Animal Physiotherapy

Animal Physiotherapy is an evidence-based health profession concerned with the assessment and treatment of disease, disability and performance problems. It is based upon the principles of medical sciences, and is held to be within the sphere of conventional medicine, rather than alternative. The aim of physiotherapy intervention is to limit impact of injury and disease processes, optimize healing potential and accelerate return to function and performance.

Animal Physiotherapists are qualified and registered human physiotherapists with a special interest and post graduate education in animals. Thus, Animal Physiotherapists are skilled at assessing animals’ musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.

Animals must have a referral from their veterinarian for physiotherapy assessment and treatment. This is an agreement between the Australian Veterinary Association and the Australian Physiotherapy Association, and aids in safeguarding animals' healthcare.

An Animal Physiotherapist may be able to offer help with any domestic or wild species, and commonly they treat humans too. This may be especially useful in instances where the two interface. For example; the client wants both himself/herself and his companion to loose weight or get fit (dog agility), or a riders' impact on their horses movement patterns and performance.