Question 1

What do I need to do before my animal's physiotherapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

Luckily there isn't much that you need to do before your animal's appointment however there are a few things to keep in mind! 
For our canine friends: 
- Encourage them to go to the toilet before their session to reduce any interruptions to the session 
- Make sure they are clean and dry! 
- If your dog has any dietary requirements/ treat preferences have suitable treats to hand. I do bring my own treats and encouragement etc but if they are a big fan of anything specific, this is always useful to have on hand!

For our equine friends: 
- Make sure they are as clean as possible (including legs and tail). Physiotherapy looks at all aspects of the horse and this includes their tail and legs! Mud especially can make accurately assessing the legs and feet a lot more tricky. 
- Pick out their feet 
-  Make sure they are dry - Water and sweat can make assessment and treatment difficult so it's best to keep them as dry possible!

Question 2

Will my animal need any time off after their treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I recommend giving your horse at least the rest of the day and following day off after their treatment, so please bear this in mind when booking your appointment (especially during the competition season!). 
For dogs I again recommend just giving them a rest for the rest of the day off, this means no huge strenuous walks or intense training. I would also recommend taking it easy the following day, especially if your dog competes in agility/ fly ball etc. 
Giving your animals a break after their appointment not only allows their treatment to take effect, but it also gives your animal chance to adjust to any changes they may feel in their body after treatment!

Question 3

Will my animal like physiotherapy/what if they don't tolerate it?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes horses and dogs can be wary of a new person coming into their space and manipulating their body in ways they aren't accustomed to. However during assessment and treatment I always work with the animal within their comfort zone and at a pace they are comfortable with in order to build trust and allow them to fully relax. This can sometimes take multiple sessions, however treatment is often much more effective and beneficial.

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