EH Veterinary Physiotherapy

08/10/2023

Obi definitely had that Sunday morning feeling in our session😴

After a visit to , I have been treating Obi for conservative management of hip pain and strengthening following previous surgery for Patellar Luxation🐾

We are focusing on reducing pain and residual muscle tension, re-establishing the correct gait pattern, encouraging even weight distribution and muscle building through his hind limbs💪🏼

It has been so nice to see Obi relax into his treatment, as he began quite apprehensive and guarded of the areas that are/ have previously been painful🤕 He is making good progress, with the additional help of hydrotherapy💧

08/10/2023

Great illustration of the correct lateral neck flexion stretch! The detail makes all the difference🐴

❓ ARE YOU CONDUCTING THIS STRETCH CORRECTLY?

A stretch is not just simply moving a part of the body from A to B and back to A. It is the careful repositioning of a body part from neutral (A) gently to correctly mobilised (B), held for 10-15 seconds before a controlled return back to neutral (A).

A stretch that is commonly struggled with in relation to this progress is a lateral cervical mobilisation stretch. In the left photo you can see the stretch being incorrectly carried out, with the tilting of the head and neck to get the treat without stretching the muscles of the top of the neck and poll region.

In the right photo, the ears remain perpendicular to the ground and you can see a clear stretch of the muscles around the body of the handler. You can imagine here that each vertebral joint has an even extension around the handler, rather than some joints being mobilised and others locking.

If you are using stretches for your horse, ensure your physiotherapist has seen you conduct them to make sure the desired result is being achieved. ✨

06/10/2023

Best of luck to this handsome chap and at HOYS this weekend🤞🏼🍀 Rudi is a pleasure to treat and it’s so good to see Mackenzie’s hard work paying off🥳🥰

20/07/2023

This gorgeous smooshy face is Negan🤩 He recently had surgery for bilateral cruciate rupture, as well as suffering with elbow dysplasia🤕 Negan is making amazing progress with the help of his super dedicated parents!!

30/03/2023

Picked up some new patients on the way to a client🥹

The kind of traffic I don’t mind being stuck in🥰

28/03/2023

Definitely have a soft spot for these two🥹 Both enjoying their treatments recently to keep them performing at their best!

I have availability for any maintenance or rehab cases, don’t hesitate to get in touch📲

11/03/2023

⭐️FACT FRIDAY⭐️

What’s the difference between the range of therapies? There are LOADS so I’ll try to explain just a few…(although they can get complicated!)

Physiotherapy - Veterinary physiotherapists undergo extensive training over several years, usually as a degree or post graduate qualification. Examinations mean physiotherapists can use; electrotherapies, massage, stretching, taping, and remedial exercises for specific conditions. We cannot perform skeletal manipulations. Unfortunately ‘vet physio’ is not a protected title, so people call themselves a physiotherapist without having done a Physiotherapy qualification. So check the quals! Physiotherapy can be used for maintenance cases or rehab.

Massage - massage courses vary in length from a week to a year! I started off as a massage therapist before extending my quals. A massage therapist can recommend exercises for maintenance but should not be providing remedial exercise plans for specific conditions due to the lack of assessment in this area. Massage is good for maintenance, and many therapists get other quals under their belt for other things like electrotherapies. There are lots of different types of massage all focusing on the same thing- improving muscular health!

Osteopathy - requires extensive training at degree or post graduate level. It involves spinal and joint mobilisations and manipulations and focuses on soft tissue connections between them. It is an old standing therapy so many therapists get other quals under their belt for electrotherapies. They can provide remedial exercise programmes. Some animals tolerate this better than Physiotherapy, and vice versa! Osteopathy is a protected term so people cannot call themselves an osteopath without the specific qualifications.

Chiropractic - not a protected term in animals but there are some industry recognised high standard courses like McTimoney that set a standard. They focus mainly on spinal manipulations but many practitioners have other quals under their belt for massage etc. They are generally not trained in specific rehab programmes but can suggest exercises to help ailments. It can work well alongside massage or Physiotherapy.

Picking a therapist that is part of an association or register (AHPR, RAMP, ACPAT, NAVP, IRVAP) ensures the quality of the practitioner and the qualifications. They should ALL work within the law - any animal with a diagnosed condition requires vet consent for treatment.

I would never like to say one therapy is better than another, they all have their place! Things to consider when selecting a therapist:
- what do you want from your therapist?
- what you should be getting from your chosen therapist?
- what is their level of training is?
- can they explain what they are doing and why!

Just like humans the “choice” is personal preference: some prefer the shorter and stronger treatments of an osteopath or chiro, and others, the gentler and longer approach of massage or physio. Any good therapist would be happy to work with another when necessary!

The industry is constantly developing with new therapies, so if you come across anything you want to know more about…just ask, and if I don’t currently know the answer, I’ll try and find out! ☺️

13/02/2023

The lovely Spangles🥰

Spangles is enjoying retired life following a failed kissing spines surgery a few years back🐎 He has regular treatment to keep him comfortable☺️

03/02/2023