Ansi is a Veterinary PT, President of the IAPTAP and Managing Member of PetFit Canine Fitness
Animal Physiotherapy Interest Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy
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Introduction
Animal physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy practice that is gaining momentum. It aims to optimise the performance and function of animals, and to prevent injuries. The first example of a physiotherapist treating animals was in 1939 and, since then, animal physiotherapy has continued to evolve. It is now recognised as an official subgroup of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. Like conventional physiotherapy, animal physiotherapy is divided into a wide range of specialities, from neurological rehabilitation to orthopaedics and aged care. This course discusses the development of animal physiotherapy as a profession, and explores research that validates the use of conventional physiotherapy methods to address pain and dysfunction in animals. It will also explore the human-animal dyad as this relationship has a significant impact on the outcome of physiotherapy interventions.
Aims
This course aims to provide an overview of the role that physiotherapists play in animal healthcare and to introduce the research underpinning this area of practice.
Outline
This course is made up of videos, reading, discussions and a final quiz. The course content is split into the following sections:
- Video
- Reading activity
- Quiz
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.