Animals in Action
Veterinary Physiotherapy
Harriett Wareham
Covering parts of Somerset,
Wiltshire and Dorset
Harriett Wareham
Harriett is a fully insured and qualified level 7 Veterinary Physiotherapist. Harriett completed her BSc Hons degree before completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy.
She is registered with the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists, this ensures she is clinically competent, insured and up to date with training, new research and information.
Harriett has over 10 year's experience working with animals from a personal and professional perspective, having previously worked as a head Eventing groom, an equine and canine massage therapist and at a small veterinary practice as a Veterinary Physiotherapist.
She is currently working at a mixed animal Veterinary Practice based in Somerset part-time whilst seeing her own clients covering parts of Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset
In her spare time, Harriett enjoys long country walks with her cocker spaniel, cycling and watercolour painting
Services
Small animal conditions/ behaviours that benefit form
Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Cruciate ligament injuries and surgeries
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Hip and Elbow dysplasia
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Osteoarthritis
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Spinal conditions/ neurological
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Patella luxation
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Femoral head and neck excision
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Spondylosis
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Soft tissue injuries
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Muscle atrophy
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Fractures
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Reluctant getting in and out of the car
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A decline in performance
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Stopping on walks
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Stiffness after exercise
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Lameness following veterinary work up
Veterinary Physiotherapy
Veterinary Physiotherapy is used to support a wide range of conditions and research has proven to help animals recover from surgery or injury.
Harriett uses a evidence based holistic approach for each assessment and treatment of every patient. With the aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, to restore mobility and function whilst alleviating pain.
Each physiotherapy session includes the use of manual therapy (e.g. massage, stretching), electrotherapies (e.g. laser and neuromuscular stimulation) and movement re-education through the use of remedial exercises (e.g. specific home exercise programme) and owner education (e.g. home adaptations and weight loss).
Who will benefit from Physiotherapy?
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Sporting/performance animals aiding to reach optimal performance
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Supporting the elderly with long term conditions such as osteoarthritis
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Aid in recovery from injury to muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments
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Recovery from orthopedic/ neurological surgery
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Aid in wound healing
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Strength and conditioning
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Injury prevention
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General wellbeing
Equine conditions/ behaviours that benefit form
Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Kissing spines
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Osteoarthritis
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Ligament and tendon injuries
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Soft tissue injuries
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Muscle atrophy/ asymmetry
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Lameness following veterinary work up
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Behavioral changes
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Performance decline
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Reluctant to engage
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Wound healing
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Stiffness
What is involved in a physiotherapy session?
Each physiotherapy appointment is approximately 1-1.5 hours long. This includes taking a detailed history of the animals health, an assessment of the pets function standing and whilst on the move and palpation (feeling) to identify any areas of tension or soreness. This allows for a detailed rehabilitation plan to be made and documentation of the patient progress.
Once the assessment is complete, a plan is created, to help reach the physiotherapy goals. The use of manual therapy (e.g., stretching and massage) are implemented where required. There are many benefits for example; to improve blood flow, improve joint range of motion, reduce muscle spasms, and more.
Electrotherapies
When required, Harriett has the access to a range of therapeutic machines such as; Low level laser therapy (LLLT) Neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) Pulsed magnetic field therapy (PEMT).
Laser Therapy
LLLT can be booked as a separate appointment, it stimulates biological responses which promotes tissue repair. There are various evidence based research that supports the use of LLLT for the following conditions:
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Osteoarthritis
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Pain relief
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Wound healing
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Muscle strains
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Tendon and ligament damage
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Neurological conditions
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To reduce inflammation
Rehabilitation
An individual home exercise programme is created for each patient, this includes suggestive home exercise adaptations in order to prolong the physiotherapy effects and benefits.
Veterinary referral may be required prior to your appointment, this can be discussed prior to booking.
Preparation for your animals Veterinary Physiotherapy appointment
Horses
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Signed consent forms
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History given to Physiotherapist
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Owner to be present
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Brushed clean horses are always appreciated, its nice to stay clean for the next client.
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Feet picked out.
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Shelter or stable if raining to keep dry, for both your horse and me!
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Trot up area in daylight prior to the session
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Please let me know if there is any possibility of kicking/ biting, I have my hat and gloves ready.
Dogs
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Signed consent forms
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History given to Physiotherapist
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Owner to be present
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Non slip flooring, with a blanket or bed
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Clean and dry ready for the session
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Lead ready for the dynamic assessment
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Treats are always useful for the remedial exercises
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Please let me know if there is a chance your pet might be aggressive
Veterinary Consent
If your animal is currently under veterinary treatment for lameness or poor performance, veterinary consent is required. Veterinary consent is not required for maintenance sessions if the animal is fit, healthy and sound.
It is the owners responsibility to notify me if there is any changes to the veterinary history, veterinary practice registration or animals health.
Failure to notify me may result in the animal not being deemed suitable to receive physiotherapy, and may be subject to a treatment charge
Please down load the PDF and email to me prior to the Physiotherapy appointment, alternatively please contact me with your veterinary surgeons details, your full name, animals name and address, and I can obtain permission for you on your behalf prior to your appointment
Thank you
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
KELLY
'Harriett is instrumental in my horses well being and performance. With excellent diagram based reports and simple follow up exercises we can work into our routine, the benefits of physiothrapy with Harriett extend much beyond the hands on treatment the horses receive.
BECKY
Bentley has received a number of sessions of physio with Harriett and i cant thank her enough for bringing Bentley back to his normal self!
ZOE
Harriett is a pleasure to work with and is always very attentive when handling my horse during his physio session. She is very patient, understanding and skilled at work. I would highly recommend as you feel and see the difference in your horse straight away