Introducing London’s first fully-integrated Veterinary Physio, Hydro & Laser Rehab Centre

A simple preventative 90-minute session can improve the chances of your pet staying healthy, mobile and pain-free for longer, as they grow older. We are thrilled to introduce Central London's first fully-integrated Veterinary Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy and Laser Rehabilitation Centre, run by Jackie van der Westhuysen.

Please call on 020 3011 1032 or email hello@virtuevets.com to book. During your first session, we will create a tailored treatment plan including Laser therapy and Pet-Pilates exercises, along with care-at-home advice.

Veterinary physiotherapy treatment plans include a variety of methods including:

• Hydrotherapy

• LASER therapy

• Massage / Manual Therapy (fascial release, neural dynamics, stretching etc.)

• Electrotherapy (TENS & EMS)

• Heat/Cryotherapy

• Kinesiology taping

• Cardiorespiratory treatments

 What is veterinary physiotherapy?

Veterinary physiotherapy uses non-invasive, hands-on methods to treat pets struggling primarily with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. Veterinary physiotherapists help manage chronic conditions, regain & maintain function, help pets recover from injury, perform at their peak and aids in overall wellbeing. This approach, together with medical care provides a comprehensive solution for pets to live healthier, more comfortable lives.

What conditions can it physiotherapy help with?

• Orthopaedic: arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, patella luxations & more

• Neurological: IVDD, DM, FCE, nerve injuries & more

• Post operative care: recovery from orthopaedic / soft tissue surgeries

• Soft tissue injuries: Ligament sprain, Tendinopathies, Myopathies

• Age related struggles: supporting senior pets with discomfort & mobility issues

• Cardiovascular: Pneumonia, rib fractures, pulmonary oedema, respiratory distress

• Weight management for overweight animals

• Conditioning athletes: assisting sports dogs with performance issues and injuries

• Puppy development: early identification & intervention for developmental disorders. 

What signs would indicate that my pet is a candidate for physiotherapy?

• Pet is playing less or sleeping more

• Consistent licking / chewing over specific areas  

• Stiffness/limping after sleeping / excessive exercise

• Struggles with basic activities: e.g. sitting, jumping, walking, grooming (cats)

• Arching (roaching) back

• Weakness, dragging feet, tripping

• Muscle twitching / dipping away when stroking pets

Did you know that physiotherapy is for more than post-operative rehabilitation?

Here are a few important facts to consider:

• Small to medium breed dogs are considered senior from the age of 9 years

• Large to giant breed dogs are considered senior from the age of 7 years

• Cats are considered senior from the age of 12 years 

• c.40% dogs over age 7 have arthritis (just like humans)

• c.90% of cats over 12 years have arthritis (just like humans)