What is Veterinary Physiotherapy and what does it involve?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a complementary therapy which is considered an essential addition to surgical and medical treatment, and treatment by ACPAT registered veterinary physiotherapists is covered by most pet insurance companies. Physiotherapy is used to reduce pain, restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance.
Prior to a physiotherapy assessment veterinary consent will need to be gained.
During a physiotherapy session a detailed history will be taken from the owner, and then a full clinical assessment will take place; this includes; physical observation, gait analysis, assessing joint range of movement, palpation etc.
Physiotherapy treatments can include; advice on environmental considerations, massage, soft tissue release, laser therapy, passive stretches, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), muscle stimulation, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and a personalised exercise programme.
Common reasons for a veterinary physiotherapy referral:
- Arthritis and other joint problems such as injury, pain, swelling and stiffness
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Spinal problems such as disc disease and back pain
- Injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons
- Fractures, in order to aid healing and restoration of function
- Neurological conditions
- Performance difficulties in the athletic/working animal
- Age related degenerative conditions
Signs that your dog may require physiotherapy:
- Changes in behaviour including reluctance to perform usual activities
- Refusing to go out for walks
- Reduction in play
- Difficulty getting up and down from the floor or on/off furniture
- Struggling with steps or stairs
- Muscle asymmetry
- Chewing/licking of joints
- Panting (when not hot)
- Difficulty with toileting e.g. struggling to hold a squatting position or no longer lifting leg to urinate.
- Change in performance in sporting/working dogs.
About Maxine:
Maxine qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in 2013 at the University of the West of England, before returning home to Norfolk to work in the NHS. She has worked across a wide variety of clinical rotations and specialities, including musculoskeletal outpatients, neurological conditions, post-stroke rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation wards, and community physiotherapy, prior to following her dream to complete additional training in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Hartpury University.
As a chartered physiotherapist she is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), and a category A member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), and is also on the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP). She is fully insured and has professional and public liability insurance.
Maxine has a passion for the rehabilitation of small animals, and decided to specialise in canine rehabilitation, although still enjoys working with cats and other small animals.
Maxine currently runs a clinic based at Taverham Vets, Longwater Lane branch in Costessey, Norwich on Wednesdays, and at North Walsham based at Westover Veterinary Centre on Fridays. Out of hours appointments and home visits can sometimes be arranged locally when it is for the best interest of the animal.
“Absolutely delighted at the results of physio sessions with Maxine have shown..
In 7 weeks Alf whippets physical appearance has changed as well as his muscle structure...After intermittent problems of lameness he is now standing stronger and enjoying pain free exercise!
Highly recommend Maxine at Vet Physio Norfolk.”
“Bella has been seeing Maxine for about 18 months now, initially to help with treatment for a prolapsed disc, and then subsequently for a full rehabilitation programme following spinal surgery in 2021. Maxine also helps Bella with some shoulder and elbow hereditary arthritis. Through a combination of laser treatment, massage and careful exercises and an ongoing plan, and working alongside the hydrotherapists too, Maxine has helped Bella , who is now 10 years young, to regain her quality of life, and start enjoying her walks and swimming once more!”
“Having a very nervous rescue dog can make vet appointments very stressful and difficult but Maxine very quickly put Honey at ease and towards the end of the session she was so relaxed she fell asleep! Maxine was very thorough and very helpful in educating me to Honey’s needs and showing me how to physio at home! Highly recommend!”
