18/01/2025
Understanding Animal Therapies: Making Informed Choices for Your Fur Friends 🐴🐾
In the world of animal therapy, there’s a range of options to support your pet’s wellbeing – from physiotherapy to massage, chiropractic, and osteopathy. Each therapy has its own strengths and areas of focus, but it’s important to understand their differences, qualifications, and scopes of practice when making decisions for your animals.
Here’s a helpful breakdown:
Veterinary Physiotherapy
Veterinary physiotherapists (NOT a protected title so be weary of those claiming to be something they may not - it happens!), undergo years of rigorous training, often through degree or postgraduate qualifications, to deliver tailored rehabilitation and conditioning plans. We are uniquely qualified to assess, treat, and prescribe remedial exercise programmes for specific conditions. Treatments may also include electrotherapy, massage, taping, and stretching techniques.
For reassurance, look for physiotherapists registered with organisations such as ACPAT, RAMP, IRVAP, NAVP or AHPR and holding qualifications like BSc, PGDip, or MSc.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapists can be great for maintenance and conditioning and may recommend general exercises to support muscular health. However, they are not qualified to prescribe specific rehab programmes or use any electrotherapy devices unless they have undertaken additional training. Look for therapists on governing bodies like IAAT, IRVAP, or AHPR for peace of mind.
Osteopathy
Osteopaths are highly trained to focus on spinal and joint mobilisations, with a deep understanding of the soft tissue connections between them. As a protected title, only those with the required degree or postgraduate qualifications can call themselves osteopaths. They can also prescribe rehab plans as part of their scope and many undertake additional training to use electrotherapies.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy in animals is not a protected title, but there are recognised courses, such as McTimoney, which set a strong industry standard. Chiropractors mainly focus on spinal manipulations to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and address alignment issues. Many chiropractors also enhance their practice with additional qualifications in areas like massage or stretching techniques.
While chiropractors generally do not design specific rehab programmes, they can recommend exercises to complement their treatments or improve conditioning. Chiropractic care can be an excellent option for animals with stiffness or restricted movement and often works well in combination with massage or physiotherapy for a well-rounded holistic approach.
Unqualified ‘Therapists’
This category is particularly concerning. These individuals often present as specialists in the use of a single electrotherapeutic device, having completed only minimal training (sometimes just a day or two). While they may appear confident and persuasive, their lack of formal qualifications means they do not possess a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, the aetiology of clinical conditions, or cellular responses to therapy.
Their approach is often comparable to that of a salesperson, promoting the use of a device they have invested in rather than delivering informed, evidence-based care. Without this foundational knowledge, they cannot accurately determine when, where, or how to use the device safely or effectively, nor can they identify contraindications or adapt treatments to individual needs.
⚠️ Avoid these “specialists”. Working with someone unqualified risks causing harm or worsening your pet’s condition. Always seek a therapist with recognised qualifications, membership in a professional governing body, and the ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of their chosen therapies.
Why Vet Consent is Essential
Before starting any therapy, a diagnosis is key. All therapists must have veterinary consent to treat animals with diagnosed conditions, and unexplained lameness should always be seen by a vet first. Working without a diagnosis risks making things worse.
Choosing the Right Therapist for Your Pet
Every therapy has its place, and often they work beautifully together. When selecting a therapist, ask:
• What is their level of training?
• Can they explain their approach?
• Are they happy to collaborate with other professionals?
Some animals benefit from the hands-on, gentle approach of physiotherapy or massage, while others respond better to osteopathy or chiropractic techniques. Sometimes there is a requirement for more than one practitioner to meet with their requirements. It’s all about your animals individual needs and a good practitioner will always recommend another one if other skills are needed for the benefit of your 4 legged friend.
The animal therapy industry is always evolving with new treatments and methods. If you have any questions about therapies or want to learn more, just ask – I’m always happy to help! 🥰
BSc (Hons) veterinary physiotherapist offering holistic assessment and treatment options✨
