A Survey of Animal Physiotherapy Practice in Britain

Abstract

Chartered physiotherapists involved in animal therapy were surveyed regarding the role of physiotherapists in animal therapy and liaison with the veterinary profession. Questionnaires were sent to 44 category A members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, and 30 valid responses were received. Respondents treated horses and dogs most frequently but cats, sheep, goats and cattle were also mentioned. Sore backs and necks, as well as tendon and ligament injuries, were the most commonly treated conditions using mainly electrotherapy and manual techniques. Close liaison between the veterinary and physiotherapy professions was considered essential and requires ongoing attention. It was concluded that, as providers of a complementary service, chartered physiotherapists in animal therapy have a role to fill in veterinary medicine. Chartered physiotherapists involved in animal therapy were surveyed regarding the role of physiotherapists in animal therapy and liaison with the veterinary profession. Questionnaires were sent to 44 category A members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, and 30 valid responses were received. Respondents treated horses and dogs most frequently but cats, sheep, goats and cattle were also mentioned. Sore backs and necks, as well as tendon and ligament injuries, were the most commonly treated conditions using mainly electrotherapy and manual techniques. Close liaison between the veterinary and physiotherapy professions was considered essential and requires ongoing attention. It was concluded that, as providers of a complementary service, chartered physiotherapists in animal therapy have a role to fill in veterinary medicine.