Physiotherapy

Veterinary Physiotherapists

Annelies Klinker MSc Vet Phys, BSc (Hons) Physio, MCSP,
Cat A Member of ACPAT

Karen Lees Bsc (Hons) Physio, MCSP, Category A Member of ACPAT


Annelies completed her physiotherapy degree in 2002 and continued her post-graduate study at the Royal Veterinary College, qualifying as a Category A Veterinary Physiotherapist in December 2007. Her MSc research project investigated blood flow in tendon, a technique that will be very useful for future physiotherapy research.

Annelies joined the team at Greyfriars in 2007. She spent time working in the pool alongside Angela and other team members to understand both the complexity and variety of cases which are treated at Greyfriars.

Annelies has experience of treating a variety of canine problems, including cruciate ligament injury and conservative/surgical management, spinal injuries, arthritis and performance/sports injuries. Annelies believes strongly in a functional multi-disciplinary team based approach to rehabilitation, working closely with the client and referring veterinary surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome for the animal.

Karen Lees ran physiotherapy clinics, at Greyfriars, until February 2008. She now lectures on our professional courses and provides additional training for Greyfriars staff. She works closely with The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy to help to promote Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Both veterinary physiotherapists believe strongly in a functional, multi-disciplinary, team based approach to rehabilitation.

Treatment goals:

Pain reduction
Improved mobility and range of motion
Return to full or optimal function
Prevention of re-occurrence of injury

Techniques include:

Functional training
Patient related instruction
Manipulation
Soft tissue mobilisation
Neuromuscular techniques
Myofascial release
Trigger point therapy
Massage
Electrotherapy modalities (Neuromuscular stimulation, laser, TENS, ultrasound, magnetic field therapy, H-Wave)

Permission for physiotherapy and medical history is always obtained from your veterinary surgeon prior to your consultation.

Usually your veterinary surgeon will have referred your dog or cat to Greyfriars for physiotherapy or a combination of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

There are occasions where, although the referral is only for hydrotherapy, we will need to complete a physiotherapy assessment first. This will be related to the patients medical condition and is especially important with more complicated cases or where there is no firm diagnosis from the veterinary surgeon.

It allows us to assess and address areas of pain and functional deficits and prepare a care plan for hydrotherapy and possibly other treatments.

Most vets find a physiotherapists assessment and follow up reports useful to keep up to date with your dog or cat’s progress.

Prices - Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation

Initial consultation £65.00
Spinal follow ups £55.00
Follow up consultations £45.00

If you have pet insurance, this will normally cover veterinary physiotherapy fees. Please check with your insurer to make sure.