Rehabilitation Physiotherapy for Horses and Dogs

 Rehabilitation physiotherapy helps horses and dogs recover from injuries, surgery, or manage chronic conditions through evidence-based, veterinary-supervised treatment. Serving Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, I provide expert mobile rehabilitation services working closely with your veterinary surgeon to restore your animal’s function, mobility, and quality of life.

What is Rehabilitation Physiotherapy?

Animal rehabilitation physiotherapy is a specialised field applying physiotherapy principles to help animals recover from:

• Post-surgical procedures (cruciate ligament repair, hip replacement, fracture repair, spinal surgery)
• Injuries (muscle strains, ligament damage, soft tissue injuries)
• Neurological conditions (IVDD, nerve damage, balance issues)
• Chronic conditions (arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease)
• Mobility problems in aging animals

The rehabilitation process combines hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and home management strategies to restore function, manage pain, prevent secondary complications, and improve overall quality of life.

Rehabilitation physiotherapy is increasingly recognised as an essential part of veterinary care across Lancashire and the Northwest, with veterinary surgeons regularly referring patients for specialised physiotherapy treatment.

Conditions Treated with Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Post-operative physiotherapy is crucial for optimal recovery following surgical procedures:

Orthopaedic Surgeries:

• Cruciate ligament repair (TPLO, TTA, lateral suture) – the most common referral for canine rehabilitation in Lancashire consistent with the wider UK.
• Hip replacement (total hip replacement in dogs)
• Fracture repair (plate fixation, pins, external fixators)
• Elbow dysplasia surgery (FCP removal, arthroscopy)
• Patellar luxation repair
• Tendon and ligament repairs in horses

Spinal Surgeries:

• Hemilaminectomy for IVDD (intervertebral disc disease)
• Spinal fusion procedures
• Dorsal laminectomy

Other Procedures:

• Amputations (teaching three-legged mobility)
• Soft tissue surgeries affecting mobility

Post-surgical rehabilitation typically begins 1-2 weeks after surgery (depending on veterinary advice) and continues for 8-16 weeks, supporting optimal healing and preventing compensatory issues.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological rehabilitation for conditions affecting the nervous system:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)- particularly common in Dachshunds, Corgis, and other long-backed breeds 
• Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) – spinal stroke in dogs
• Degenerative Myelopathy – progressive spinal cord disease
• Peripheral nerve injuries (brachial plexus, sciatic nerve)
• Vestibular disease affecting balance
• Wobbler syndrome in horses
• Post-stroke recovery

Neurological rehabilitation focuses on retraining movement patterns, improving balance and coordination, preventing muscle atrophy, and maximising functional recovery.

Arthritis and Joint Disease

Chronic condition management for:

• Osteoarthritis (hip, elbow, stifle, hock, spine)
• Hip dysplasia – particularly prevalent in Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers
• Elbow dysplasia – common in working breeds
• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
• Degenerative joint disease

Rehabilitation physiotherapy helps manage pain, maintain mobility, slow disease progression, and significantly improve quality of life for animals with chronic conditions.

Soft Tissue and Muscle Injuries

Treatment for:

• Muscle strains and tears
• Ligament sprains
• Tendon injuries 
• Soft tissue trauma
• Muscle atrophy and weakness
• Compensatory muscle imbalances

Mobility Issues in Senior Animals

Geriatric rehabilitation supporting:

• Age-related stiffness and reduced mobility
• Multiple joint problems
• Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
• Balance and coordination decline
• Maintaining independence and quality of life

Many senior dog and horse owners across Lancashire use rehabilitation physiotherapy to help their companions age comfortably.

The Rehabilitation Process

Step 1: Veterinary Referral (Required by Law)

In the United Kingdom, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 requires that a physiotherapist can only treat an animal if referred by a veterinary surgeon. This referral system:

• Ensures appropriate veterinary assessment before physiotherapy begins
• Maintains professional oversight of your animal’s care
• Protects animal welfare standards
• Facilitates coordinated treatment between vet and physiotherapist

Your veterinary surgeon will provide a referral detailing:

• Diagnosis and medical history
• Surgical procedures performed (if applicable)
• Current medications
• Treatment goals and restrictions
• Any precautions or contraindications

Step 2: Initial Assessment (90 Minutes)

Your first rehabilitation physiotherapy appointment includes:

Comprehensive History Review:

• Discussion of your animal’s condition, symptoms, and how it affects their daily life
• Review of veterinary referral and medical records
• Understanding your goals for treatment

Physical Assessment:

• Gait analysis – observing how your horse or dog moves at walk and trot/canter (if able)
• Postural evaluation – assessing standing posture and weight distribution
• Muscle assessment – checking tone, symmetry, areas of atrophy or tension
• Joint range of motion – testing flexibility in all major joints
• Pain assessment – identifying areas of discomfort
• Functional testing – evaluating specific movements relevant to recovery
• Neurological assessment (if applicable) – testing reflexes, proprioception, sensation

First Treatment Session:
Gentle hands-on therapy begins immediately, tailored to your animal’s current condition and tolerance.

Rehabilitation Plan:
Together we create a comprehensive plan including:

• Treatment goals (short-term and long-term)
• Recommended session frequency
• Home exercise program
• Activity restrictions and modifications
• Expected timeline for recovery
• Communication plan with your vet

Step 3: Treatment Sessions

Depending on your animal’s condition, rehabilitation sessions typically occur:

• Post-surgical acute phase: Weekly for 4-6 weeks
• Active rehabilitation: Every 1-2 weeks for 8-12 weeks
• Chronic condition management: Every 2-4 weeks ongoing
• Transitioning to maintenance: Gradually spaced to every 6-8 weeks

Each session (60 minutes) includes:

Manual Therapy Techniques:

• Soft tissue massage- improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, promoting healing
• Myofascial release – addressing fascial restrictions and scar tissue
• Trigger point therapy – relieving specific points of muscle tightness
• Joint mobilisation – gentle movements restoring joint function
• Passive range of motion – maintaining flexibility during restricted activity
• Lymphatic drainage – reducing swelling post-surgery

Therapeutic Exercises:

• Strengthening exercises – rebuilding muscle supporting injured areas
• Balance and proprioception training – particularly important for neurological cases
• Controlled walking programs – gradually increasing distance and duration
• Flexibility exercises*- maintaining or improving range of motion
• Functional training – practicing specific movements needed for daily life

Home Exercise Programs:
A critical component of successful rehabilitation. I provide:

• Clearly demonstrated exercises appropriate for your animal’s stage of recovery
• Additional guidance accessible through your client portal
• Written instructions and photos
• Progression plans as your animal improves
• Ongoing support between sessions

Step 4: Progress Monitoring

Regular reassessment tracks improvement and adjusts treatment:

• Gait analysis comparing to previous sessions
• Range of motion measurements
• Muscle development monitoring
• Pain level assessment
• Functional ability testing
• Photography/video documentation

Communication with your veterinary surgeon:

• Regular progress reports
• Updates on any concerns
• Collaborative decision-making on activity progression
• Coordination if medication adjustments needed

Step 5: Discharge or Maintenance

Successful rehabilitation outcomes:

• Return to full function for daily activities
• Managed pain in chronic conditions
• Optimal recovery from surgery
• Maximised quality of life

Options after rehabilitation:

• Discharge- animal returns to normal activity with home exercise program
• Maintenance physiotherapy – transition to less frequent preventative sessions (see our [Maintenance & Care page]
• Ongoing management continued support for chronic conditions

What to Expect: – Recovery Timelines

Recovery varies significantly depending on condition severity and individual factors:

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Cruciate ligament repair: 12-16 weeks to return to normal activity, with physiotherapy sessions weekly initially, then every 2 weeks
• Hip replacement: 8-12 weeks rehabilitation, sessions weekly for 6-8 weeks
• Spinal surgery (IVDD): Variable 8-24 weeks depending on severity, often requiring intensive initial therapy
• Fracture repair: 8-16 weeks depending on location and healing progress

Neurological Conditions:

• IVDD (non-surgical): 6-12 weeks with potential for ongoing management
• FCE recovery: 4-12 weeks with most improvement in first month
• Nerve injuries: Highly variable, 6-24 weeks depending on severity

Chronic Arthritis:

• Ongoing management with improvement often seen within 2-4 sessions
• Regular sessions every 4-8 weeks maintain benefits

Acute Injuries:

• Muscle strains: 3-6 weeks typically
• Ligament sprains: 6-12 weeks depending on severity

Mobile Rehabilitation Services Across Lancashire and Northwest England

I provide mobile rehabilitation physiotherapy to your home, yard, or stable throughout:

• Lancashire: Accrington, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster, Chorley, Leyland, Ormskirk
• Greater Manchester: Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Salford, Stockport, Wigan
• Cheshire: Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn, Northwich, Knutsford
• North Yorkshire: Skipton, Harrogate, Settle
• West Yorkshire: Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Halifax, Keighley

Benefits of mobile service:

• Your animal receives treatment in their comfortable, familiar environment
• No stressful travel for post-operative or mobility-limited animals
• I can assess how your animal moves in their home setting
• More convenient for you—no travel required
• Allows me to evaluate home environment and make specific recommendations

Pricing for Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

• Equine Rehabilitation Physiotherapy: Initial £60 per session follow up £55
• Initial assessment: 60-90 minutes
• Follow-up sessions: 60 minutes
• Travel included within 17 miles of BB5 (Accrington)
• Canine Rehabilitation Physiotherapy: Initial £50 per session follow up £45
• Initial assessment: 60-75 minutes
• Follow-up sessions: 60 minutes
• Travel included within 17 miles of BB5 (Accrington)

Travel: An added charge per mile maybe be added for appointments beyond 17-mile radius, this will be discussed when booking.

Package options: These are available for multiple pre-booked sessions. [Contact me] to discuss.

Insurance: Many pet insurance policies cover veterinary physiotherapy following surgery or injury. Check with your insurer before booking. I can provide all necessary documentation for claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation

How soon after surgery can physiotherapy begin?
Typically 1-2 weeks post-surgery, but this depends on the procedure and your vet’s advice. Some gentle techniques can begin immediately post-op if recommended.

How many sessions will my animal need?
This varies significantly. Post-surgical cases often need 6-12 sessions over 3-4 months. Chronic conditions may require ongoing sessions every 4-8 weeks. I’ll provide a treatment plan estimate after your initial assessment.

What should I do between physiotherapy sessions?
Home exercises are crucial for success. I provide detailed video-guided programs through your client portal that you’ll perform daily or several times weekly.

Will physiotherapy hurt my animal?
Treatment should never cause pain. Some animals experience mild soreness 24-48 hours after initial sessions (similar to post-exercise soreness), which resolves quickly. I constantly monitor your animal’s comfort during treatment.

Can physiotherapy cure arthritis/IVDD/other chronic conditions?
Physiotherapy cannot cure degenerative conditions but significantly improves comfort, mobility, and quality of life while slowing progression.

For more detailed answers, visit our comprehensive [FAQ page].

Start Your Animal’s Recovery Journey

If your horse or dog is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or experiencing mobility issues, rehabilitation physiotherapy can make a significant difference to their recovery and quality of life.

Requirements:

1. Veterinary referral (required by law)
2. Animal registered with veterinary practice
3. Medical history and diagnosis information

Ready to begin?

New clients: [Register with OP Vet Physio] to create your personal client portal or contact me

Existing clients: [Book your appointment]

Have questions or need to discuss your animal’s condition?

[Contact me] via phone, WhatsApp, or email. I’m always happy to discuss whether physiotherapy would benefit your horse or dog.

Not sure if you need rehabilitation or maintenance physiotherapy?

Visit our [Maintenance & Care page] to learn about preventative physiotherapy for healthy animals, or [contact me] to discuss your animal’s specific needs.

For answers to common questions, see our [Frequently Asked Questions] page.

Olivia Prior Animal Physiotherapy Ltd | Olivia Prior BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy
Mobile veterinary physiotherapy for horses and dogs
Serving Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Yorkshire
IRVAP Registered | Fully Insured