Basic Differences:

• Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions for a number of body systems, they work on the musculoskeletal system (soft tissue, bone and joints), neurological disorders, cardiovascular fitness and will use massage, electrotherapies and other techniques to improve physical strength, symmetry, balance and performance.

• Osteopaths and Chiropractors treat joints, bones and muscles from the perspective of the body as a self-healing system using manual manipulation

• Remedial massage therapists treat muscles by physical massage and stretching

 

Basic Similarities:

• None are able to provide a Diagnosis (The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms). This can only be given by a Veterinary Surgeon.

• None should work on an animal that is considered lame unless they are referred to do so by a Veterinary Surgeon.

• All fall under legal requirement to obtain the permission of the veterinary surgeon to provide therapy to an animal (this falls under the Veterinary Surgeons Act).

 

The Veterinary Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists treat 4 main systems in the body:

• Musculoskeletal (bones, joints, muscles)

• Neuromuscular (the brain and nervous system)

• Cardiovascular (heart and circulation)

• Respiratory (lungs, etc.)

 

Physiotherapy focuses on finding the problem areas presented and treating these areas using defined treatment protocols for each condition about 60-70% of the work is hands on.

These treatment protocols include massage, mobilisation, stretches, postural techniques, electrotherapies (including Lazer, Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy, Ultrasound and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation), kinesio taping and manipulation if necessary. Great emphasis is placed on rehabilitation programmes of exercises and correct movement to regain as much function as possible (for example breathing or range of movement).

 

In order to truly call themselves a Veterinary Physiotherapist, a qualification should be held in Veterinary Physiotherapy. However the law does not protect the title and many people are able to call themselves Veterinary Physiotherapists without any qualifications at all.
Always check the qualifications of the person you are permitting to work on your animals.

Qualifications are numerous and confusing so I have included a chart at the end showing the different levels of qualification.
These are divided into a more clear levels of achievement so that you can have a better idea of what your therapist has achieved.
For example, my Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Physiotherapy is a Level 7 Qualification.

 

The Animal Osteopath

Osteopathy is an alternative therapy that uses physical techniques to remove tension and restriction in the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints and bones). By working on these, the osteopath aims to rebalance the body’s structures.

Around 90% of treatment is hands-on. Osteopaths use touch, massage, passive joint movement, and thrust techniques ("cracking") to rebalance the body.

Osteopathy is a very simple system of healing by the manipulation of bones especially the spine and also of muscles. It is a gentle manual treatment and the long term benefits mean that tissue that has a sufficient blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatic drainage will be healthy

 

The Animal Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatments are part of holistic care. Chiropractors focus on the skeletal structure of the horse, and using manual manipulations, bringing these structures back into their proper alignment. Other treatments, like various types of massage and tissue manipulation, are often used to complement chiropractic treatment.

Osteopathy tends to apply long lever techniques if the spine is manipulated, whilst chiropractic applies short levers in a precise adjustment of the individual vertebrae.The McTimoney approach is typified by swift, light force adjustments.

 

The Animal Massage Therapist

Sports & remedial massage focuses on the muscles within the musculoskeletal system.

It looks at the way that the musculoskeletal system works as a whole and focuses on the way that a particular person is compensating for injury or dysfunction through their lifestyle. It seeks to address both the symptoms and the causes of those symptoms.

Remedial massage is, like osteopathy, an alternative treatment. It is around 90% hands on.

Remedial massage involves deep tissue massage, neuromuscular techniques, passive and active stretching. It also ‘steals’ relevant movement patterns from physiotherapy and some joint manipulation from osteopathy.

Just a health warning here though, when I talk about remedial massage therapists, I’m talking about a qualified therapist who has done more than just an online course/ one day course or nothing at all. Always check to see that you’re getting who you pay for.

 

 

Other Questions:
- What is an ACPAT Physiotherapist?

ACPAT physiotherapists are fully qualified Human Chartered Physiotherapists, who have also trained in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals. They are members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.

In the past Veterinary Physiotherapists were unable to undertake a course without first being human physiotherapists. This has now changed and subject to previous qualifications, students will be accepted after interview to undertake animal-only training. For example in my case I was a Qualified Veterinary nurse.

 

- What is an Animal or Veterinary Physical Therapist?

Although the term Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist is not a protected title, some practitioners will use the word 'PHysiocal' therapist if they are not qualified Physiotherapists. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are currently in talks reegarding protection of the title 'Veterinary Physiotherapist'.