How to choose your therapist?

I thought I would write a bit about this as I have just officially graduated, and it can be a minefield!

After practicing this last year with a Post Graduate Diploma, I have finally graduated with my Master’s qualification. As well as gaining valuable academic and critical skills through writing my dissertation, this allows me to practice at a higher level.  This means that including my Undergraduate degree in Equine Science, I now have 6 years of university education under my belt and makes sure that I am the best possible therapist I can be!

There are so many different forms of beneficial therapy for animals, and every therapist has something unique to offer. Whether its massage therapy, osteopathy, veterinary physiotherapy, behavioural or energy-based work, it is imperative that as owners, we are sure about what to look for regarding qualifications and insurance for safe practice.

There are various bodies and organisations that oversee and ensure safe practice, continuous progression of education and correct insurance. For example, I am a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). To obtain this membership, I have to have qualified via an accredited degree programme, have comprehensive insurance to protect myself and my clients, and pledge to continue progressing my skills and education. NAVP, like other organisations such as the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and the Association of Animal Osteopaths (AAO) have online lists of registered, approved practitioners. This is a great place to find a therapist for the service you require for your animals.

It is worth bearing in mind that anyone can purchase a class 4 laser and other electrotherapies (which in the wrong hands can cause serious damage), and the term ‘physiotherapist’ in the animal world is not protected. As well as being a very scary and rather sad prospect, it also makes it more difficult for owners to navigate the minefield of animal therapies and know who they should be allowing to work on their animals. Further to this, even fully qualified veterinary physiotherapists like myself are NOT allowed to diagnose. Anyone who is not a vet offering you a diagnosis should be avoided; this is a big red flag.

On a brighter note, there is also a place for all types of animal therapies, and I think it is particularly important for different types of therapists to work together, as in many cases, we all complement each other’s work. In some cases, it is important for owners to employ therapists focusing on the musculoskeletal side alongside others who work on the behavioural or emotional side of healing. We all have something different and unique to offer, and I personally would like to see more collaboration and support between practitioners within the animal therapy industry!

So, next time you are looking for some support for your animals, do your research, check the registers. Ensure who you employ has safe and best practice at the forefront of their work and is correctly insured to protect all parties.

For now, I am still basking in post-graduation relief and enjoying putting all my energies into growing my business, follow along for more updates!

NAVP logo to look out for!