Industry Insights - At Work with Equine Vet Physios

As horse owners and animal lovers, we are known to put their wellbeing at the very top of our priority list. But when it comes to choosing a therapist, what do you actually know about them and their qualifications?  In an industry where we are surrounded with specialists, how much attention do you actually pay to their titles? Does the qualification have an effect on what they do? Are you as an owner protected if something was to go wrong?

We speak with Caroline Russell (CR), a veterinary physiotherapist, to find out more.

EQ: We all have big dreams when we’re little. What were the influencing factors for you to become a veterinary physiotherapist?

CR: I always knew I wanted to work with animals so finding a career that allowed me to help owners get their animals back on form was fantastic. Not only this but I also get to spend a lot of time talking and getting to know them and their animals, which allows me to help them through the rehabilitation process. This really suits me as I enjoy being out and about meeting new people. 

EQ: What key skills did you learn when studying to become a veterinary physiotherapist?

CR: I studied for 4 years to obtain my BSc (hons). This gave me a thorough understanding and in-depth knowledge of how to rehabilitate and improve the performance of animals as well as hands on experience in the field.  However, the most important skill I learnt whilst studying was how to think outside the box. This is not only true when it comes to evaluating a case and working out what is causing the issues an owner is facing, but also when it comes to evaluating academic material and reports on new products as you cannot always believe what you read.

In addition to this I definitely developed a much deeper understanding of the animals I treat and a greater empathy for them especially when it comes to issues surrounding bad behaviour and the effects of age. 

EQ: With our own horses we have used a wide variety of professionals for various reasons but had never really considered their level of qualification before we booked an appointment. The first time we booked an appointment with a veterinary physiotherapist they required us to get the go-ahead from our veterinarian and this highlighted the partnership between them which is required to successfully rehabilitate our animals.  

EQ: As a veterinary physiotherapist, what methods of therapy do you use in your treatments that require veterinary consent? 

CR: As a registered veterinary physiotherapist I am also a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) which gives added security and protection to owners and their animals. The association is also recognised and trusted by veterinarians and veterinary clinics, and we won’t treat an animal unless the animal’s registered veterinarian has given us the all clear to treat the animal.  This ensures total transparency for any on-going or future veterinary.

When it comes to methods of treatments, I use a range of massage techniques, stretches and range of motion exercises alongside electrotherapies including H-wave, TENS, NMES and Photizo. I also work with my owners to ensure they have targeted exercises to perform between treatment sessions to help them continue to improve their animal. All treatments are delivered by linking a strong foundation of scientific knowledge with clinical practice and continued research.

EQ: So when you say that there is added security for owners and their animals in using a NAVP registered Veterinary Physiotherapist, what do you mean, and do you think NAVP differ from other associations out there?

CR: By using a NAVP registered veterinary physiotherapist you know you are choosing a therapist who has an in-depth knowledge of the subject and has studied to a high level in the field. 

The NAVP will only accept members who are degree qualified veterinary physiotherapists.  Furthermore, the membership requires you to complete regular CPD events, ranging from practical courses to keeping up-to-date with the latest scientific research.  This enables me to keep my techniques to the highest standards and provide the best care possible. 

Members also have to adhere to a strict code of conduct and have professional insurance. This means that owners can rest assure that the therapist they are using is accountable for their actions and will always treat your animal using the best method for that case. As I also mentioned, the NAVP is recognised and trusted by veterinarians, which will be more and more important in the future as we move towards protecting the title ‘Veterinary Physiotherapist’.

EQ: When you say that you are a member of NAVP and that this gives added benefits to the patient (animal) and their owner, does it also provide support for it’s members?

CR: Absolutely! Although I am self-employed I am never on my own - there is always another NAVP member at the other end of the phone or just an email away to offer help and advice. I really enjoy the CPD that is on offer throughout the year. The combination of these two factors has allowed me to continue learning and improving my skills and I really value the experience and support of my fellow NAVP members as they have seen it all before. 

Although the NAVP only accept degree fully qualified members, they also offer student memberships to support those who are studying to become veterinary physiotherapists.

EQ: Support aside, do you face any challenges in your role?  I am speaking from experience when I say that as animal owners we can be a difficult crowd to please!  

CR: I think the hardest part of my job is managing my owner’s expectations. I always strive for perfection and the end goal is to always try and get their animal back to full function. However, this is not always possible and it can be very challenging to explain this to my owners and help teach them how to best cope with the new set of circumstances. 

There are some incredibly rewarding aspects of my job though, such as taking an animal that is struggling with an injury, poor performance or the effects of age and improving their quality of life through treatment and working with their owners. Knowing I have made a difference to these animals is very satisfying especially when I get lovely feedback from my clients telling me how pleased they are with their animal’s progress. 

EQ: Taking into account your experience within the industry, if you could offer one piece of advice to a budding veterinary physiotherapist, what would it be? 

CR: One of the most exciting parts of this profession is that you will never stop learning.  So my best piece of advice is to take every opportunity to learn from other veterinary physiotherapists and animal professionals. Taking the time to share your experiences with others and to hear theirs in return will always be time well spent, ultimately allowing you to keep progressing in this ever-changing industry. 

If you have questions about becoming a veterinary physiotherapist, we suggest that you speak with the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists.  You can read more about them here: https://www.navp.co.uk