What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a science based profession. It comprises a non-invasive, holistic approach to each patient complete with functional assessments and an evidence-based multi-modality treatment.
Physiotherapy for can be used alongside veterinary care to aid in the treatment or long-term management of musculoskeletal or neurological injuries and conditions, and is often covered by animal insurance. Physiotherapy is essential during injury or surgical rehabilitation and aims to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control and function.
Therefore improving the quality of life and often the longevity of its recipient.
Physiotherapy can also be used for performance development of the animal athlete, helping to try to minimise the risk of injury whilst maximising the performance of competitive or working animals.
What an appointment looks like:
Case History
Background information to inform our session.
Assessment
Conformation, posture, functional and dynamic.
Treatment
Manual and electrotherapies based upon findings.
Report
Notes, home advice, exercise and rehabilitation plans.
Our Electrotherapies
How do they work?
TECAR
TECAR (Capacitive Resistive Electric Transference) is non-ablative, non-invasive treatment which uses currents of high frequency (448KHz) electrical energy used physical therapy and rehabilitation. It is a diathermic treatment meaning it works by generating deep heat in the tissues of the body, which helps to stimulate cellular repair processes, increase blood flow, and relieve muscle tension or inflammation.
It can work in two modes of energy transfer:
Capacitive mode: targets more superficial tissues with higher electrolytic content (soft tissues and muscles, lymphatic vessels, and blood vessels). Useful for muscle pain and soft tissue injuries.
Resistive mode: affects tissues with higher resistance (joint, bone, tendon). Useful for sport injuries, joint pain, chronic pain, and can accelerating recovery after surgery or trauma.
By using a return plate, this treatment remains a uniquely effective option for deeper tissues.
Useful for treating:
Osteoarthritis
Cruciate ligament damage /recovery
Tendinopathies
Ligament damage
Sacroiliac pain
Acute pain and inflammation
Spondylosis
Kissing Spines
and more, please get in touch for case-specific enquiries.
TECAR utilises the same technology as the more commonly known INDIBA.
LASER
Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in tissues. It works by applying the LASER light to the body, which penetrates the skin and interacts with the cells at a molecular level, promoting cell regeneration and improving blood circulation.
There are several benefits of laser therapy, including:
Pain relief: It helps to reduce both acute and chronic pain by influencing pain-related molecules and nerve function.
Tissue repair: It stimulates the production of collagen, a key component of connective tissue, helping to speed up healing processes.
Reduction of inflammation: LASER helps decrease inflammation in tissues, which is beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
Improved circulation: Laser light can enhance blood flow, contributing to faster healing of injured or inflamed tissues.
Laser therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as soft tissue injuries, joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle strains. It's generally considered safe, with minimal side effects when administered correctly.
Laser therapy can work to a tissue depth of round 6cm depending on the strength of the LASER, deeper pathologies will be better suited to TECAR treatments.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-wavelength red light to stimulate various biological processes in the body, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin health. It typically involves the use of LED devices that emit red light (wavelengths typically between 600 and 650 nanometers) to penetrate the skin and reach underlying tissues.
The key benefits of red light therapy include:
Promoting cellular regeneration: The light stimulates mitochondria, the energy-producing components of cells, helping them produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This leads to faster cell repair and regeneration.
Improving skin health: RLT can stimulate collagen production, which helps improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and accelerate the healing of wounds and scars.
Reducing inflammation and pain: It can help reduce inflammation in tissues, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle injuries.
Enhancing muscle recovery: RLT can speed up recovery after exercise or injury by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing tissue repair.
Hair growth stimulation: Red light therapy has been used to treat hair loss (such as in cases of androgenic alopecia) by stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used as directed, with minimal side effects. It is used to target superficial tissues and can be highly effective as a home treatment option. Please contact us for information on how to hire or purchase our Red light devices for regular and safe home treatments.
TENS
TENS therapy, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a treatment method that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. The therapy involves placing electrodes on the skin near the area of pain. These electrodes send electrical impulses to the nerves, which can help reduce pain by blocking pain signals or stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers produced by the body). TENS is commonly used for conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, back pain, and muscle spasms. It's generally considered safe when used correctly and can be administered at home with a portable TENS unit.
Trudie has been helping me with my horses for a couple of months now! She has helped with all my horses from a yearly with numerological problems, to my intermediate eventer. Can always see and feel such a big difference after treatments. Trudie had also helped a number of my clients horses too, who have all been happy with the work done. Always friendly, helpful and professional. With a full detailed report after each treatment. Highly recommended!
Amie Slinger
It was Trudies first visit for my two boys, she was very calm & knowledgeable & took her time if they were a little unsure of something.Really helpful if you ask questions too about the treatment & the reports which she sends to you detailing all areas worked on & what exercises she would like you to work on before your next visit….
I would highly recommend Trudie for anyone looking for an Equine Veterinary Physio
For anyone who knows me I am really fussy I get the right person to treat my boys, I am looking forward to her next visit which we have already booked in for …..
Thanks again
Melanie Hill
trudie came to see us yesterday and wow it was like an epiphany all the issues we have been having with our tb mare are not only explainable but fixable. trudie was so thorough, patient and full of empathy. she is also super knowlegable and a really lovely person. we now have a plan! thank you trudie x
Sara Deacon Elliot
Absolutely amazing! I moved up to thirsk for 12 months and needed to find a physio for my horse with kissing spine, Trudy helped me rehab my horse back into work full time! Now I am back home I am back with my usual physio who has worked for GB equestrian teams and even she has complimented what great work Trudy has done with my horse! 100% recommend to anyone looking for an equine physio🩷 I wouldn’t have my horse without you 🩷
Georgia Lowe
Can’t recommend Trudie highly enough. She has been coming to treat my ponies for a few months now and I wish I’d known her sooner! There’s always such a noticeable difference after treatments. Trudie gives a thorough report each time with homework exercises, everything is always well explained and she’s always on call to answer any questions between treatments. Thank you ⭐️
Abi Stevenson
Brilliant, not enough superlatives to describe how much milo has benefited
20 out of 10
Owen Langridge
Trudie has a very professional, friendly approach. Excellent in handling my dog and feeling out the problems. Always explains everything and sends us away with exercises.
Highly recommended.
Zillah Watchman
We’ve known Trudie from Herriot Vet Physiotherapy, so when my German Shepherd needed hydrotherapy after a nasty spiral fracture in his front leg, I knew we were in the best hands. Hydro with Trudie isn’t just about using an underwater treadmill—her expertise as a vet physio means every session is tailored to his recovery and works hand-in-hand with the exercises she’s given us to do at home.
My dog is a barky and bouncy handful, but Trudie’s patience and skill helped him settle quickly and make real progress. Her dedication gives me so much confidence that this is a key part of his recovery.
Linda Kohler
Trudie has been helping me with my horses for a couple of months now! She has helped with all my horses from a yearly with numerological problems, to my intermediate eventer. Can always see and feel such a big difference after treatments. Trudie had also helped a number of my clients horses too, who have all been happy with the work done. Always friendly, helpful and professional. With a full detailed report after each treatment. Highly recommended!
Amie Slinger
It was Trudies first visit for my two boys, she was very calm & knowledgeable & took her time if they were a little unsure of something.Really helpful if you ask questions too about the treatment & the reports which she sends to you detailing all areas worked on & what exercises she would like you to work on before your next visit….
I would highly recommend Trudie for anyone looking for an Equine Veterinary Physio
For anyone who knows me I am really fussy I get the right person to treat my boys, I am looking forward to her next visit which we have already booked in for …..
Thanks again
Melanie Hill
trudie came to see us yesterday and wow it was like an epiphany all the issues we have been having with our tb mare are not only explainable but fixable. trudie was so thorough, patient and full of empathy. she is also super knowlegable and a really lovely person. we now have a plan! thank you trudie x
Sara Deacon Elliot
Absolutely amazing! I moved up to thirsk for 12 months and needed to find a physio for my horse with kissing spine, Trudy helped me rehab my horse back into work full time! Now I am back home I am back with my usual physio who has worked for GB equestrian teams and even she has complimented what great work Trudy has done with my horse! 100% recommend to anyone looking for an equine physio🩷 I wouldn’t have my horse without you 🩷
Georgia Lowe
Can’t recommend Trudie highly enough. She has been coming to treat my ponies for a few months now and I wish I’d known her sooner! There’s always such a noticeable difference after treatments. Trudie gives a thorough report each time with homework exercises, everything is always well explained and she’s always on call to answer any questions between treatments. Thank you ⭐️
Abi Stevenson
Brilliant, not enough superlatives to describe how much milo has benefited
20 out of 10
Owen Langridge
Trudie has a very professional, friendly approach. Excellent in handling my dog and feeling out the problems. Always explains everything and sends us away with exercises.
Highly recommended.
Zillah Watchman
We’ve known Trudie from Herriot Vet Physiotherapy, so when my German Shepherd needed hydrotherapy after a nasty spiral fracture in his front leg, I knew we were in the best hands. Hydro with Trudie isn’t just about using an underwater treadmill—her expertise as a vet physio means every session is tailored to his recovery and works hand-in-hand with the exercises she’s given us to do at home.
My dog is a barky and bouncy handful, but Trudie’s patience and skill helped him settle quickly and make real progress. Her dedication gives me so much confidence that this is a key part of his recovery.
Linda Kohler
Trudie has been helping me with my horses for a couple of months now! She has helped with all my horses from a yearly with numerological problems, to my intermediate eventer. Can always see and feel such a big difference after treatments. Trudie had also helped a number of my clients horses too, who have all been happy with the work done. Always friendly, helpful and professional. With a full detailed report after each treatment. Highly recommended!
Amie Slinger
It was Trudies first visit for my two boys, she was very calm & knowledgeable & took her time if they were a little unsure of something.Really helpful if you ask questions too about the treatment & the reports which she sends to you detailing all areas worked on & what exercises she would like you to work on before your next visit….
I would highly recommend Trudie for anyone looking for an Equine Veterinary Physio
For anyone who knows me I am really fussy I get the right person to treat my boys, I am looking forward to her next visit which we have already booked in for …..
Thanks again
Melanie Hill
trudie came to see us yesterday and wow it was like an epiphany all the issues we have been having with our tb mare are not only explainable but fixable. trudie was so thorough, patient and full of empathy. she is also super knowlegable and a really lovely person. we now have a plan! thank you trudie x
Sara Deacon Elliot
Absolutely amazing! I moved up to thirsk for 12 months and needed to find a physio for my horse with kissing spine, Trudy helped me rehab my horse back into work full time! Now I am back home I am back with my usual physio who has worked for GB equestrian teams and even she has complimented what great work Trudy has done with my horse! 100% recommend to anyone looking for an equine physio🩷 I wouldn’t have my horse without you 🩷
Georgia Lowe
Can’t recommend Trudie highly enough. She has been coming to treat my ponies for a few months now and I wish I’d known her sooner! There’s always such a noticeable difference after treatments. Trudie gives a thorough report each time with homework exercises, everything is always well explained and she’s always on call to answer any questions between treatments. Thank you ⭐️
Abi Stevenson
Brilliant, not enough superlatives to describe how much milo has benefited
20 out of 10
Owen Langridge
Trudie has a very professional, friendly approach. Excellent in handling my dog and feeling out the problems. Always explains everything and sends us away with exercises.
Highly recommended.
Zillah Watchman
We’ve known Trudie from Herriot Vet Physiotherapy, so when my German Shepherd needed hydrotherapy after a nasty spiral fracture in his front leg, I knew we were in the best hands. Hydro with Trudie isn’t just about using an underwater treadmill—her expertise as a vet physio means every session is tailored to his recovery and works hand-in-hand with the exercises she’s given us to do at home.
My dog is a barky and bouncy handful, but Trudie’s patience and skill helped him settle quickly and make real progress. Her dedication gives me so much confidence that this is a key part of his recovery.