Physioplus has partnered with the Animal Health Group of South Africa to bring you the most comprehensive range of animal physiotherapists online.
This program provides you with knowledge of the similarities and differences between human and non-human physiotherapy patients through an examination of the behavior, anatomy, biomechanics, pathology and etiology of common diseases in animal practice.
It builds on the existing training of qualified physiotherapists and forms the theoretical underpinning of animal physiotherapy practice. It should be completed in connection with an internship in order to adequately prepare you for a career in animal physiotherapy.
The tutors
The Animal Physiotherapy Group of South Africa has been the leading provider of animal physiotherapy in South Africa since it was founded in 1986. As a founding member of the International Association of Physical Therapists in Animal Therapy the APGSA continues to play an active role in the implementation of translational physiotherapy across species. APGSA prides itself on the high standards of evidence-based physical therapy practice in the field of animal health and advocates physical rehabilitation of animals as part of a single health.
As physiotherapists with a background in human medicine, APGSA members understand that domesticated animals and humans function in a common context and that successful treatment of pain and dysfunction in animals requires an approach that addresses the bioethological function of each human-animal dyad . The APGSA offers its members further education and support through training courses, workshops and conferences.
The program
Animal Physiotherapy Foundation Program
Animal physiotherapy is an established branch of physiotherapy with active professional associations since 1985. Physiotherapy is essential for promoting animal health and wellbeing. However, the ability to be both safe and effective as an animal physiotherapist depends on a deep understanding of the differences between human and non-human anatomy, biomechanics, assessment and treatment approaches. The treatment of animals presents unique challenges and the safety of the physical therapist, patient and handler comes first. This basic course provides the qualified physiotherapist with the theoretical basics to transfer his knowledge and skills to an animal patient population.
Improve the results of your animal patients
The 13 itemized courses
The 13 courses cover a wide range of topics and animals and can be divided into three areas:
Introductory and core competencies
Canine Physiotherapy
Equine physiotherapy
Further information on the individual courses can be found below.
Four introductory and core competence courses
Introduction to animal physiotherapy
Animal physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy practice that is gaining in importance. The aim is to optimize the performance and function of the animals and to prevent injuries. The first example of a physiotherapist treating animals was in 1939 and animal physiotherapy has continued to evolve ever since. It is now recognized as an official subgroup of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. This course covers the evolution of animal physiotherapy as a profession and explores the research that validates the use of conventional physiotherapy methods to treat pain and dysfunction in animals.
Immerse yourself in the world of veterinary PT
Ethology for Physiotherapists – Patient Communication and Safety
When working with animals, it is important to understand their basic behavior. Being able to interpret signs of fear, anxiety, pain, or discomfort can help ensure your personal safety, as well as the safety of animals in your care and those around you. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the science of horse and dog behavior, communication and learning strategies, and safety considerations to improve your animal practice.
Understanding the science of animal behavior
Comparative animal physiotherapy modalities
A number of electrotherapeutic modalities and manual techniques that are used on human patients have also been shown to be clinically effective in animals. This course introduces the application of these treatments in an animal environment. It contains special tricks to ensure you can use these techniques effectively and precautions to keep in mind when working with animals.
Improve your skills in electrotherapy and manual therapy
Applied ethics of animal physiotherapy
In animal practice there is a three-way relationship between the veterinarian, the animal owner and the patient. Veterinarians have an obligation to care for their patients appropriately, but they also have legal, moral and ethical obligations towards their customers. Problems can arise in particular with communication disorders that lead to conflicts between the animal physiotherapist and the client. Examines some of the main causes of conflict between healthcare workers and customers and suggests ways to strengthen those relationships.
The law and ethics governing veterinary health care
Four dog courses
Assessment of the small animal patient
The purpose of any physiotherapy assessment is to obtain relevant information about a patient in order to determine the most appropriate intervention. Many areas need to be evaluated, from gait to functional tasks, range of motion, strength and motor control. The assessment of the canine patient is no different – the animal physiotherapist must conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any primary and secondary impairments that affect a dog's quality of life. However, you also need to consider the impact of the owner's beliefs and expectations on the physical therapy intervention. This course delves into the orthopedic and neurological assessment of the canine patient in detail.
Dog ratings!
Treatment of disorders of the front extremity of the dog
Canine patients are susceptible to various structural and functional pathologies of the anterior extremity, including both developmental and acquired conditions. These dysfunctions can have a significant impact on a dog's ability to lead a pain-free life. This course discusses the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology of fore limb problems that are common in dog practice, before exploring their diagnosis and treatment.
Improve the results of your canine customers
Treatment of diseases of the dog's hind legs
Lameness of the hind limbs is more common in dog patients than that of the front limbs. There are many different causes of lameness, from acute injuries to chronic, degenerative diseases. While dogs of any age, breed, and size can develop hind limb lameness, the prevalence of certain conditions varies by species. This course examines the etiology of a number of different hind leg conditions, including pelvic fracture, hip dysplasia, and prior to cruciate ligament disease Overall treatment is discussed.
Use EBP to treat hind limb lameness
Treatment of diseases of the canine spine
Spinal column pain is a frequent complaint in dog patients. There are over 40 different conditions that affect the spine in dogs, some of which cause similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis can therefore be challenging. This course examines some of the most common spinal disorders you may encounter in the small animal practice and discusses epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. Management strategies for each of these conditions are also discussed.
Use EBP to manage the dog's spine
Five horse courses
Assessment of the horse patient
Animal physiotherapists are now a recognized part of the broader team that assesses and treats equestrians and their riders. Physiotherapists do not need to make a pathoanatomical diagnosis to develop treatment plans for their equine patients. However, they must be able to conduct a thorough examination so that they can identify any malfunctions or impairments that may contribute to a specific problem in a horse.
Achieve better results with your horse patients
Anatomy and frequent injuries to the horse's forelegs
The front legs of the horse are supposed to ensure that horses can run quickly. The front legs carry about 55 to 60 percent of the horse's weight and also carry a large part of the rider's weight. Injuries and lameness of the front legs can therefore be a significant problem for equestrians and their owners. This course, the first of two courses on the horse's front legs, introduces the main anatomical features of the front legs and then discusses some common injuries that can cause problems in horses.
A deep understanding of forefoot lameness
Physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment of the horse's forelegs
While physiotherapists often do not play an important role in the treatment of forelimbs in horses, equine therapists must nevertheless have a detailed understanding of the forelimbs. This will help them determine if a referral to the veterinarian is required and identify any compensatory dysfunction that might respond to physical therapy interventions. This course, the second of two courses on the front legs of horses, introduces the basics of physiotherapy assessment and management of horses with front leg dysfunction.
A deep understanding of forefoot lameness
Treatment of diseases of the hind legs of horses
Lameness of the hind limbs can have a considerable influence on the performance and quality of life of horse patients. Equine therapists need to have a deep understanding of the anatomy and common hind leg dysfunctions in order to improve their patients' long-term outcomes. Therefore, this course discusses relevant anatomy and pathology before introducing treatment techniques that can be used to treat hind leg dysfunction in equine patients.
A profound understanding of pelvic limb dysfunction
Assessment and management of the horse's spine
Back pain and dysfunction can lead to reduced performance and changes in the horse's spinal column kinematics. However, diagnosing the exact cause of the dysfunction in horses can be difficult as subjective information can be limited, limb and spine problems can be linked, and other external factors, such as the fit of the rider and saddle, have a significant impact on the horse a movement of the horse. All of these factors must be considered when evaluating horses with back pain in order to develop the optimal management plan.
Assess and treat horses with back pain with confidence
