I thought I would selfishly make this first blog post about me and my first couple of months practicing as a Veterinary Physiotherapist! Hopefully I can give you an insight into what qualifying has involved for me, and the different routes available for any aspiring physios…
After completing my BSc in Equine Science and spending some time in New Zealand working with horses and playing Polo, I returned to university to undertake a Post Graduate degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Originally, the only available qualification route into vet physio was to become a human physio first. This was never something that interested me and so, at the time, heading to Hartpury to study Equine Science was the best way for me to fulfil my curiosity in equine anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, amongst many other areas.
As well as my undergraduate degree, there were several requirements to be met to gain my place at ARU Writtle University, including placement hours, animal handling skills and an extensive interview process. Year 1 was mostly theory; covering topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, pathophysiology and disease in some serious depth! Practical and theoretical exams led us on to Year 2, which comprised of even more anatomy, learning therapeutic techniques, electrotherapy use, saddle fit, hoof anatomy and conformation, joint mobilisations and stretching.
Anatomy was a huge part of this year, and qualifying has been a testament to the hours upon hours spent learning EACH and EVERY muscle and its origin, insertion, innervation and function! I have many, many revision cards…
A common area of misunderstanding is the difference between massage therapists and physiotherapists. Massage is a VERY important part of what physios do. Massage therapists do amazing things- as you will know if you have had a massage! The main difference is the extent of the study required to gain the qualifications. As described above, vet physio requires at least 2 years of Master’s level study, on top of already having a BSc Degree. Who you chose to employ for the welfare of your animals should be dependent on what you want to achieve. Every equine practitioner has something different and valuable to offer!
My first few weeks of practicing has been a huge, wonderfully exciting learning curve. I have been blessed to have treated some truly lovely horses, with whom I have been able to apply my current skills and expand my knowledge regarding techniques, pathologies and behaviours. Getting to grips with the day-to-day runnings of being self-employed has also been eye-opening! Starting my own business has always been a dream- and to be able to say I have finally (at the ripe old age of 28) achieved it feels surreal.
The photos below show a few of my fabulous new clients! The support I have had so far has been overwhelming, and thank you to all my new owners for bearing with some clunky paperwork and initial admin teething issues! I have some more exciting horses next week, including New Forest Ponies, big hunters, and one very special racehorse… stay tuned!
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