Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, is one of the allied veterinary health professions. It is provided by a qualified professional who promotes, maintains, or restores health through physical examination, prognosis, owner education, physical intervention, rehabilitation and health promotion. This is achieved using a range of manual therapies (massage, range of motion and stretching), electrotherapies (hot & cold therapy, TENS, and laser) and remedial exercise plans. 

• The RAMP register only accepts people who meet the RAMP standards which include:

  • • Educational qualifications: knowledge base, skills & proficiency

    • Proof of professional indemnity insurance

    • Proof of public liability insurance

    • Signed and audited undertaking for the minimum level of CPD (continued professional development)

    • Signed acceptance of the standards for practice, to the equivalent level of practitioners in the human field

​Physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists all take a slightly different approach to treatment and, therefore, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your animal.​A good physiotherapist or other practitioner will only work within the limit of their own qualification, however, all aim to treat issues with a drug-free and non-invasive approach to improve health and well-being.​

Physiotherapy specialises in the management and prevention of movement disorders, often relating to issues with muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and nerves. The aim of physiotherapy is to rehabilitate a patient in order to achieve pain free, functional movement. It is the physiotherapist's job to look at the interaction between the animals muscular, skeletal and nervous system to see what could be causing an issue.

Chiropractors will generally treat pain and altered body alignment problems using manipulation (adjustments), of the spine, pelvis and occasionally limbs. Manipulation is a fast manual technique that takes the joint being treated to the end of its range of motion.

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A massage therapist will only be able to treat an animal with massage strokes to reduce pain and increase functionality.

A session lasts from 60 - 90 minutes.