Facilities

Physiotherapy

Canine physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders and post operative rehabilitation. Physiotherapists do not just treat; they assess using specialised skills in biomechanics, neurology, pain physiology, topographical anatomy and palpation.

Physiotherapists provide a functional assessment to identify pain or loss of function caused by a physical injury, disorder or disability and implement treatment techniques to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control for better motor performance and function.

Assessment-reassessment is essential during the treatment process and outcomes are measured objectively e.g. range of motion, muscle bulk or symmetry, pain scores.

A canine assessment will include the following: veterinary history, client history, conformational and postural assessment, gait analysis, specific palpation, and treatment and in specific cases a home exercise program. Constant communication with the treating veterinarian is essential to ensure the most optimal outcome is achieved.

Our Physiotherapy service is provided by Helen Nicholson, and is available on Thursdays.

 

Helen Nicholson
BPhty MAnimSt (Animal Physiotherapy)

Helen Nicholson graduated as a human physiotherapist in 1996 and began working with animals in 1999. She has several qualifications in animal physiotherapy and in May 2008 is scheduled to finish the first PhD in dog physiotherapy in the world. Helen is NOT a fan of the “no pain, no gain” school of physiotherapy and instead prefers to use treats to lure animals through their stretches and strength exercises wherever possible. If your vet refers you to physiotherapy, Helen will perform an individualized assessment and develop a written home program of exercises for you to practice with your pet most days of the week initially, with modifications made as your pet’s condition changes. You will also be given a progress report sheet to fill out and send back between appointments, to ensure everything is coming along according to plan. Helen’s reputation for using gentle, science-based, effective physiotherapy techniques on small animals has earned her quite a reputation overseas, where she is invited to teach each year. In addition, Helen has recently contributed to a textbook published in the UK, a scientific article published in the Australian Veterinary Journal, and has written a textbook on canine rehabilitation to be translated into Japanese. Helen endeavors to make appointment times as convenient as possible but please enquire about alternatives if the suggested times do not suit you.

For further information regarding the Physiotherapy Service, please refer to www.k9physio.com