral form is a referral from your vet practice to allow rehabilitation treatment for an animal following a diagnosis, injury or surgery. A consent form is required for maintenance physiotherapy for healthy pets that require treatment to maintain good health and mobility. Treatment cannot commence without a form being completed.
Preparing the space and the animal
To ensure your animal gets the most out of the treatment session, it is vital to provide a suitable and quiet space.
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Ensure the area for treatment is free of other animals and distractions and has a non-slip floor.
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Canine and feline and small animal sessions can be conducted in the living room, a familiar and safe environment or on their usual bed.
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Equine sessions are preferably conducted outside of the stable on rubber matting/grass to ensure safety of the handler and therapist.
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Animals need to be clean and dry for sessions to be most effective, and a horse's feet should be picked out prior to the session.
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A confident handler must be present throughout the session, this keeps the animal calm, aids in restraint and allows an ongoing dialogue with the therapist.
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Horses are not to be tied for sessions as this can cause unnecessary stress when trying to move away from an uncomfortable area.
The therapist will have active communication throughout the session to decipher areas of pain and dysfunction, for this reason the animal needs to be able to openly communicate, so it is requested that correction of bad behaviour during treatment is kept to a minimum.
Follow Up Sessions
The therapist will discuss the need for a follow up session with you. It is usually recommended that animals with substantial muscle tension require a session within ten days of the initial session for the treatment to be fully effective.
Rehabilitation sessions are very specific and vary in regularity, so rehabilitation plans will be customised to the needs of the owner and capability of the owner.
In cases where multiple Therapeutic Ultrasound sessions are required, the therapist will discuss what is needed and a plan can be made for Ultrasound only follow ups to be arranged.
If your animal only needs maintenance to keep them in top condition for riding, sport or work, a follow up sessions every three months are advised.
How to Prepare for a Deep Tissue Massage
Pre session
Drink plenty of water before your massage appointment. Hydration helps to keep your muscles and tissues supple and facilitates the removal of toxins from your body. Try not to eat a heavy meal immediately before your massage appointment. A full stomach may make you uncomfortable during the massage, and it's best to have some time to digest before lying down.
Inform your massage therapist about any medical conditions, injuries, or areas of concern you have. This allows them to tailor the massage to your specific needs and avoid exacerbating any existing issues. Choose loose, comfortable clothing to wear to your appointment, a normal bra as opposed to a sports bra is preferable for back treatment. You may be asked to undress partially or fully depending on the areas being treated, so wear something you're comfortable in. Deep tissue massage may cause some discomfort, especially if you have tight muscles. However, it should not be overly painful. Communicate with your therapist if the pressure is too intense or if you experience any discomfort beyond what you can tolerate.
Plan some time to rest and relax after your massage. Avoid strenuous activities or intense workouts immediately afterward to allow your body to fully benefit from the treatment. For maximum long term benefits, ensure you have at least one follow up scheduled roughly ten days later to eliminate any remaining niggles or tightness.