FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY USE VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERPY?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a powerful tool to improve your animal’s well-being - reducing pain and inflammation, enhancing movement, and aiding recovery after injury or surgery. It also helps prevent future issues, boosts strength, balance, and performance, and supports long-term conditions like arthritis. Working alongside vets and other professionals ensures a tailored, collaborative care plan for the best outcomes.
WHY USE A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
A Chartered Physiotherapist holds a legally protected title, meaning they have met strict academic, professional, and ethical standards and are registered with the HCPC and CSP. ACPAT chartered members start with this strong human physiotherapy foundation before completing specialist postgraduate training in animal rehabilitation, delivering evidence‑based, gold‑standard care for your animal.
In short: chartered status guarantees proven qualifications, ongoing oversight, and fully insured, professional care for your animal.
DO I NEED A VETS REFERRAL TO SEE A VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Under the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act, only veterinary surgeons may diagnose and treat animals - except in specified cases. One exception permits physiotherapy, chiropractic, or osteopathy only if a vet has first examined the animal and prescribed such treatment.
Accordingly, before we work with your animal, we will need approval from your vet.
WILL MY ANIMALS INSURANCE COVER PHYSIOTHERAPY?
As an ACPAT-registered physiotherapist, most insurance providers will cover your treatment, but it’s wise to check your policy first, as each one differs. Veterinary referral is required under current regulations, please ensure your vet authorises the treatment before we begin.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE SESSION?
We begin with a detailed history of your animal’s condition, including past injuries, treatments, and current routines. Next, during the initial assessment we:
- Observe posture and movement—static stance, walking and trotting. For horses sometimes lunging or ridden work.
- Conduct hands-on physical examination, including palpating muscles and soft tissues and testing joint range of motion
After reviewing the assessment findings with you, we’ll discuss your goals and develop a tailored treatment plan - usually starting the first session immediately.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations made 48 hours before assessment will be charged 50% of the treatment fee.
Cancellations within 24 hours of assessment will be liable to pay the full treatment price.
Exceptions on discretion, maybe made to these policies if deemed necessary such as infectious diseases or adverse weather conditions.
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY AND GDPR
All client and animal information is protected under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and held in strict confidence. We adhere to the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, ensuring no details are shared with third parties without your explicit consent