What is the history of physiotherapy in veterinary medicine?
Although various forms of physical therapy have undoubtedly been used for centuries on animals, the foundation for its use as an applied science is very recent. The American Association of Equine Practitioners established a set of guidelines for the practice of physical therapy on horses in 1993. On which species of animals is physiotherapy practiced regularly? Physiotherapy is practiced regularly on horses, especially equine athletes. As a form of treatment, it is beginning to be used in dogs, and could easily be applied to other animal species. Who practices veterinary physiotherapy and do I need a referral? Physiotherapists can only treat animals under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, following a veterinary diagnosis and in accordance with state or provincial veterinary regulations. Currently, there are no established courses of instruction for physical therapy in animals, and therefore there is no certification process to ensure competency. If a veterinarian is performing
