Why Choose Me?
Here at ER Vet Physio, we understand the struggle of finding the right animal physiotherapist for your animal. This is made harder with the title animal/veterinary physiotherapist not protected, meaning there is nothing to stop somebody with no qualifications from calling themselves a physio! We thought that it would be useful for you to see why you can trust us with your animals, as you have every right to know where your animal physio trained!
Qualifications
Tool Box
I am the only person based locally with an integrated master's in veterinary physiotherapy. What does that mean? I have spent 4/5 years of continuous study learning about animal physiotherapy. How is that different from other postgraduate qualifications? This was a full-time course purely learning about animals with the final year being at master's level, instead of 2 years part-time. This is classified as level 7 whereas A levels are level 3.
Assessments
Click here to find out what was involved in becoming a qualified veterinary physiotherapist.
Dissertation
As part of my degree, I completed two dissertations on how different flooring surfaces changed the way a dog moves over them. My first dissertation was a systematic review, which involved a search of scientific databases for journal articles (research) on what research had already been carried out before. Leading on from that, I carried out my own trial, comparing dogs walking over carpet, concrete, and foam matting. This research has given me the extra knowledge to justify the use of different flooring surfaces to help you and your animals out!
Final Year
During the whole of my final year, the cohort were able to run their own equine and canine clinics while still under lecturer supervision. It was a really inciteful experience, as I was able to treat a range of different cases while gaining tips from the lecturers.
NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists)
I am a part of the NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists), which requires me to do 50 hours of continual professional development (CPD) every 2 years. This is to ensure that I continue to adapt to the most effective research and give the best service to your animals. As well as this, only therapists with a degree in veterinary physiotherapy can join.
Core Values
Although, I am only trained to work with animals, I very much believe that it is important to be able to work with you and your animals. My belief is that an animal physiotherapist should be approachable and non-judgmental. I want to be able to get your animal as comfortable as possible and I can only do that with your help. I never want someone to feel embarrassed whether that's regarding fiances or anything else. All I ask is that you are honest so that I can factor things into your animal's plan, so that it is manageable for all of you.
Currently, in my toolbox, I have a pulse mag, LASER, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiology taping, TENS, NMES, and my hot and cold packs. Watch this space as this will grow! As well as this, I also offer massage, stretching, range of motion, and exercise prescriptions as well as exercise equipment. Click the links to find out how they could help your animal!
Small Animal Exercise Equipment
For those of you whom I’ve suggested exercise equipment to use, I have my own available for you to try during a session before you invest yourself. That being said I’m equally happy to help suggest homemade alternatives! For example, garden canes can be used as poles or plant pots as cones!
Payments
I take a range of payment options to suit your needs. From cash to insurance policy pay-outs. Bank transfers and card payments are also accepted. Please see the payments page and terms and conditions for more details. If you are worried about payments, please check out your insurance policy, often they include physiotherapy and hydrotherapy!
Working With Others
I work directly with your animal's vet to ensure that we get the most optimal plan for your animal. I also attend regular clinical supervision meetings, where I am able to learn a lot of other colleagues experiences and use it in my own practice.
RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners)
I am registered on RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners), which I was able to do as soon as I graduated. This is because during my degree I completed a large number of practical hours. My degree course at Writtle University College was the first ever course that allowed their graduates direct entry to RAMP! RAMP also requires me to do 50 hours of continual professional development (CPD) every 2 years, in order to stay on the register.
Flexible
I am a fully mobile therapist and I am able to directly come to any of your animals. This means that you don’t have to worry if your horse will/will not load, or carrying your large neurologic dog to and from the car.