Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy uses physical methods, such as mobilisation, massage, exercise, ultrasound, laser, h-wave and hot and cold therapies to promote healing and restore function. In addition, physiotherapy and Pilates exercises can be used to improve athletic performance by enhancing balance, co-ordination and muscle control of both the horse and rider.
Why use a ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist?
All Veterinary Physiotherapists are qualified human physiotherapists who have chosen to undertake further training in Veterinary Physiotherapy. They work only with Veterinary Referral and communicate directly with the Veterinary team to ensure the best possible care for your animal. They adhere to strict codes of Clinical Practice and are regulated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT). They are covered by Professional and Public Liability Insurance.
Why use Tracy?
Dr Tracy Crook is an expert in the field of human and animal locomotion and is one of the leading authorities on muscle function in the horse. She has extensive knowledge and experience in the physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation of both human and animal patients. As a rider she understands the physical demands associated with the sport and has first- hand experience of the rehabilitation process using Pilates based exercises following a serious riding injury. Tracy has been instrumental in the training of the majority of Masters Veterinary Physiotherapists in the UK and abroad. Please see my client testimonials to find out more!
TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
- Mobilisation of Soft Tissues and Joints
- Myofascial Release, Reflex Inhibition and Trigger Point Therapy
- Massage and Lymphatic Drainage
- Stretches and “Reflex Movements”
- Therapeutic Sports Taping
- Advice on Therapeutic Exercises to Assist in Rehabilitation
- Electrotherapy modalities such as: Laser, Ultrasound, H-Wave
Muscle Stimulation, and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TNS)
How do I know if my animal needs physiotherapy?
Animals can’t tell us where their pain is or if they have injured themselves. Cats often hide their discomfort as do horses which are prey animals. Horses in the wild would be at a disadvantage if they showed signs of pain and weakness. Often dog owners notice that their dog plays less becomes less interactive and is less eager to go on their normal walks. Owners may also observe that the dog is stiff when rising in the morning.
Horses often present with schooling issues, such as refusal to go forward, bucking during transitions, refusing to take a rein contact. Behavioural problems and/or reduced performance can all be caused by joint pain and stiffness, muscle and ligament strains.
Animals, like people respond well to physiotherapy techniques and modalities that may include joint manipulation and mobilisation, massage, specific rehabilitation programmes, electro-therapeutic modalities and exercise programmes.
Physiotherapy intervention can limit the impact of injury and disease processes, optimize healing potential and accelerate return to function and/or performance.
Prevention is better than cure
Of course in the ideal world we want to be able to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Regular Physiotherapy check-ups for competition animals ensures that any issues can be picked up quickly and dealt with ensuring that they perform to the best of their ability.
