Scope of Practice

2. Scope of practice of the Animal Physiotherapy Profession

Physiotherapy is an applied science which possesses its own knowledge base, its own education methods and practical application based on that knowledge. Physiotherapy is supported by the best available evidence of effectiveness and research within this field linking theory and developing practice.

The practice of animal physiotherapy requires specialised skills and training, such as animal handling, anatomy, physiology, pathology. Animal Physiotherapists must always gain consent from the client prior to commencing physiotherapy.

However the scope of practice will still adhere to the overall scope of the profession of physiotherapy and retain its links to the three core skills:

• Manual therapy (e.g. massage, mobilisation and manipulation)
• Electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound, laser and neuromuscular stimulation)
• Exercise and movement (e.g. hydrotherapy and gait re-education)

The Curriculum Framework for qualifying programmes in physiotherapy (CSP, 2002) describes physiotherapy as:

"A health care profession concerned with function and movement and maximising potential. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status. It is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core". (CSP, 2002)

It adopts a holistic approach to the management of clients, which utilises and enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms. (CSP, 2004)