Introduction

Animal physiotherapy is a growing field that optimises animal performance, function, and injury prevention. First documented in 1939, it has evolved into an official World Confederation of Physical Therapy subgroup with specialities including neurological rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and aged care. This course discusses animal physiotherapy's professional development, explores research validating conventional physiotherapy methods for addressing animal pain and dysfunction, and examines the human-animal relationship's impact on treatment outcomes.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• choose the correct anatomical terminology used to describe animals
• explain the role and scope of the animal physiotherapist in countries where no legal impediment exists
• justify the use of conventional physiotherapy treatments in animal healthcare
• discuss the role of the animal physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary team
• evaluate the impact of the human-animal dyad on physiotherapy interventions for animal patients

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Ansi van der Walt: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.