Veterinary physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, also known as functional rehabilitation, is a discipline focused on locomotion. It is used in both human and veterinary medicine and plays a role in both the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Notably, physiotherapy is officially recognized by the Veterinary Council, and specific training in this field is required.*

What is physiotherapy in veterinary medicine?

Nowadays, many animal species can benefit from physiotherapy. This discipline can be applied in various situations: as part of a treatment plan for a locomotor condition (whether osteoarticular or musculoskeletal), following an accident, for preventive purposes, or as a complement to surgery, among others.

Generally speaking, its goal is to restore normal—or near-normal—locomotor function. Physiotherapy also helps reduce the animal’s pain. While there are many possible indications, some contraindications must be kept in mind, particularly concerning certain techniques.

Physiotherapy includes a variety of techniques, such as kinesiotherapy (or "movement therapy," which involves passive or active mobilizations of the animal), laser therapy for its various benefits (e.g., tissue healing), shockwave therapy, and hydrotherapy, to name just a few. This requires specific equipment and dedicated facilities.

Several clinics and veterinary centers in France now offer physiotherapy services, and some specialized centers are fully dedicated to veterinary physiotherapy.

Veterinary Physiotherapy: A Growing Discipline?

In France, physiotherapy has been practiced in veterinary medicine for around thirty years. Its development is indeed growing, likely due to increasing demand from pet owners.

The French Association of Veterinary Physiotherapy (formerly the French Association of Veterinarians Practicing in Physiotherapy and Functional Rehabilitation, Afvephyr) was founded in 2011.

Its mission is to promote and develop veterinary physiotherapy. In 2012, the French National Veterinary Council (CNOV) officially recognized physiotherapy as a veterinary act. Finally, in 2016, the CNOV established the regulatory framework governing its practice.

As with other disciplines, physiotherapy requires a thorough clinical examination of the animal, along with a clear diagnosis. An analysis of the animal’s locomotion is particularly valuable. Several steps are necessary to determine the most appropriate physiotherapy technique(s) for each individual case. Moreover, physiotherapy goes beyond simply implementing a treatment plan—it also involves ongoing monitoring and reassessment of the animal’s condition.

During the locomotor assessment, various evaluations and manipulations are performed by the veterinarian. Certain tools, such as Tendiboots™ Canine, can be easily integrated into this process to support locomotor analysis before developing a physiotherapy protocol.

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Veterinary Physiotherapy: A Growing Discipline?

On the one hand, physiotherapy may be indicated for preventive purposes. In this regard, the main indications are as follows:

● For athletic animals: this discipline is particularly useful in the management of sport dogs, whether with a view to improving performance or preventing certain injuries and disorders. It is applied upstream, during the animal’s physical preparation, as well as downstream to ensure proper recovery.

● Prior to surgery: to help with optimal preparation so that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible and to prevent certain issues, such as muscle atrophy, for example.

On the other hand, this discipline has a multitude of curative indications, including but not limited to the following:
● Pain management: again, several painful conditions are targeted, among them osteoarthritis, a common example;
● For senior animals: aging animals may suffer from locomotor disorders that physiotherapy can help manage;
● Management of neurological conditions, such as intervertebral disc herniation;
● In cases of osteoarticular and musculoskeletal disorders, such as dislocation or dysplasia;
● Post-surgery: to enhance and accelerate post-operative recovery;
● As part of various types of rehabilitation (respiratory, orthopedic, neurological, etc.);
● In cases of overweight or obesity: physiotherapy can assist with weight loss.

Overall, physiotherapy helps improve the quality of life of a sick animal.

Does physiotherapy have a "social" role in relation to the bond with the owner?

Since this discipline helps improve an animal’s quality of life as well as its well-being, the relationship with the owner also comes into play. An animal may regain the joy of going for walks or playing once its mobility is restored.

Whether dealing with a sick or aging animal, this discipline should be considered to best enhance their well-being and provide support. For example, it helps to limit the negative effects of aging, which is an important aspect in the animal-owner relationship.

Although the success of a physiotherapy protocol depends on several factors, the owner’s involvement and participation are essential. Whatever the situation, open communication between professionals and with the owner is fundamental for optimal animal care, whether the objective is preventive or curative.

Additionally, exercises can be recommended for home use on a daily basis to improve the animal’s well-being. The benefits must be clearly explained to maximize the owner’s involvement in this care process.

Discover our other articles from users equipped with Tendiboots™ Canine, specialized in physiotherapy.

Additional information

There is, for example, the School Diploma (DE) in Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, and Functional Rehabilitation from the National Veterinary School of Alfort (link)

To learn more:
The French association of veterinarians practicing physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation (Afvephyr) provides a directory of centers and veterinarians practicing physiotherapy

Sources:
👉 Agnès Laget. Physiotherapy, a new discipline for our profession. La Semaine Vétérinaire No. 1700, 12/13/2016.

👉 Technical file: Practice of veterinary physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation (link)

👉 Ségolène Minster. Physiotherapy is indicated in many situations. La Semaine Vétérinaire No. 1673, 05/06/2016.

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