What can veterinary physiotherapy help with?
Below is a non-exhaustive list of equine and canine conditions and contexts for which physiotherapy can be a valuable addition to veterinary care. Depending on the case, it may expedite healing and recovery, reduce inflammation and pain, and enhance proprioception; by improving mobility, strength, and movement confidence, it can support a better quality of life. For chronic or degenerative conditions, the focus may be on addressing compensations and moderating the condition's progression.
Orthopaedic conditions
Osteoarthritis / joint degeneration
Dysplasias: e.g. hip or elbow
Patella luxation / upwards fixation
Cranial cruciate ligament disease
Medial shoulder instability
Fractures
Overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines)
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Soft tissue injuries
Tendonopathies
Ligament injuries
Muscle strains / tears
Fibrotic myopathy (contracture)
Neurological conditions
Cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy / instability (wobblers)
Nerve damage e.g. radial or suprascapula (sweeney)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Fibrocartiligenous embolism (FCE)
Vestibular disease
Conditioning, performance & injury risk reduction
Suboptimal biomechanics that may predispose injury
Muscle imbalances or weakness
Competition or job-specific preparedness and recovery
Geriatric care
Reduced mobility
Age-related muscle loss & reduced postural stability
Joint instability
Pain
Weight management
High body condition scores (BCS)
Low muscle to fat ratio
Low movement motivation
Inactivity