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Does My Pet Need Physiotherapy?
"What does a veterinary physiotherapist do?"
"So is it just massage therapy?"
Veterinary physiotherapy is a science-based treatment approach that helps animals recover from injury, manage pain, and maintain mobility. It focuses on the assessment and rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, using a combination of hands-on techniques, therapeutic technologies, and tailored exercise programmes.
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Physiotherapy aims to help your animal move more comfortably, recover faster, and stay active for longer. By reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and supporting healthy movement patterns, it promotes both physical healing and long-term wellbeing. Whether your dog, cat, horse (or other species!) is recovering from an injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply slowing down with age, veterinary physiotherapy can make a real difference to their comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
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Veterinary Physiotherapy is not just for sick, old or injured animals. It can be useful for animals of all ages and condition. Physiotherapists are trained to assess body condition and spot dysfunctions within tissues (e.g. muscle, bone, tendons etc), this means that they can often help spot compensatory issues and minor dysfunctions before they become major issues resulting in surgery or loss of performance. A veterinary physiotherapist will aim to treat these dysfunctions using a range of manual, electrotherapy and exercise prescriptive techniques, and will work with you as the owner to build an effective treatment plan.
When your pet is injured or struggling with chronic pain, it can be really scary. Veterinary Physiotherapists, not only provide tailor-made plans for your pet's specific needs, they also provide extensive advice and support to pet owners to help them manage their pet's needs between sessions. ​​​​​
"I've heard of human physiotherapy, but what is veterinary physiotherapy?"
"But my animal is young and healthy, I don't need physiotherapy..."
What Conditions Can Veterinary Physiotherapy Help With?
Veterinary physiotherapy can support a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and orthopaedic conditions in dogs, horses, and other companion animals. Whether your animal is recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, or simply showing signs of stiffness or discomfort, physiotherapy can play an important role in their recovery, comfort, and long-term mobility.​ Each treatment plan is tailored to your pet’s individual needs, using gentle, evidence-based techniques to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life.
Physiotherapy for Dog's and Cats:
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Physiotherapy can be highly effective for dogs of all ages — from energetic youngsters recovering from injury to older companions managing arthritis or reduced mobility.​ Common conditions include:
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Arthritis and other chronic pain conditions – helping to relieve pain and maintain mobility.
Hip or elbow dysplasia – improving comfort and supporting joint function.
Cruciate ligament injuries (pre- and post-surgery) – aiding recovery, strength, and balance.
Spinal conditions such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – supporting controlled movement and pain management.
Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries – speeding healing and reducing tension.
Post-surgical rehabilitation – promoting safe, gradual return to normal activity.
Neurological conditions – improving coordination, strength, and confidence during recovery.
Obesity and weight-loss – building strength and stamina safely.
Performance support for working and sporting dogs – maintaining muscle condition and preventing injury.
Physiotherapy for Horses:
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Equine physiotherapy can help horses across all disciplines — from 'happy hackers' to competitive athletes — by supporting recovery, improving movement quality, and preventing future issues. Common conditions include:
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Back and neck pain – improving comfort and flexibility.
Muscle tension or asymmetry – promoting balanced movement and posture.
Sacroiliac or pelvic dysfunction – supporting alignment and core stability.
Tendon and ligament injuries – aiding controlled healing and strengthening.
Joint stiffness or osteoarthritis – maintaining mobility and comfort in older horses.
Poor performance – identifying and addressing underlying musculoskeletal restrictions.
Gait irregularities – improving stride length, rhythm, and coordination.
Post-surgical or box-rest rehabilitation – ensuring a safe, progressive return to work.
Supporting Recovery and Long-Term Wellness
Physiotherapy isn’t just for recovery — it’s also an effective preventative and maintenance tool. Regular sessions can help detect subtle changes early, support ongoing musculoskeletal health, and keep your animal performing or moving at their best.
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Whether your animal is recovering from injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply slowing down with age, veterinary physiotherapy offers a gentle, effective, and holistic approach to keeping them comfortable, mobile, and happy.
It is completely normal to have a lot of questions when first starting physiotherapy, so please contact me, and I will endeavour to answer any questions or concerns you may have, whether you are a client already, or considering the use of my services, I am always happy to help.
To find out more about my services, including what to expect from your first appointment, please click here.