Do I need my vet’s consent for physiotherapy treatments?

Yes, to comply with the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) all therapists working with animals with diagnosed conditions or injuries must have consent from the treating veterinarian. This is a simple process but please do contact me for more information on how this can be arranged. My equine veterinary referral form can be downloaded from the Ts&Cs page.

How long does a session take?

Appointments will vary dependent on the treatments used and our aim for the session, however, generally initial appointments will take around 1hr30, with follow ups around an hour. Appointments including INDIBA may take longer due to equipment set up.

Is physiotherapy covered by my horse’s insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies do cover physiotherapy treatments, this can be discussed on initial booking.

What does a veterinary physiotherapy session entail?

This is a bit of a long one! Sessions for those referred for rehabilitation of a particular injury/condition will differ slightly from those requiring competition/general maintenance.

Prior to the session I will liaise with your vet to discuss the condition and/or relevant clinical history (as well as to gain their consent).

At the session, having spoken with the owner about the animal and any further information that they deem relevant, I will carry out a full assessment. This includes assessing statically and dynamically, range of motion and spinal assessments and full palpation of the patient. If necessary neurological assessments will be carried out.  Whilst speaking with the owner I like to observe the animal in their environment, as their general behaviour/demeanour can give vital information.

Treatments carried out during the session will be dependent on if the patient has been referred for a particular condition/injury or if the session is intended for maintenance. Alongside this, the findings of the assessments will determine which treatments and modalities are selected. These include massage, stretching, electrotherapies and remedial exercises. In 2022 I added INDIBA radio-frequency to my practice which has been so well received.

A detailed rehabilitation plan will be created for the owner, taking into account the current condition of the patient and what we want to achieve. This may include exercises, massage, stretching and electrotherapies for the owner to carry out in between sessions - all demonstrated. I am also always at the end of the phone for my clients in case they have any questions!

Client session forms will also be left/sent to the owner to detail what was found during assessments and what treatments were carried out. A full vet report will also be sent to the patient’s treating vet.

What motivated you to become a Vet Physio?

Having had a horse-mad childhood, I spent many years as a professional groom, both nationally and internationally, before moving into Veterinary Physiotherapy full time. I value being able to draw on my grooming experience when assessing competition horses, it has given me an in-depth knowledge of the demands placed on our equine athletes.

In 2016 I was involved in a head on collision whilst driving (not my fault!), I was airlifted to hospital with extensive injuries and required intense, prolonged rehabilitation to learn to function properly again. I had always intended on becoming a Veterinary Physiotherapist, but that desire was well and truly cemented during my own rehabilitation. It was down to the skill and expertise of my own physiotherapist Becky Nutt, that I was able to get back to doing what I love, and made me fully realise that I want to be that person for horses and their owners.

What do you do outside of Vet Physio?

I have my own Traditional Gypsy Cob, Jasper, who I have owned since 2007 when we purchased him as a yearling, he led a successful showing career on the national and county circuit back in his prime, and now is living his days being semi-retired but a very much loved part of the family.

I also have two dogs, Teddy and Reggie, and when I’m not working I enjoy taking them on long walks round the countryside near my home in Maldon.