Animal physiotherapy is a complementary discipline within veterinary medicine that applies evidence-based techniques to optimise movement, function, and performance. It plays an important role in both rehabilitation and long-term management of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Physiotherapy may be indicated for:

• Post-operative rehabilitation (e.g. orthopaedic, soft tissue and neurological surgery)
• Management of degenerative and age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis
• Recovery from soft tissue or orthopaedic injuries
• Optimisation of mobility and performance in working or sporting animals
• Preventative care to support long-term musculoskeletal health

Treatment programmes are tailored to the individual patient and may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapies, and owner-led home management strategies.

By supporting tissue healing, reducing pain, and improving mobility, veterinary physiotherapy enhances quality of life and helps achieve the best possible functional outcomes for patients.

The terms physiotherapy and rehabilitation are often used interchangeably in veterinary medicine, but they are not the same.

• Animal Physiotherapy is a specific discipline that focuses on restoring and maintaining movement, strength, and function using evidence-based techniques. It encompasses assessment, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and neurological problems, using methods such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapies, and owner-led home care programmes.

• Rehabilitation is a broader term that describes the overall process of helping an animal recover from illness, injury, or surgery. It may include animal physiotherapy, alongside other interventions such as pain management, hydrotherapy, and medical or surgical treatments.

In short:

  Rehabilitation is the journey — the full recovery process.

  Physiotherapy is one of the key tools used within that journey to restore optimal function and quality of life.

Animals can benefit from physiotherapy for many of the same reasons humans do. Physiotherapy aims to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve quality of life by addressing problems affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and soft tissues.

How Physiotherapy Helps - Across all species, physiotherapy can:

• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility and gait
• Strengthen muscles
• Support healing after injury or surgery
• Improve balance and coordination
• Enhance performance and wellbeing
• Prevent future injuries

Physiotherapy can help a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, age-related, post- surgical and post-injury conditions in dogs, cats and horses. Treatment focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, supporting healing and restoring strength and function.

In many cases, yes — physiotherapy is covered by pet insurance, but it depends on the individual policy. Most UK insurers will contribute towards physiotherapy if your vet has recommended or referred your pet for it. 

Yes - you can absolutely book an appointment, even if your vet hasn’t specifically mentioned physiotherapy.

However, because physiotherapists work as part of the wider veterinary team, your vet’s consent or referral is required before treatment can begin. This is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act to ensure your pet is being treated safely and appropriately.

I do not require veterinary consent for an animal to provide maintenance physiotherapy treatment. 

Animals are very good at hiding pain. This is an instinctive behaviour that helps them avoid appearing vulnerable, so many pets and horses won’t yelp, cry, or limp even when they’re uncomfortable.

Instead, pain often shows up as subtle changes in movement, behaviour, or daily habits.

Signs of Pain in Dogs

• Slowing down on walks
• Hesitating on stairs, into the car, or onto furniture
• Licking or chewing at a joint
• Stiffness when getting up
• Reduced playfulness
• Irritability or being “not themselves”
• Struggling to settle or rest comfortably

Signs of Pain in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Common signs include:

• Stopping or hesitating to jump up/down
• Matted coat or poor grooming
• Changes in sleeping spots
• Avoiding being stroked or picked up
• Reduced activity or play
• Narrowed or tense facial expressions
• Difficulty using the litter tray

Signs of Pain in Horses

• Reduced performance or reluctance to work
• Stiffness or short striding
• Behaviour changes when tacking up
• Ears back, tail swishing, or tension when ridden
• Difficulty bending or picking up feet
• Unevenness or reluctance to move forward
• Changes in posture or muscle symmetry

Trust Your Instincts

If your animal has become:

• Quieter
• Slower
• Less willing to move
• Or simply “not quite right”

…these can all be indicators of discomfort, even without obvious lameness or crying out.

Please click on the pain monitoring checklist to assist in assessing pain. 

This is dependent if the appointment is made for small animal or equine but will follow the same diagnostic approach. 

Your pet or horse’s first physiotherapy appointment is designed to be calm, thorough, and tailored to their individual needs. The aim is to understand their condition, identify areas of discomfort or weakness, and create a treatment plan that supports their comfort, mobility, and long-term wellbeing.

Discussion & History Taking

We begin by talking through:

• Your animal’s medical history
• Recent changes in behaviour, movement, or performance
• Any injuries, surgeries, or ongoing conditions
• Your goals for your pet or horse

This helps build a clear picture of their overall health and daily routine.

Veterinary Consent Check

If not already arranged, I will confirm that your animal has veterinary consent for physiotherapy. This is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act and ensures treatment is safe and appropriate.

Full Physical Assessment

This includes a gentle, detailed examination such as:

Static Observation

• Posture
• Muscle symmetry
• Weight-bearing
• Conformation
• Coat condition

Palpation

Using hands-on techniques to assess:

• Muscle tension
• Areas of heat or swelling
• Pain or sensitivity
• Joint mobility

Movement Assessment (as tolerated)

• Walk/trot for dogs and horses
• Transitions, circles or ridden assessment for horses
• Jumping, climbing and general mobility for cats (if cooperative)

This helps identify compensatory patterns and areas of restriction.

Individualised Treatment

Once the assessment is completed, treatment may include:

• Soft tissue massage
• Joint and spinal mobilisations
• Stretching
• Therapeutic exercises
• Electrotherapies (PEMF, laser, NMES, ultrasound, phototherapy)
• Balance and proprioception work
• Environmental or management advice

All techniques are gentle and based on your animal’s comfort level.

Home Exercise Programme

You will receive clear advice tailored to your animal, such as:

• Simple strengthening or mobility exercises
• Management changes (flooring, routines, turnout, tack adjustments etc.)
• Activity levels and safe progression

This helps maximise the benefits between sessions.

Treatment Plan & Next Steps

Before you leave, we will discuss:

• Expected progress
• Frequency of future sessions
• When to update the vet
• How to support your animal at home

You’re encouraged to ask questions at any time — physiotherapy works best when the owner, therapist and vet work together.