| Treatments |
TECHNIQUES
Physiotherapists use a wide variety of techniques to relieve pain and improve function. It is important to get the animal moving as well as possible with ‘hands-on’ techniques, relieve pain, then stabilise and strengthen to ensure prevention of recurring injuries. A home program is very important to maintain the condition in between sessions.
Brooke specialises in ‘hands-on’ treatment including mobilisation, massage, stretches, acupuncture, electrotherapy, balance and stability training, movement re-education and underwater treadmill training. They take the time to make your animal to be comfortable with treatment in a positive environment.
Physiotherapy benefits include:
- Acceleration of rehabilitation process and restoration of function
- Reduction of pain and inflammation
- Improvement of joint range of motion and muscle strength
- Prevention of further movement dysfunctions or injuries
- Optimisation of performance in sport/show
Conditions treated: (Much like a human case load)
a) Canine
- Orthopaedic – cruciate ligament/cartilage of knee (stifle); fractures; hip/elbow dysplasia; muscle and tendon injuries, patella luxation
- Neurological – including spinal injury, peripheral nerve
- Pre and Post surgical for any musculoskeletal/neurological condition
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, geriatric)
- Back pain/ injury
- Soft tissue/ sporting injuries
- Poor conditioning (e.g. following cancer treatments, obesity, cardiovascular)
b) Equine
- Back and neck pain
- Joint Problems (e.g Arthritis)
- Muscle problems (e.g. muscle weakness, restriction imbalance)
- Reduced performance
- Behavioural change due to musculoskeletal cause (e.g. poor impulsion, bucking)
- Orthopaedic conditions (e.g tendon injuries; following surgery such as arthroscopy or fractures)
- Neurological conditions (e,g. peripheral nerve injuries)
CONSULTATION
Canine:
Brooke provides a thorough assessment, (1-1.5 hours), including treatment, underwater treadmill, acupuncture, advice and provision of home program. She is available for advice for ongoing management at any stage.
Following consultations are 30-60 minutes for treatment including acupuncuture and underwater treadmill training where appropriate . It is possible to train up the owner to use the treadmill with their dog for ongoing management where appropriate (with supervision and guidance by Brooke).
Equine:
All equine physiotherapy sessions are 1-1.5 hours and include a thorough assessment, followed by treatment tailored to the individual needs of your horse. This may include acupuncture as appropriate. You will be provided with a home exercise programme, and the requirement of subsequent sessions will be discussed with you.
When?
Treatment should begin as soon as possible after an injury, preferably in early stages (even prior to surgery) to minimise secondary complications and maximise recovery. If you are not sure if Physiotherapy is appropriate and when is a good time to start feel free to ring any time to discuss your options.
I understand in this financial climate Animal Physiotherapy may be difficult to consider. I would recommend you start with the 1 hour session to set up a home program and allow the Physiotherapists to assess your animal. They are then available for advice and this allows for easier intervention where needed in the future.
As an Animal Physiotherapist it is necessary to have a veterinary referral in QLD.
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If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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