Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is veterinary physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to help animals recover from injury, surgery, or manage chronic conditions. It focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life through various techniques such as manual therapy, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and exercises.
2. Who is the therapist at The Pet Physio, and what are her qualifications?
Sarah Sojka is a fully qualified physiotherapist with a Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy. She initially completed four years of training as a human physiotherapist before undergoing an additional three years of specialized study to work with animals. With over eight years of veterinary industry experience since 2016, Sarah’s expertise uniquely combines human and animal physiotherapy, allowing her to provide comprehensive, high-quality care for pets.
3. What makes The Pet Physio the right choice for my pet?
Sarah’s extensive training in both human and veterinary physiotherapy gives her a deep understanding of biomechanics, injury recovery, and pain management. This dual expertise, combined with her experience treating a wide range of orthopaedic and neurological conditions, ensures that your pet will receive well-rounded, gentle, and effective care. Sarah also works closely with veterinarians to create a tailored treatment plan for optimal recovery and long-term health.
4. What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and cruciate ligament injuries.
- Neurological conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and degenerative myelopathy.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation for procedures like TPLO or fracture repairs.
- Sports injuries and soft tissue problems in active or working dogs.
- Mobility issues in senior pets, and more.
- See more in our Blog post
3. What happens during a physiotherapy session?
During a session, your pet will be thoroughly assessed, including their movement, posture, and areas of discomfort. Treatment may include hands-on techniques like massage, stretching, or joint mobilization, as well as advanced therapies like laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises. Each session is tailored to meet the needs of your pet’s specific condition.
4. How long does a physiotherapy session last?
An initial Physiotherapy sessions typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment plan. Review appointments usually take 30 minutes. However, we are able to accommodate longer or shorter times.
5. How many sessions will my pet need?
The number of sessions required depends on the nature and severity of your pet’s condition. For acute injuries or post-surgical rehab, several sessions over a few weeks may be necessary. For chronic or degenerative conditions, ongoing physiotherapy might be recommended to manage pain and maintain mobility.
6. Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
While you do not always need a referral, it is beneficial to have a veterinary diagnosis before starting physiotherapy. We often work closely with veterinarians to ensure the best care for your pet, especially if they have undergone surgery or have a complex condition.
7. Is physiotherapy painful for my pet?
Our treatments are designed to be gentle and therapeutic. Your pet’s comfort is our priority, and we adjust treatments to suit their tolerance levels. Most animals find the treatments relaxing, and any discomfort from their condition is addressed carefully.
8. How soon can my pet start physiotherapy after surgery or injury?
In many cases, physiotherapy can begin as soon as your vet gives the green light, often within a week or two after surgery. Early intervention can help speed up recovery and prevent complications like stiffness or muscle loss.
9. What should I bring to my pet’s first physiotherapy session?
Please bring any relevant medical history, including x-rays, surgical notes, and medication lists from your vet. If possible, also bring your pet’s favourite treats or toys to help them feel more comfortable during the session.
10. Will my pet need ongoing physiotherapy?
This depends on your pet’s condition. Some pets may only need short-term rehabilitation, while others with chronic or degenerative conditions may benefit from long-term management to maintain mobility and comfort.
12. How can I help my pet at home between sessions?
We provide a tailored home exercise plan with stretches and low-impact exercises you can do with your pet. These activities help reinforce the work we do in our sessions and promote faster recovery.