Welcome to Holistic Animal Physiotherapy!
Animal Physiotherapy is an emerging and rapidly growing profession in Australia.
Animal Physiotherapy works in much the same way as widely recognised Physiotherapy in human medicine. The same conditions are assessed and treated with a specialised knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and rehabilitation. To learn more about Holistic Animal Physiotherapy visit www.holisticanimalphysio.com.au
Who are our Physiotherapists?
Brooke Marsh APA Animal Physiotherapist
BPhty, MAnimSt
Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
QLD Rep. Animal physiotherapy Group.
Brooke is a qualified human and Animal Physiotherapist, Acupuncturist and specialises in rehabilitation for small animals. She has always had a passion and affinity for animals and is a pioneer and highly motivated professional in her field. She has worked for 12 years in Private Practice and completed her Masters of Animal Physiotherapy in 2005 (University of Queensland).
Brooke always strives to provide the best quality of care for her patients, with a great deal of respect for their behaviour and condition, and aims to maximise their quality of life. She prefers to work closely with the owners of her patients to provide daily care and ongoing management with plenty of advice and support.
Stephanie Valentin BSc (Hons) MSc
Stephanie qualified as a human physiotherapist in 2001 from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, and has since predominantly worked as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Scotland. In 2004, she completed her Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She then started work as an Animal Physiotherapist in Scotland, treating dogs and horses, and has continued to do so when she moved to Brisbane in 2009. Stephanie has a special interested in biomechanics and rehabilitation, and continually aims to provide the best possible physiotherapy care for her patients. In addition to her animal work, she also is employed at the University of Queensland conducting physiotherapy research.
In QLD animal Physiotherapists work closely with the Veterinary profession (requiring referral), which fosters a uniquely holistic team approach to your animal’s rehabilitation.
TECHNIQUES
Physiotherapists use a wide variety of techniques to improve pain and function. A home program is very important to maintain the condition in between sessions.
Brooke & Stephanie specialise in ‘hands-on’ treatment including mobilisation, massage, stretches, acupuncture, electrotherapy, stability and strengthening. Both Physiotherapists take the time to make the dog comfortable with treatment in a positive environment.
Physiotherapy benefits include:
- 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
Conditions treated:
- 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)
CONSULTATION
Brooke & Stephanie provide a thorough assessment, (1 hour), including hands-on treatment, acupuncture, advice and provision of home program. Brooke is available for advice for ongoing management at any stage. Following consultations are 30 minutes.
When?
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.
LOOKING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION?
Why not take a look at the webpage www.holisticanimalphysio.com.au
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
As an owner making and appointment for your pet: Simply call Brooke on 0408 022 660 to schedule a time for your pet to see one of our physiotherapists (please don't forget the initial appointment is 1hr in length).
If you are a vet who wishes to refer a client: You can either call Brooke directly on 0408 022 660, email her This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Holistic Animal Physiotherapy website www.holisticanimalphysio.com.au and fill out the referral form (Brooke will call you to make the appointment with either herself or Stephanie once you have emailed her).
An initial letter will be sent to you following the consultation.
Animal Physiotherapy is performed on a referral only basis; therefore all animals must have a veterinary referral. This is a legal requirement of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and allows both the Veterinarian and Physiotherapist to work together ensuring the animal receives the best possible management of their condition.