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
Physiotherapy Information Sheets
