Physiotherapy has an important role in improving outcomes following injury or surgery, and this two-day course will provide veterinary nurses with basic physiotherapy skills. A variety of techniques will be covered, including massage, passive movements, stretching, hot/cold therapy and exercise (including hydrotherapy). Participants will learn which cases are appropriate to treat, and which should be referred to the veterinary physiotherapist. Lectures, practicals, and case studies will be used to improve practical and clinical reasoning skills, confidence and knowledge of canine physiotherapy.

Who should attend;

This course is suitable for all qualified veterinary nurses working in small animal practice, especially those with a particular interest in physiotherapy and postoperative rehabilitation. It may also be of interest to student nurses and nursing assistants involved in postoperative care.

What the course will help the attendees to do:

• Introduce basic physiotherapy techniques into daily practice.
• Improve knowledge, and practical application of physiotherapy treatment modalities.
• Develop clinical reasoning and problem solving skills
• Plan postoperative rehabilitation programmes.
• Work effectively alongside the qualified veterinary physiotherapist.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• The decision-making processes involved in canine physiotherapy.
• The indications, contraindications and safe application of massage, passive movements, stretches, hot/cold therapy and exercise
• Appropriate treatment modalities for specific conditions
• The benefits of collaboration between the veterinary nurse/surgeon and the veterinary physiotherapist.