Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore function in dogs and cats. Our service encompasses a broad range of treatment techniques, both land-based and water-based.

Our state-of-the-art physiotherapy and hydrotherapy facility includes a computerised water treadmill which allows exercise aided by buoyancy. Our patients are acclimatised slowly until they have gained confidence and the treadmill, within a tank of warm water is activated with controlled parameters of speed, depth and water temperature. Gentle ramps ensure that entry and exit are easy and stress free. Hands-on physiotherapy techniques are used simultaneously. We work closely with the clinical specialities at DWR to improve follow-up and adjunctive care.

Physiotherapy can assist and compliment traditional treatment strategies in many areas of veterinary medicine and surgery including:

• Neurology: assisting return to function in medically managed patients and post operatively for neurosurgery patients
• Medicine: maintenance of function during acute medical illness
• Orthopaedics: supporting and accelerating return of limb function following surgery for developmental and degenerative problems and traumatic injuries
• Critical Care: management of the recumbent patient, giving preventive treatment to protect against problems with the musculoskeletal or respiratory systems
• Analgesia: acute and chronic pain management.
• Care of elderly patients, e.g. those with chronic osteoarthritis

We also offer an outpatient service both for the follow-up of discharged patients and for initial assessments of patients from referring veterinary surgeons.

We are committed to ongoing development of knowledge and skills. We are actively involved in training, and contribute to CPD events here at DWR.

Please visit our Additional Information page for more details on Physiotherapy sessions.