Important Information and FAQs
This section is for questions you may have or forms that I require before commencing physiotherapy. If you still have any questions please contact me via the contact us page or any other of our points of contact!
Why do I need to have veterinary consent?
It is a legal requirement as part of the Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015 and it is there to protect your animal. Unfortunately, veterinary physiotherapy is not a protected title meaning that somebody with no qualifications could call themselves an animal physio! This is why it is sooo important to know where your physio qualified!
How long does the veterinary consent last?
It depends on how long is a piece of string? It is all down to how your animal is coping and progressing. New veterinary consent is only required if your animal is not progressing as quickly as it would be expected, there is a deterioration in their condition, or a new condition/accident occurs. Should this occur, I will talk through you through the next steps, but please keep me updated of any changes to your animals between sessions.
What is your hygiene procedure?
At ER Vet Physio we take this very seriously ensuring that we wash our hands between clients or using antibacterial hand gel when this is not available. All uniform is washed regularly and changed between clients when needed. All equipment is also regularly cleaned and disinfected. Any animals showing signs of infection/virus will not be treated, due to the risk of spreading it to other clients. It would also not be fair to treat your animal due to their already comprised immune system. If you have a booking, please get in touch as soon as possible so we can discuss your appointment and you can avoid the less than 24-hour notice charge.
How do I prepare my animal prior to a session?
Ideally, your animal should be clean and dry and not matted if possible and ready for me to get started as soon as I arrive. I understand in winter with long hair this can be easier said than done, but this helps me to stay on time for my later sessions.
Where do sessions take place?
I will come to you, so sessions can take place in the most comfortable environment for your animal.
This all depends on what your animal is requiring physiotherapy for. All treatment timescales are based on the healing time of the tissue. As a result, a rough healing time speed occurs in this order of, muscle, bone, tendon and ligament. This is because muscles have a greater blood supply than ligaments, therefore more healing factors are brought to that area. Certain conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA)/arthritis are degenerative, so treatment plans are more about managing the condition and compensation that arise.
That's great that your animal has nearly finished their rehabilitation program! You have two options, stopping treatment once the follow-up treatment has finished, but ideally, this would be a great time to start maintenance sessions, to ensure your animal is still comfortable and reduce the risk of injury!
Do I need to be present for the whole session?
There are multiple ways you can pay me, which I have gone into more detail here. Ideally, payment should be given prior to treatment, otherwise, I have the right to refuse to treat your animal.
As well the services I provide, I also offer free advice to all existing clients between and during treatments. After each treatment I will send/give you a report of what I found during the session, the treatments carried out, and set homework to make the most of our sessions.
Ideally the sooner the better! The younger they start, the better chance they have at reducing the likelihood of developing certain conditions. It is also a good way to ensure that they are happy and create healthy habits from the start, such as good posture.
Unfortunately, I am only qualified and insured to treat animals.
Is the cost quoted the total price?
What kind of environment do you need for a session?
The best environment for a session is somewhere quiet which is flat with non-slip flooring. Ideally, the area should be well-lit and dry. For dogs and small animal clients, I will also bring my own vet bed, so they have something comfy to lie on and that I can get access to as much as their body as possible without too much restriction. If their normal bed does not have sides then this should be ok as well.
I'm coming to the end of my animal's treatment time what happens now?
This is totally dependent on the animal, as some animals initially may be more comfortable with you there while they understand what is going on.
Can you tell if I haven’t done the homework?
How many follow up sessions will my animal need?
What ways can I pay you?
What can I expect other than the listed services you provide?
How early should my animal start physiotherapy?
Can I book in with you for myself?
The prices quoted include all travel expenses, advice between sessions, VAT and use of any equipment unless stated otherwise. There are no future plans to add any extra cost on top of the price quoted for travelling or other expenses.
What areas do you cover?
I am based in Stourbridge (DY8) and cover the west midlands and Worcestershire primarily as a rough guide. If you are a bit further out, there is a possibility that I could travel further so please get in touch! In some cases, I may need multiple animals to treat and or increased travel expenses depending on how much further you are. I’m more than happy to try and work something out.
Can I ride my horse the next day after a physiotherapy session?
Ideally, your horse should have the rest of the day off as well as the next day after a physiotherapy session. This is because they may be a bit sore particularly if they have needed deep soft tissue work. A day off will allow their body to begin to adapt and be more comfortable in the long run.
I have a show coming up, can my animal still have a physiotherapy session?
Ideally, a physiotherapy session should be at least a week or 2 before a show to have your animal’s body a chance to adapt after the treatment and ensure that they can perform at their best. If you do have a show booked/like to show, please let me know and I will help to tailor a plan to suit you.