Introducing London’s first fully-integrated Veterinary Physio, Hydro & Laser Rehab Centre
We are thrilled to introduce Central London's first fully-integrated Veterinary Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy and Laser Rehabilitation Centre, where Jackie van der Westhuysen is the Lead Physiotherapist.
Led by her passion for conditioning athletic dogs, and rehabilitating neurological and orthopaedic patients, she studied for a BSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Equine-Librium College. Since then, she has broadened her experience and now offers integrated lifetime physiotherapy for companion animals.
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)
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 veterinary care provides a comprehensive solution for pets to live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Veterinary physiotherapy treatment plans include a variety of methods including:
Hydrotherapy
Manual therapy (fascial release, neural dynamics, stretching, massage etc.)
Heat therapy & Cryotherapy
Electrotherapy (TENS & EMS)
LASER therapy
Kinesiology taping
Land based rehabilitation exercises
Cardiorespiratory treatments
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
In order to aid senior pets, Virtue Vets would love to offer you a special physiotherapy consultation for dogs over the age of 9 years and cats over the age of 12 years. This initial consultation is FREE (list price £150). It includes a full assessment by a vet and a physiotherapist in order to spot early signs of arthritis, joint pain or muscle deterioration.
During your pet’s first session, we will also create a tailored treatment plan including Laser therapy and Pet-Pilates exercises, along with care-at-home advice. Physiotherapy is designed to help pets with arthritis by managing joint inflammation and pain, supporting mobility related issues, and promoting overall wellbeing. Our underwater treadmill assisted hydrotherapy services at Virtue Vets The Boltons (351 Fulham Road in Chelsea) is also available from 21 July. Hydrotherapy for arthritic dogs is beneficial due to the low impact environment which allows them to strengthen their muscles without causing further damage to joints.
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.
Please call on 020 3011 1032 or email hello@virtuevets.com to book your FREE consultation. Jackie is available Monday-Friday 8-6PM, and looks forward to helping your beloved pet feel their best and maintain their playful energy.