Rehabilitation Pathway

About Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

Animal rehabilitation physiotherapy is a specialised field that applies physiotherapy principles to help animals recover from injuries, surgeries, or manage chronic conditions. It’s become increasingly recognised as an essential part of veterinary care.

Common conditions treated include post-surgical rehabilitation (especially after orthopaedic procedures like cruciate ligament repair), neurological conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, arthritis and joint problems, muscle injuries and weakness, and mobility issues in ageing animals. The goal is often to restore function, manage pain, prevent further injury, and improve quality of life.

Veterinary Referral Requirements

In the United Kingdom, the law states that a physiotherapist can only treat an animal if it has been referred by a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The referral system ensures that animals receive appropriate veterinary assessment before physiotherapy treatment begins, maintaining professional oversight and animal welfare standards.