Quick Assist FAQs
We've put together a handy list of frequently asked questions that should help answer most of your queries. If you can't find what you're looking for just drop a message through my contact page and I'll be happy to chat with you regarding your query.
General
Will my animal benefit from physiotherapy?
Your horse or dog might need physiotherapy if you notice any of these signs:
When something’s not quite right:
- Limping or favouring one leg
- Moving stiffly, especially after rest or exercise
- Reluctance to jump, climb or do activities they normally enjoy
- Changes in behavior like becoming irritable or withdrawn
- A drop in their usual performance levels
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
Common conditions that benefit from physiotherapy:
- Arthritis or joint problems
- Recovery after surgery or injury
- Muscle strains or ligament damage
- Nerve issues
- Back or neck pain
- Age-related mobility challenges
The good news
Physiotherapy isn’t just for when problems arise! Many owners use it proactively to keep their animals in peak condition, prevent injuries, and maintain flexibility and strength as they age.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s worth having a chat with your vet. They can help determine whether physiotherapy would benefit your four-legged friend and recommend the best course of action.
Do I need a Veterinary Surgeon referral?
It depends on which treatment pathway you choose. If you opt for our maintenance and care pathway, you won’t need a veterinary referral. However, we’ll still get in touch with your vet to let them know about the treatment we’re planning.
For rehabilitation pathways, a veterinary referral is required to ensure we’re providing the most appropriate care for your animal.
What are the treatment pathway options?
There are two treatment pathways: maintenance & care or rehabilitation. Maintenance physiotherapy focuses on preventing injuries and keeping healthy horses or dogs in optimal physical condition. This proactive approach helps identify subtle issues—such as muscle imbalances or gait abnormalities—before they develop into serious problems.
Rehabilitation physiotherapy, on the other hand, helps animals recover from injuries, surgery, or manage chronic conditions, working to restore their mobility and comfort.
Why do you need my Veterinary Surgeons contact details before treating my animal?
Although a referral isn’t required for maintenance and care treatments, your horse or dog must be registered with a veterinary practice, as I’ll need to contact your vet to inform them before the appointment.
Visits
How do I book an appointment?
For existing clients, please use the appointment booking form. If you’re a new client, please complete the new registration form first.
Alternatively, feel free to call or send a WhatsApp message using the number on the contact page – we’re always happy to help!
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my visit?
To ensure the assessment and treatment can be conducted effectively, please ensure your animal is clean and dry prior to the appointment.
For maintenance appointments, animals are often more settled if they have completed their daily exercise beforehand.
Please ensure the treatment area (stable or room) is clear of distractions.
How long are the treatment sessions?
Initial consultations typically last up to 90 minutes, as this allows time for a thorough assessment and the first treatment session. Follow-up appointments are usually around 60 minutes.
How many visits will I need?
The number of sessions really depends on your animal’s specific needs. Some issues can be resolved in just one or two visits, while others may need ongoing treatment over several weeks or months.
For long-term conditions like osteoarthritis, regular sessions throughout the year can make a real difference in keeping your pet comfortable and mobile, helping them maintain their quality of life.
If you have a competition or working animal, routine physiotherapy is a great way to keep their musculoskeletal system in top shape and help them perform at their best.
We’ll always discuss a tailored treatment plan with you after the initial assessment, so you’ll know exactly what to expect for your horse or dog’s individual situation.
What do the visits entail?
Each visit includes:
Assessment
A thorough evaluation of your animal, including their medical history, lifestyle, activities, posture, movement patterns, muscle condition, and joint flexibility.
Treatment
Hands-on therapy tailored to your animal’s needs, which may include:
- Trigger point release
- Massage
- Stretches
- Myofascial release
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue mobilisation
Rehabilitation Planning
A comprehensive plan with management strategies, practical advice, and ongoing support to help your horse or dog continue improving between sessions.
Documentation
A detailed treatment report will be created and shared with your vet and other members of your animal’s care team as appropriate.
When will my animal be able to exercise after treatment?
This really depends on your individual animal and type of treatment i.e. maintenance or rehabilitation.
For maintenance treatment
For horses, I suggest giving them the next day off to recover, followed by a couple of days of light work before gradually building back up to their normal routine.
Dogs often feel a bit tired after their session (which is completely normal!), so I typically recommend keeping them quiet for the rest of the day and resuming gentle walks the next day.
For rehabilitation treatment
This various and will be discussed in conjunction with your Veterinary Surgeon and any other parties involved with the rehabilitation process.
In all cases I’ll give you specific guidance based on your animal’s needs after each appointment, so you’ll always know exactly what’s best for them.
Do I need to do anything inbetween visits?
To help your animal continue improving between sessions, I’ll provide you with a tailored exercise and rehabilitation program based on what’s available at your facilities.
I’m always available to discuss your animal’s progress and answer any questions along the way. You’ll also have access to our client area, which includes helpful videos demonstrating various rehabilitation techniques and exercises to support you at home.
Fees
What are the fees for a treatment session?
Equine Price – £60
Time onsite will be 1 hour – 1 hour 45 minutes. Travel included up to 17 mile radius of BB5.
Canine Price – £50
Time onsite will be 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes. Travel included up to 17 mile radius of BB5.
Do you offer discounts?
Custom discounted rates can be discussed for multiple visits, with additional savings for multiple horses treated at the same yard. please contact me to discuss further.
What are your payment methods?
Payment is preferred by credit or debit card at the time of your appointment via a mobile card reader. I also accept bank transfers (prior to the visit) and cash on the day.
Can I claim for physiotherapy treatment from my insurance company?
Many insurance companies cover physiotherapy following an accident or surgical procedure. However, policies vary, so please check with your insurer before booking to confirm that treatment costs will be covered.
If you need any documentation or a treatment plan to submit to your insurer, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help.
Area Coverage
What areas do you cover
I am based in East Lancashire and provide services throughout the Northwest Region, including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North and West Yorkshire.
Do you charge for travel?
There is no travel charge for appointments within 17 miles of BB5. For appointments beyond this radius, travel is charged at 45p per mile per visit, calculated from my base location.
Do you offer discounts for travel outside of the no charge range?
I can offer discounts for travel out of the 17 mile radius for multiple treatments at the same yard. Please contact me to discuss options.
Can I bring animal to your base?
At this moment I do not offer this service.