Animal Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy / Physio
for Cats, Dogs, Horses (Equines), Rabbits and Other Pets
by Gina McCulloch D.C., IVCA, IEBWA
What is it?
Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy for cats, dogs, horses (equines) and other animals treats injury, disease and disability through physical means. Restoring movement and function helps facilitate your pet’s body’s own healing ability.
To achieve pain relief and increase range of movement and muscle strength, therapists mainly use: massage, mobilisation, manipulation, exercise, heat/cold, water and machines.
It is often referred to as an alternative, integrative, complementary, natural and / or holistic medicine for cats, dogs, horses (equines) rabbits and other animals and pets.
How does it work?
Physiotherapists or Physical therapists use a variety of physical methods to restore movement and function to your pet’s (e.g. cat, dog, horse, rabbit etc.) body.
Using their hands therapists massage, mobilise and manipulate soft tissues and bones to decrease pain and stiffness and increase mobility.
They may also use machines to complement manual therapies. Ultrasound, laser, tens, aid tissue repair and pain relief and electrical muscle stimulation strengthens and retrains muscles after injury.
Therapists can advise on the application of heat or ice for injuries to; decrease pain and swelling, relax muscles, encourage blood and nutrients to an injured area speeding up the healing process.
Therapists may also recommend strengthening, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises to restore physical function and increase range of motion.
What can it help?
There is evidence based research and/or anecdotal evidence that Animal Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy / Physio has helped cats, dogs, horses (equines), rabbits and other pets with:
- Arthritis
- Behavioural problems (Pain induced)
- Compensatory Problems
- Gait abnormalities
- Lameness
- Musculoskeletal Pain,
- Musculoskeletal Stiffness
- Muscle imbalance
- Muscle weakness
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- Muscle/Tendon/Ligament Damage
- Nerve Injuries
- Performance (decrease)
- Post Surgery Rehabilitation
- Sensitivity to being girthed
- Sensitivity to being touched or patted
- Soft tissue Injuries
- Sports Injuries/ Trauma
- Uneven Hoof/nail wear
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