Lily Moffatt Veterinary Physiotherapy

16/02/2025

Pumpkin and friends charity have helped over 1600 animals!! & Friends Charity 1199484 … Tammy Fox needs your support for Lincoln 10k - Pumpkin Power

15/02/2025

Preach this! So many under qualified “professionals” in our industry!! Both myself and my team are all Level 7 qualified physiotherapists which means we are trained to masters level in our profession. There is no higher level! We also do continual CPD to enhance our skills. Always check your practitioners qualifications!!

⭐Why qualifications from reputable school’s matter⭐

In the equine manual therapy industry, qualifications from reputable institutions are essential for ensuring safe and effective practice. These qualifications typically involve rigorous in-person physical and written examinations; a lengthy portfolio of case studies; as well as a host of other stringent criteria the student must meet to earn them. While years of practical experience and well-developed palpation skills (which are refined at the reputable schools) are also crucial, a qualification from a reputable institution signifies that the therapist has demonstrated clinical competence to provide the services they offer.

Having said that, not all qualifications are created equal. As a horse owner, it's important to do your due diligence and research the qualifications of any potential therapist. Understanding the level of the qualification within a standard educational framework can be helpful. For example, a diploma at a postgraduate or master's level (Level 7 UK, comparable to a master's degree in Australia) signifies a different depth of training than a diploma taught at Level 5. Or to that of a certificate.

Qualifications from reputable institutions matter for several reasons. The therapist will have been examined in person and passed with:
• A solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, psychology and biomechanics, enabling them to appropriately assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions.
• A thorough understanding of techniques and when to use them (and when not to use certain techniques) to effectively address the presenting needs.
• Clinical reasoning and assessment skills, enabling them to develop appropriate treatment plans based on an individual horse’s presentation (not a ‘stock standard’ set of techniques or a ‘routine’ way of doing things).
• Adherence to professional standards, codes of conduct and ethics for client safety and to build trust, assuring the client that the therapist has the necessary knowledge and skills to provide the treatment they are offering.
• A thorough understanding of their scope of practice and boundaries (what is outside their scope of work), ensuring that work is done within their competence and horses are referred to other healthcare professionals (vet etc) as necessary.
• A qualification that is recognised by professional associations and regulatory bodies. Many professional member associations also require qualified therapists to continue annual professional study so that they are up-to-date with the latest insights and research. These associations also require the therapist to prove they carry the necessary insurance for the work they do, and insurance companies want to see qualifications for that.
• And, in addition in my studies, a thorough understanding of osteopathic philosophy, principles and theory, as well as neurology and pathology studies.

If you have a robust level of education, you will know when to stop treating (so that you don’t get adverse treatment reactions). You will know the pace to proceed with treatment and be able to take into account all of the influencing factors (eg. physiological, psychological, environmental); contraindications (absolute, relative, local); comorbidities and other conditions and pathology; clinical flags; treatment timeframes (frequency and duration of treatment sessions, short- and long-term considerations etc); as well as the order in which you want to approach treatment. This is why you won't find many ‘how-to’ videos on my page. Each horse's needs are unique, and I wouldn’t want individuals applying techniques without a full understanding of the rationale behind them and the intended outcome. Developing proper palpatory skills and "feel" requires significant time and experience, which cannot be adequately conveyed in a short video (and nor should it). Sharing such content without proper context could potentially do more harm than good in inexperienced hands.

So, qualifications should matter. If you were needing treatment, wouldn’t you want that treatment to come from a fully qualified and insured practitioner? I know that just because someone graduated from medical school doesn’t make them a great doctor on its own but let’s be honest, you wouldn’t be sitting in a room with them talking about your medical history if they didn’t have the qualification to start with. Similarly, you wouldn’t see a person for dental work who bought a drill at their local hardware store and said “Ok, I’ve got this”.

If someone is reluctant to show you their qualifications, then you need to see this as a red flag. Believe me, when you have worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to get those qualifications, you are happy to show them to anyone who wants to verify.

Unfortunately, those who downplay the importance of qualifications tend to be those who lack them, or who lack the qualifications necessary for the specific therapies they are trying to offer (eg. joint manipulations). The latter is known as ‘scope creep’, where the therapist may be qualified in one area but has added on additional techniques that they are not qualified to do. And, in this regard, it is always the horse who suffers.

What makes a good therapist is the ability to mix a reputable education with the hands-on palpatory skill and well-trained ‘feel’ that comes with years of study, practice, experience and intuition. What makes an even better therapist is one who continues their CPD because it demonstrates that they are open to the latest research and knowledge.

In the end, I want to show up for the horse (and their human) being the best I can be and being transparent and honest about what I have to offer. 💙

10/02/2025

Next rounds of puppy classes. Book now to avoid missing out and receive 10% off a puppy 121 either to prepare for your puppy's arrival or support you in their first few weeks of coming home

Booking link in the comments

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

Hey everyone, Elvis here. I'm just wondering when it will be my turn to find a forever home of my own? 🐾

💚 Everyone knows I am just the sweetest boy who loves nothing more than to spend time in the company of my humans. Do you have a comfy bed for me to take a snooze in?

🐶 I have such a big heart and being around people I feel safe with is what I like best. I would prefer my new owners to be home most of the day whilst I get settled, but this can be quickly built up to 2-3 hours.

🌟 I love having snuggles and being adored, so I would like to be the only pet in my new home where I can become your true best friend. I could live with children 11+ years if our introductions go smoothly!

If you think I could be the big guy missing from your life, please apply to adopt me through my profile on the website. I just know my perfect home is out there for me somewhere. 💚

Lots of love, Elvis xox

https://www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/dogs/elvis/

08/02/2025

𝗗𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗯𝘆𝗲

After recently posting about euthenasia, Dr Bull reflects on the impossible task of deciding: when?

As Veterinarians, we understand the weight of responsibility that comes with caring for your beloved pets.

We're blessed with the ability to end their suffering, but that also means we bear the burden of making that difficult decision on their behalf.

𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗼𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀.

As Veterinarians, we can offer guidance based on our experience, but ultimately, the decision is yours.

That's why I want to share with you a valuable tool that can help you evaluate your pet's quality of life: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗠𝗠 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲.

This scale considers seven essential factors:

H - Hurt: Is your pet in pain or discomfort?

H - Hunger: Can your pet eat and receive adequate nutrition?

H - Hydration: Is your pet properly hydrated?

H - Hygiene: Can your pet be kept clean and comfortable?

H - Happiness: Can your pet experience joy and mental stimulation?

M - Mobility: Can your pet move around and satisfy its needs?

M - More good days than bad: Are there more good days than bad for your pet?

Each of the six categories in the scale is scored on a scale of 0–10, with 10 being the best score. A score of 35 or more is generally considered acceptable.

By using this scale, you'll be better equipped to assess your pet's quality of life and make informed decisions about their care.

If you're struggling with end-of-life care decisions or have questions about the HHHHHMM Scale, please complete the questionnaire online and clients please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

𝗗𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱

📸 𝙁𝙤𝙧 17 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝘿𝙧 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙡’𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚.

𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙜 - 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙.

08/02/2025

How can massage therapy be beneficial as an addition to your Physiotherapy sessions?

As most of our clients know, we use massage as a handy tool in our treatment sessions to improve muscle tissue, increase range of motion and reduce trigger points. We also use electrotherapies, exercises, joint mobilisations and home management plans to make sure that your animals have balenced sessions.

However, massage therapy in itself can be a great addition alongside our treatments to provide your animals with the ability to relax and enjoy the therapeutic effects of massage alone.

So why would I need my dog to have a massage if you use massage in treatment?
- Relaxation for the animal
- Improve blood flow to tissues
- Improve fascial elasticity
- Managr superficial muscle tension
- Improve animals mental health through promoting the parasympathetic nervous system
- Learn techniques to help muscle tone in between sessions

So there are many benefits for massage only sessions alongside your normal Physiotherapy session, and visa-versa.

Myself and Katy Time for Pooch Canine Massagessage ran our first clinic together this morning and we both agreed it was a very successful morning. Lots of dogs receiving additional Physiotherapy treatment to go alongside their regular massage therapy. I was able to focus on the deeper pain and improve range of motion, working with dogs that had brilliant muscle tone and fascia pliability from regular massage treatments from Katy.

Get in touch today to find out more.

Lily Moffatt Veterinary Physiotherapy
www.lilyvetphysiotherapy.com
(+44) 07531639808
[email protected]

06/02/2025

The beautiful Mungo enjoying his laser therapy to help with his aging. Mungo has a carpal deformity called Carpal Valgus. 🐾🦴
Carpal valgus in dogs is a condition where the carpal (wrist) joint angles outward, away from the body’s midline, resulting in an abnormal stance. The condition typically involves a misalignment of the front limbs, often making the dog appear to “bow” out at the wrists. It can affect all dogs, especially during growth phases, and may be caused by genetic factors, nutritional imbalances, injury, or developmental issues. If left untreated this can then cause long term issues such as osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament strains and muscle asymmetry.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Improved Joint Mobility: Physiotherapy can help increase the flexibility and range of motion in the carpal joint, reducing stiffness that may result from the abnormal alignment.

Strengthening Muscles: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and forelimbs (specifically the thoracic sling) helping to support the carpal area better and reduce stress on the joint itself.

Pain Management: Techniques like massage, laser therapy and pulsed magnetic field therapy can reduce pain and inflammation associated with the condition.

Correction of Posture: Physiotherapy can prescribe dogs exercises to improve posture and encourage a more natural gait, potentially alleviating discomfort and reducing the progression of the condition.

Supportive Devices: In some cases, physiotherapists may recommend the use of orthotic devices (like braces) to help stabilize the joint, encouraging correct limb alignment.

A veterinary professional or physiotherapist would assess the dog’s specific condition to tailor a treatment plan that best addresses its needs.

05/02/2025

Read our February newsletter here, this months focus is pain related behavioural problems and how a multimodal approach can help to manage the pain and improve the behavior.

We are out of January! And getting closer to spring. Now is the perfect time to get your new year check up for your animals.

05/02/2025

Do you have an unruly adolescent? Has your dog's listening ears disappeared? Perhaps they've forgotten their manners!

This is totally normal and I now have the class for you!

A 4 week course focusing on calmness, impulse control and engagement. Exactly what your teenage dog's brain is finding hard right now!

Wednesday 12th February (19/2, 26/2 and 12/3)
7:45-8:45pm
Lovers Lane Scout Hall, Newark
£96
Email [email protected] to book on ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING!

02/02/2025

What is Veterinary Physiotherapy? 🐶🐴
Veterinary Physiotherapy is a specialized treatment that helps improve the mobility and quality of life for pets recovering from injury, surgery, or dealing with chronic conditions. By using techniques like massage, stretching, and exercise programs, we help your furry friend feel better, move easier, and get back to enjoying life! Reach out today to see how we can support your pet’s recovery. 🐴🐾