About Me

I am fully qualified, registered and insured through the The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP).

I have always had an interest in animals, from a young age I was involved in horse riding, which developed into a passion and eventually a career path. I have worked within the veterinary industry for over 10 years and has experience handling various animals, with a specific interest in dogs - especially working breeds.

In my personal time I have developed a keen working relationship with my Belgian Malinios (Maya) who I train in obedience and retrieval. I find this very rewarding and understand the demands these regimes have on a dog and how certain therapies can increase longevity and physical health during these activities.

Due to my passionate interest in horses I also have a background in various equine yards (Riding School, Breeding, Competition and production) which has provided an indepth and broad knowledge of the equine sector. I further studied a BSc Hons degree in Equine Management, during this time I produced and trained various horses and ponies.

Following this degree I decided to further my education within the veterinary industry and have achieved a Postgraduate Certificate. This has resulted in my abilities to treat animals at current. Due to my experience within the veterinary, equine and canine sectors I have a practical and clinical understanding of animal care and performance.

Mission

To provide accessible, affordable and effective routine treatments for animals in Northern Ireland, with animal health and well-being as the main and top priority. Working closely with vets and multidisplined professionals to provide clients with guidance, educated and clinical support.

Vision

To provide the opportunity of accessible rehabilitation to each and every animal in Northern Ireland, aiming to promote healing and alleviate pain and discomfort for the animal.

What is Physiotherapy

What is Animal Rehabilitation?

Animal rehabilitation in a non-invasive, multi-disciplinary therapy which involves the use of manual techniques combined with the use of electrotherapeutic machines to allievate and treat pain, aid recovery post-operatively, improve mobility and prevent recurrence of injury in animals.

Static Assesment

This is the first stage of assessing an animal for treatment. It will involve the visual assessment of posture, muscle mass and symmetry, initial behaviour and alertness.

It will require the animal to stand naturally (how it chooses) and then to be placed in a position.

Dynamic Assesment

This stage involves the visual assessment of the animal in motion. It involves walking and trotting the animal in a straight line where possible.

In some cases a horse may be evaluated on the lunge or being ridden.

Manual Assesment

This is the final stage of assessment, when the animal is manually, hands on, assessed for pain, muscle abnormalities, trigger points and swelling. On this stage the joint range of motion is also assessed for heat, swelling, reduced range of motion or abnormal range of motion.

Who Benefits?

Any animal can benefit from rehabilitation, however it is generally a therapy used for recovery of injury, surgery, a condition or reduced performance. Although this is true it is extremely beneficial for the geriatric animal who requires pain relief which is not possible through medication.

Here are a few examples of conditions and cases where it can help:

Small Animals:

Cruciate ruptures/injuries
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative Joint Disease
Patella Luxations
Neurological deficits
Femoral Head and Neck Excisions
Muscle Loss/Atrophy
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Reduced Performance
Change in Behaviours
Working/Competive dogs wanting to maintain performance.

Large Animals:

Kissing Spine
Osteoarthritis
Degnerative Joint Disease
Neurological deficits
Ligament and tendon injuries
Muscle Loss/Atrophy
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Reduced Performance
Change in Behaviours
Working/Competitive horses wanting to maintain performance.

PIVOTAL

Animal Rehabilitation