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Contact Details
Jacqueline Grant
Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist
Telephone Number
07802 751 444
Fax Number
01622 749 277
Email Address
info@vetphysioservices.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vet's referral for physiotherapy treatment?
Yes. The law (The Veterinary Surgeons Act) is very specific – any type of treatment on an animal which is not carried out by a vet must be referred via their Veterinary Surgeon. This includes physiotherapy. Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists cannot treat animals without a veterinary referral. We will maintain contact with your vet to advise them of progress and inform them when treatment is completed.
How long does a physiotherapy appointment last?
This will vary, depending on the type of treatment required but typically lasts 30-45 minutes for small animals and about an hour for large animals. The first appointment will take longer as this will include an assessment and the provision of any initial treatment if required.
How many treatment sessions will my animal need?
At your first appointment your physiotherapist will assess your animal carefully. At the end of this appointment, your animal may only require an exercise programme which you can implement, or further appointments for treatment may be needed. The situation will be discussed with you and an estimate provided of how many additional treatments, if needed, will be required and over what time period. Should this change during the course of treatment, the physiotherapist will discuss this with you and advise you accordingly.
What are the typical waiting times for an appointment?
We endeavour to see your animal as quickly as possible, usually within a few days of receiving a referral. This may vary, depending on the demand for our services but our goal is always to treat animals as promptly as possible.
What should I do if I can't attend my physiotherapy appointment for any reason?
Contact us and inform us straight away. We do not charge for cancellations where we receive more than 24 hours notice, but please tell us as soon as possible and do not wait until the day before if you can inform us sooner, as we may be able to offer your appointment to another animal. You will be charged for cancellations within 24 hours.
How do I know if a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist is fully qualified?
All Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists initially work with humans and have undergone the required training to degree level. They will have the letters 'MCSP' after their name. MCSP means that they are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Many will be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The Health Professions Council is a statutory body established to set and maintain standards of physiotherapists and other health professionals. A growing number of physiotherapists now work with animals. Unlike the title 'veterinary surgeon', the title 'veterinary physiotherapist' is not protected by law when it comes to treating animals. However, the term 'Physiotherapist' is a protected title.
A Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and has a postgraduate qualification in veterinary physiotherapy. The Postgraduate Diploma or Master's Degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (University of London) is an academic qualification and graduates are entitled to call themselves veterinary physiotherapists.
What is ACPAT?
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) is a clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. ACPAT members work only with veterinary referral and abide by the Veterinary Surgeons Act, as amended by The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962. Beware of anyone offering treatment to your animal without veterinary referral.
What are your payment terms?
Payment is made after each treatment either by cheque or cash. If your treatment is provided at one of the veterinary practices where we work, you may also be able to pay by credit card or debit card.
Is the cost of physiotherapy covered by animal health insurance?
Many insurance companies provide cover for physiotherapy. They will require you to obtain a veterinary referral prior to the commencement of treatment. Contact your health insurance company prior to commencing treatment to confirm what benefit is available to your animal as policies vary. They may give you an authorisation code for treatment that you will need to give to your vet or physiotherapist.
How do I go about getting a veterinary referral?
Arrange a consultation with your vet. Following examination of your animal, ask if physiotherapy is appropriate. If so, they will contact us directly or give you a referral letter to give to your chartered veterinary physiotherapist, explaining the nature of the problem.