Physiotherapy
About Veterinary Physiotherapy
Veterinary Physiotherapy combines science-based research with a holistic approach to assess and treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions in animals. A full physiotherapy session by Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy includes a full functional assessment of the animal. Treatment with manual therapies and electrophysical agents is then carried out to reduce pain and improve function and tissue healing. The owner is then sent home with rehabilitation exercises to improve function in between physiotherapy sessions.
Assessment
A functional assessment is carried out prior to treatment, to identify pain, loss of function, injury, disability, or disorder. We work closely with the vets and owners to gather accurate history. A static assessment is carried out, evaluating the animals conformation, posture and checking for any muscle atrophy or asymmetry. A dynamic assessment is then carried out to assess lameness or functional disability.
A hands on assessment is then performed, assessing muscle condition, joint movement, neurological responses, and checking for any areas of pain.
Manual Therapies
Manual therapy accounts for a large part of treatment with veterinary physiotherapy. Manual therapy includes massage, myofascial release, stretching and joint mobilisations.
Electrophysical Agents (EPAs)
An electrophysical agent (EPA) is a machine or device that delivers energy into the tissues, resulting in one or more physiological events. Such events can lead to enhanced tissue repair, pain relief and/or muscle stimulation. Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy prides itself on using scientific research to provide effective treatments. Therefore, we use modern, well researched EPAs when treating our animal patients.
See below for an overview of the EPAs used by Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy has an EMS dual frequency therapeutic ultrasound machine.
There is substantial evidence in the use of therapeutic ultrasound on soft tissue injuries. The dual-frequency capabilities of this machine allow treatment of superficial injuries, to injuries that are up to 6cm deep. Therapeutic ultrasound accelerates healing by stimulating the cells which are responsible for healing and is beneficial through all stages of healing. Therapeutic ultrasound is optimal in dense, collagen-based tissue such as tendon, ligament, fascia, joint capsule and scar tissue.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) machines generate electromagnetic energy by running electric energy through a coiled wire. PEMF stimulation is thought to stimulate cell surface receptors, and stabilize intracellular calcium stores, which leads to a reduction of the production of free radicals and subsequent inflammation. PEMF has been found to reduce pain associated with inflammation, improve bone healing, improve wound healing in soft tissue wounds, and to treat osteoarthritis.
Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy has a Westville Biomag 2 unit and a triple concentric pad. This pad was designed to treat sacroiliac issues in horses and has a large depth of penetration. In addition to being used on horses backs, it is also commonly used under the bed of dogs and other small animals during treatment. Watch how they relax when on it!
Laser Therapy
Photobiomodulation, also known as laser therapy, is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which is applied at low energy levels, emitting light at 600-1000nm to create a stimulative effect on cells. The effects of laser therapy on tissue healing has been widely observed across thousands of studies and is commonly used in human and animal medicine.
Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy has a class 3b laser, with an infrared laser head, as well as a red and infrared LED cluster head.
PEMF Leg Wrap
In addition to the triple concentric pad, Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy also has the Westville horse leg wrap. This is very effective in treating osteoarthritis of the carpus, hock and fetlock. PEMF is also effective in reducing inflammation related to laminitis, so the leg wrap is also put around the laminitic horses foot.
Exercise Prescription
Rehabilitation is an important aspect of veterinary physiotherapy. Rehabilitation plans aim to retrain gait and improve strength, flexibility, proprioception and balance when treating orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Exercise prescription may also be used for performance enhancement in sporting animals.
Willow Veterinary Physiotherapy provides detailed, bespoke exercise prescription plans for each animal treated, to enable a safe and effective recovery for each patient.
