Information for Veterinary Professionals

When & how to refer

Referral to an ACPAT veterinary physio from the veterinary surgeon is recommended as early as possible post diagnosis or surgery. The earlier the intervention the easier it is to promote the correct healing process and prevent movement issues and secondary problems. With more chronic long term conditions, the earlier we can assess and treat the earlier we can help to reverse secondary movement and muscle patterning compensations.

Integrum Physiotherapy are professional clinicians who work alongside the vets providing regular updates and discuss the next stages of rehabilitation.

Professional Insurance

Chartered physiotherapists have professional indemnity insurance for physiotherapy treatments. In making this referral, the vet is not responsible for any physiotherapy assessment or treatment given, and the provision of it is the sole responsibility of the Chartered Physiotherapist. Pet insurance companies cover physiotherapy by ACPAT physiotherapists..

How to refer:

Please complete the online referral form and email it back to integrumphysio@protonmail.com

We will then contact the client and book an assessment. Once we have seen the client, you will receive a report about my assessment and treatment. Information on the form will not be used for marketing or shared with any other person or organisation.

Common conditions Physio provides assessment and treatment for

small animals

Athletic poor performance
Cranial Cruciate Ligament tear – conservative, pre and post op
Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
Elbow Dysplasia
Femoral head and neck excision
Fibrocartilage Embolism
Fracture repair (from immediately post op)
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Replacement
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Muscle injury or strain
Obesity

Osteoarthritis
Patella Luxation – conservative, pre and post op
Polyradiculoneuropathy and other neurological conditions affecting movement.
Tendon and Ligament injury

Large animals

Box rest
Colic – post op
CVM with mild neuro signs
Fracture repair
Locking stifle
Muscle imbalance
Muscle injury or strain
Obesity

Osteoarthritis
Poor performance
Tendon and Ligament injury

Physiotherapy can help with any condition causing movement disorders in small or large animals. If you are unsure if the animal is suitable, then we are happy to discuss the case further in person or via email/telephone. Holly currently works at one of the countries leading orthopaedic hospitals (the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital) and also covers weekend physiotherapy shifts for a leading veterinary referral hospital. In both these roles she is used to following post-operative guidelines and working to enhance healing, whilst protecting surgical repairs. During confinement stages of healing treatment is focussed on maintaining range of movement and muscle length in non-operated joints, promoting tissue healing, aiding swelling reduction and helping to reduce pain.

Early post-operative physiotherapy can help aid owner compliance with restrictions as our treatments help to reduce pain and aid relaxation of the animal and we also provide further education and management advice to the owner.

“Knowledge of the stages of tissue healing and of the strength of tissues is critical to avoid placing too much stress on the surgical (or injured)site, yet some challenge to tissues must be provided to optimise the return to function.“ (Davidson et al 2005)

Please refer:

Prior to planned operations- Prehab can aid faster recovery post-op.
Immediately post-operatively (orthopaedic or neuro).
Immediately after soft tissue injury – Muscle, ligament or tendon.
Muscle pain or joint stiffness.
Conservative treatment of conditions.
Osteoarthritis.
Horses on box rest for any reason.

Most Insurance companies pay for physiotherapy by an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist up to the policy complementary therapy limit or vet fees limit.