FAQ

Physiotherapy is a non-invasive form of therapy which is carried out by a trained therapist. It is used to assist the natural healing of the body, it relieves pain and assists mobility; it is not a miracle cure. Treatment may include manual techniques like massage and stretching to the use of therapeutic equipment or remedial exercises or a combination of all. Animals are unique so therefore they need a bespoke program.

• Stiffness in getting up and down
• Stiffness after rest
• Difficulty jumping up or down
• Increased resting periods or reduction in exercise
• Behaviour changes
• Pre/Post surgical intervention
• Athlete animals
• General checkup (MOT)

Physiotherapy can be used for a range of issues from injury or illness, rehabilitation post surgery to mobility issues and body conditioning for the athlete animal.

Most insurance companies will cover Veterinary Physiotherapy. Please contact your insurance provider directly to find out if your policy covers Physiotherapy. Payment is required at the time of treatment and should be claimed back via the insurance company.

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 all therapists require a referral from a qualified and registered Veterinary Surgeon.

Download Referral Form

Please contact Boddie Purrfect – see contacts page. It is a legal requirement that all therapists must obtain a Veterinary referral and consent for Physiotherapy. A referral form can be downloaded below or sent directly to you or your Veterinary Surgeon.

Download Referral Form

Every animal is unique and therefore requires a bespoke program. A full history is required along with a clinical examination and biomechanical analysis.

It is important to establish the owners expectations and for the therapist to bond with both owner and animal. For the initial consult, please allow up to 60 minutes and 30–45 minutes for follow up appointments. Often 'homework' is set, this assists with healing, meaning treatment is more effective and includes the owner as part of the animal’s recovery.

This is a very difficult question to answer as it depends on the problem. Every animal is an individual and Physiotherapy looks at the body as a whole not just an injured limb. On a whole I recommend 4-6 sessions, sometimes it may just be 1 or 2.

Under the Veterinary Surgeons act of 1966, an RVN could carry out certain treatments if under the Veterinary Surgeons instruction; however it is important for the therapist to maintain the animals trust so they are relaxed. In these cases the therapist may be more inclined to refer to another Veterinary colleague. Often there is not enough time to go in-depth about topics such as weight control.