Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, due to the high standard of qualifications and active membership to the NAVP this means that most pet insurance companies will cover veterinary physiotherapy with us. The amount covered varies according to the provider and the type of insurance plan you are on. It would be best to speak to your insurance provider directly if you are unsure to get an idea how much they will cover and for how long.

  • We understand how frustrating it can be when businesses and practices aren’t up front with pricing. We have tried to be as upfront with costs as much as possible and have a clear pricing structure which can be found here.

  • You are not required to stay in the same room/stable throughout the entire session but must be present for the initial consultation. After the initial consultation while you do not need to attend the sessions yourself, we would always recommend it. If you are unable to attend, we will need a delegated handler present at the beginning of each session and available to assist throughout if needed, such as a yard manager or PA. For some animals such as nervous horses or dogs we may need a handler present throughout the whole session to hold them for the treatment.

    If staying throughout we just ask that any questions are directed at the beginning or the end of the session so we can ensure your companion gets our full attention.

  • This varies on many factors, such as; the severity of the injury/condition, age, medical history, also the end goal, as to whether it’s to build strength and fitness, prepare for a competition, regain movement, maintain fitness or to provide palliative care. All these factors and more can have an effect on the length of time treatment will be needed for. In general the more extreme or complicated the condition/injury the more consistent and more often sessions should be held.

    After the initial consultation we will be able to give a better estimate. However please note as healing times can all vary, progress in each animal can vary. So even though we can give an estimate, it is only an estimate, healing is often not a linear process and so your animal may need more or fewer sessions than originally suggested.  

  • In general physiotherapy will cause no pain to your animal. Veterinary physiotherapy’s primary aim is to alleviate pain and improve your pets quality of life, it is non invasive and is generally well tolerated by all animals making it it an excellent tool within veterinary medicine.

    There may be mild brief discomfort from certain stretches or deeper massage strokes, but this is outweighed by the benefits and pain relieving properties these techniques provide to your pet. For particularly touch sensitive or nervous animals we can utilise electrotherapeutic techniques that require a less hands on approach.

  • Yes we do, we believe every animal should be able to receive top level care regardless of look, breed or status.

    Our insurance covers us for all breeds including those under the breed specific legislation (BSL).

  • At the moment we have no current set dates in the calendar.

    However if you are an institution, vet practice or private organisation this can be organised. We can cater to different levels from informative talks or training for owners to vets and vet nurses, also students at schools, colleges and universities. Please email vetphysio@animlalliance.co.uk

  • While this varies on the condition and the severity, the first session should provide some level of pain relief and improved mobility which is usually noticeable and shown in easier movement, better sleep and relaxation. Some animals offer calmer behaviour after the session, although it should be noted that some animals can often become more energetic after due to feeling better!

  • Absolutely! We also work on maintenance and just keeping a good level of fitness. Just like with people having regular massage and physiotherapy can prevent the onset of many ailments and make them feel so much comfortable and confident in their movement. Regular physiotherapy increases strength and mobility and reduces the risk of injuries.  

    Regular maintenance sessions are fundamental to working and sporting animals, as it can address and correct any muscular imbalances from training or work that could lead to injury. While also providing training programs for optimal athletic capability, regular physiotherapy optimises an animals physical condition leading to improved strength, balance and performance thus reducing the risk of injury.

    More detailed information on the benefits of veterinary physiotherapy can be found here.

  • If it is just for maintenance sessions no referral is needed.

    All veterinary physiotherapists must work in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. This means any injured animal or those with health problems must receive veterinary referral/consent prior to physiotherapy. This is usually a quick and easy process which involves getting one of our consent forms signed by your registered vet. If your animal is not registered with a veterinarian, unfortunately Animal Alliance will not be able to treat them.

    Veterinary consent is not needed however for a healthy animal requiring maintenance treatment, such as a sporting animal wanting increased fitness and mobility, or a family pet with no obvious injury or illness. If we feel a pathology or injury may be present and we have not had a referral or consent through from your vet, we will pause treatment and refer you back to veterinarian for consent to continue treatment, or contact them ourselves to request this (with your permission). Again even for maintenance treatments if your animal is not registered with a veterinarian, unfortunately Animal Alliance will not be able to treat them.

  • While we have multiple electrotherapy's available to use, (a list of which can be found here). We don’t currently offer stand alone sessions for any of them, this is because we feel often patients do best with a multi pronged approach.  

    We do often have cases that have had laser recommend by their vet or the owner is keen for laser treatment, or perhaps another veterinary physiotherapist doesn’t have laser available to them. We will certainly cater the sessions around laser treatment, however we may also find that certain massage techniques or a remedial exercise plan would provide the biggest benefit to the patient alongside laser treatment.  

    We may however make an exception in cases of wound healing, but only where a vet has recommended/referred to us, (this will only be considered after direct veterinary referral).

  • Absolutely, we can travel to anywhere within the UK. Services outside London will incur a travel charge however and if it requires a day blocked out or an overnight stay extra costs and expenses may apply, so please get in contact via our contact form or email with as much information as possible and we can get a quote sorted out vetphysio@animalalliance.co.uk