Hi, I'm Ciara
If you have a horse purely for love & fun,
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relief from pain
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The meaning of 'Chartered'
The term Physiotherapist is a protected title, whereby only those with a degree in Physiotherapy (i.e. human) may use it. However, any word preceding it invalidates this, therefore ‘Veterinary or Animal or Equine Physiotherapist’ does not require any specific qualifications or regulation. There are copious training routes now available to gain a qualification in veterinary physiotherapy, which vary considerably in their length and requirements. The only way to be sure you are using a qualified Physiotherapist is to look for the title ‘Chartered’. A Chartered Physiotherapist has gone through the rigorous training routes of a human Physiotherapy degree, experience usually in the NHS, then a Masters-level post-graduate degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy. They are then eligible to be members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a vital part of the NHS because it is a science-based health profession (not a complementary therapy), using physical methods to improve the body's function. A qualified Physiotherapist has undergone a 3-year full-time degree, gaining knowledge in anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics and pathophysiology. Core skills are then developed on clinical rotations in hospitals, including Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Respiratory, Community Rehabilitation, and many others, before specialising in their preferred area.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is a professional body for those that have successfully completed this standardised training and exams.
Veterinary Physiotherapy
The application of all the physiotherapeutic skills can be applied to Horses, Dogs and other animals. Veterinary physiotherapy incorporates knowledge of veterinary practices, animal anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and pathophysiology. It also uses ‘evidence-based medicine’, where the most appropriate and effective methods are used to treat an animal.
There is now a register for animal therapists (animal physiotherapists, osteopaths & chiropractors) who have shown compliance with a Professional Code of Conduct, Standards of Practice and requirements for Continuing Professional Development. RAMP allows owners, Veterinarians and insurance companies to ensure they are using a highly qualified individual that is insured for their practice.
Human regulation
The most important skill of Physiotherapists is clinical reasoning; choosing the most appropriate management option supported by evidence. Physiotherapists’ skills are continuously developed throughout their career, usually in the NHS, which provides regular in-service training, peer supervision, watched assessments and case reviews. This scrutiny ensures safe practice, effectiveness and up-to-date knowledge of evidence.
All Physiotherapists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).