Why Small Animal Physio?
Small animal physiotherapy is growing in popularity. Read below to find out why!
Common reasons for having physio?
Post-surgical
To reduce the likelihood of injury/further injury
To manage long-term degenerative conditions eg. osteoarthritis
Neurological disorders
Improve performance
Post-Surgical
Physiotherapy can be used to improve the healing of small animals post-surgery. As techniques can be applied to control inflammation to ensure the area heals effectively.
E.g. before/after a total hip replacement or FHNE for hip dysplasia.
Injury Reduction
Like humans, small animals can be accident-prone too! However, there are some home adaptations that can be done to reduce this. If you would like to know more please click here.
E.g. improving core stability so they are less likely to fall over.
Long-Term Management
Long-term management is important for small animals as it will help slow down the progression of a condition giving them a better quality of life. As well as this helping with compensatory issues, such as sore muscles.
E.g. maintaining joint health for osteoarthritis (bone arthritis).
Neurological Disorders
Physiotherapy is a great way at improving the functionality of nerves, by using stimulation techniques. This is just for disorders, physio can help any small animal improve proprioception, the animal's awareness of its legs. Improving this means that your small animal is less likely to fall over therefore less likely to get injured!
E.g. improving nerve function after a prolapsed (slipped) disc.
Improve Performance
Small animals are athletes as well as humans, therefore also get sore muscles and performance-related injuries. Did you know cats and rabbits do agility! Physiotherapy can help manage this, by giving you tips and tricks to aid performance. Exercises are one way of doing this, by improving muscle mass and ensure all muscles are used effectively.
E.g. ensuring that they are comfortable being touched when being judged in the showing ring.