What is Animal Physiotherapy?

Animal Physiotherapy works on the same principles as Human Physiotherapy and aims to accelerate recovery, restore function and movement, reduce pain and inflammation, improve strength and maximise performance. Physiotherapy is a well established profession in the human sporting and health care field that is now becoming recognised as a valuable adjunct to veterinary management of animals to ensure optimal treatment and recovery. Animal Physiotherapy is performed by a qualified human physiotherapist with Masters training in Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Why and when to use Animal Physiotherapy?

Animals are subjected to similar injuries and conditions just like humans. Injury leads to pain, functional deterioration and poor performance. Early physiotherapy intervention is recommended, even pre surgery to minimise secondary complications or compensations.

Who is our Animal Physiotherapist?

Sandra Sharpe

BVSC + Physiotherapist – BPhty BEx Sci Msc Vet Phty

https://www.peakanimalphysio.com.au

Sandra is a qualified animal and human physiotherapist. She completed a dual Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2004. She spent several years honing her skills predominately as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist within both the private and public health sector in Australia, the UK and Ireland. Whilst abroad she completed a Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (UK) in 2008 and achieved several awards for her academic success.

Sandra returned to Australia and started working as an animal physiotherapist at BVSC in 2010 and has been with the team ever since. She is also the animal physiotherapist at VSS Carrara (Veterinary Specialist Services) and the Pet Wellness Centre on the Gold Coast.

Sandra has a special interest in assisting the working and sporting dog back to high-level competition and working duty following injury. She is equally passionate about rehabilitating spinal patients and getting all of her patients back to optimal functioning

Techniques

Physiotherapists use a wide variety of techniques to improve pain and function. The focus of treatment is on functional rehabilitation and Sandra places a strong emphasis on a tailored home exercise in addition to her ‘hands on treatments’.

Treatment techniques include spinal and mobilisation, massage, stretches, dry needling, western acupuncture, kinesiotaping, prescription of assistive aids/ braces when required and shockwave therapy. Strength and stability exercises take place in the physio gym and Sandra prides herself in ensuring she takes the time to make all her patients feel comfortable with physio treatments and in the clinic.

Consultation

Sandra provides a thorough 1 hour assessment including hands-on treatment, advice and provision of home program. Following consultations are 30 minutes. An initial letter will be sent to the referring veterinarian following the consultation. To read more about treatments provided by Sandra go to our information sheets on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment should begin as soon as possible after an injury, preferably in the early stages (even prior to surgery) to minimise secondary complications and maximise recovery. If you are not sure if Physiotherapy is appropriate and when is a good time to start feel free to ring any time to discuss your options.

  • Acceleration of rehabilitation process and restoration of function
  • Reduction of pain and inflammation
  • Improvement of joint range of motion and muscle strength
  • Prevention of further movement dysfunctions or injuries
  • Optimisation of performance in sport/show
  • Orthopaedic – cruciate ligament (knee), fractures, hip/elbow dysplasia, muscle and tendon injuries, patella luxation
  • Neurological – including spinal injury, peripheral nerve, FCE
  • Pre and Post surgical for any musculoskeletal/neurological condition
  • Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, geriatric)
  • Back pain/ injury
  • Soft tissue/ sporting injuries
  • Poor conditioning (e.g. following cancer treatments, obesity, cardiovascular)
  • Geriatric Vestibular Disease
  • ALL PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENTS ARE AT BVSC + THE SPECIALIST CLINIC
    Animal Physiotherapy is performed on a referral only basis – therefore all animals must have a veterinary referral *

    * This allows both the Veterinarian and Physiotherapist to work together ensuring the animal receives the best possible management of their condition.

  • HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

    For Pet Owners – Make An Appointment
    Call BVSC on 07 3264 9400 to schedule a time. Appointments are available every Tuesday and some Thursdays. Initial appointments are 1 hour in length.

  • For Veterinarians – Refer A Client:
    Please complete a BVSC referral form and forward clinical summary to info@bvsc.com.au. Please instruct Pet Owners to call BVSC on 07 3264 9400 to make an appointment.

More information for Veterinarians and Pet Owners

More Information

+ Referring Vets

Information on referrals, treatments, education and more.

+ Pet Owners

Information about visiting BVSC, your pets stay and more.