Physical rehabilitation is invaluable to veterinary practice, improving surgical outcomes and patient quality of life.
This unique practical programme is delivered by veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who have further qualifications within the subject field. This programme will provide comprehensive knowledge in topics such as general skeletal, myology, sindesmology, arthrology, and topographic review and hands-on training in physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques which can be applied directly back to practice.
What you'll learn:
-
Physiology of pain: A general skeletal, myology, sindesmology, arthrology, and topographic review.
-
Applied physiology: Physiology of healing.
-
Physical rehabilitation techniques: Key areas of assessment and rehabilitation techniques.
-
Patient care: Frequent medical conditions, post-surgical approach. Management of osteoarthritis, neurological and oncological patients
Why choose this programme?
-
The delivery of this programme allows the essential theory of this subject to be presented in an interactive and engaging way by a known expert in the field.
-
Practical teaching provides the skills and knowledge to ensure you gain tangible experience which can be applied directly back in practice.
-
Increase your confidence and job satisfaction with the ability to tackle complex cases and provide advanced care, in turn bringing a sense of accomplishment to your role.
Hear what our delegates have to say
Don’t just take our word for it - our delegate feedback speaks for itself.
Garrick Ponte
BVSc GPCert(SAM) MRCVS
The teaching at Improve is excellent and I have been able to take what I have learnt back to use in practice. It’s not just the lectures themselves but the practical work we did straight afterwards which drives home everything, which is why Impro … Read more
Colin Dickson
BVMS CertAVP MRCVS
Having previously completed a postgraduate surgery certificate with another provider, I was confident in my knowledge and understanding of the theory but felt underprepared from a practical perspective. I was initially hesitant to register for another … Read more
Key features of this programme
A dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
The NCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers
Online study skill lessons
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
A dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
The NCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers
Online study skill lessons
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Programme details
Module Summary
01 - Introduction to physiotherapy. Functional anatomy
This first module will give you an insight into physiotherapy and will review basic anatomy via a wet lab.
Introduction to Physiotherapy. Functional anatomy
- Principles of animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation as applied to patients within primary and referral veterinary care
- Position of the veterinary nurse/technician/paraprofessional within the multidisciplinary team
- Veterinary nurse/technician/paraprofessional physiotherapist’s assessment routine and treatment options
- Revision of relevant anatomy
- Palpation of musculoskeletal abnormalities
- Common clinical pathologies
- Functional biomechanics and gait patterns
Key Learning objectives
- Define the principles, objectives, and benefits of physiotherapy, explaining the role of the rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse/Technician/Paraprofessional and their relation within the multidisciplinary team.
- List the stages of the Veterinary Nurse/Technician/Paraprofessional physiotherapist’s full assessment and treatment options.
- Identify the relevant bony landmarks and muscles of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
- Annotate on a diagram to show knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of skeletal muscle, tendons, ligaments, and basic joint structure.
- Describe the process of palpation of clinically normal muscles and joints.
- Identify variations in optimal conformation, and posture, relating anatomy to function.
- Describe the process of gait analysis.
- Identify lameness and subtle abnormalities in gait, describing these using main anatomic references and alterations in gait phases.
02 - Applied physiology: Physiology of healing.
To restore core stability and joint stability, one needs to apply the knowledge of the physiological properties of our patients. This module aims to study the biological and biomechanical systems, in order to ensure the correct steps can be made into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices.
Musculoskeletal Assessment Part 2- Evaluation of muscles and joints
- Physiology of healing: muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and adaptations of tissues to forces applied to them
- Clinical application of physiotherapy and rehabilitation principles as applied to healing
- Assessment techniques for flexibility and range of motion
- Assessment of muscles and joints for clinical abnormalities
Key learning objectives:
- List the phases of healing and inflammation as they apply to the different tissue types.
- Explain adaptations which occur in tissues with:
- Immobilisation
- Re-mobilisation
- Improving fitness levels
- 4 Describe palpation skills which enable clinical assessment of muscles, including the identification of trigger points and tender bands, and the assessment of flexibility.
- 5 Describe palpation skills which enable clinical assessment of joint range of movement and identify subnormal and pathological range of motion and assess end feel.
03 - Physiology and Classification of Pain, Musculoskeletal assessment part 3: Myofascial evaluation
This module will cover the pathophysiology and classification of pain so that understanding can be applied during the rehabilitation process.
- Physiology of pain and application of physiotherapy techniques to the mechanisms of ‘gate control’
- Classification and application of commonly used generic pharmaceuticals to the veterinary physiotherapy patient
- Assessment of fascia and its relevance to functional movement
- Adaptations to pain and dysfunctional biomechanics
Key learning objectives:
-
- Explain the physiology of pain and nociception, listing the steps of nociception (transduction, transmission, modulation, projection, and perception).
- Classify the different types of pain as to their source, location, and duration.
- Explain the mechanisms of the “gate control” in pain modulation and its application to animal physiotherapy.
- Identify stress and pain in their patients and will be able to recognise and implement the validated scales for the classification and quantification of pain with respect to canine and feline species.
- Explain pharmacology of a limited selection of generic pharmaceuticals and their application in the systemic analgesia of musculoskeletal, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain in canine and feline physiotherapy patients. These pharmaceuticals include but are not limited to: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories; opioids; adjunctive analgesics.
- Describe how to perform a full myofascial assessment for evaluating muscular pain and superficial sensory disturbances on the canine patient and explain how to apply this knowledge to other domestic species
04 - Neurological and Muscle-skeletal assessment: Special orthopaedic and neurological tests
This module will continue to explore the neuro-musculoskeletal (NMSK) examination techniques to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings. Thus enabling the accurate recording and monitoring of improvements/signs of deterioration within the rehabilitation process.
- Neurological assessment as it applies to the assessment of the physiotherapy patient and monitoring of rehabilitation
- Orthopaedic evaluation skills and tests to identify soft tissue and bony pathologies
- Importance of objective measurements to monitor the patient for progress and recording of findings to communicate to the multidisciplinary team
Key learning objectives:
4.1 Describe the technique of the following neurological and orthopaedic assessment tests:
- Myotatic reflexes of the fore and hind limbs
- Cutaneous Trunci reflex
- Anocutaneous reflex
- Proprioception/knuckle reflex
- Deep pain
- Cranial Drawer
- Patella tendon stability
- Ortlani
- Bicipital tendinopahy
- Interpret the findings of the above neurological and orthopaedic assessment tests.
- Ascertain and record appropriate goniometry and gulick measurements.
- Evaluate goniometry and gulick measurements as evidence of progress or deterioration of an animal in a rehabilitation program.
05 - Physical Rehabilitation I: massage therapy, joint mobilisation and stretching.
Physiotherapy involves a number of different treatments and preventative approaches, depending on the specific requirements of the veterinary patient. This module will provide an introduction to the most common physiotherapy techniques used in practice.
- Principles of physiotherapy and rehabilitation goal setting in relation to the individual patient
- Basic principles of cryotherapy and thermotherapy and its application relevant to nursing practice.
- Safe animal handling
- Hands-on rehabilitation techniques; massage therapy, articular mobilisation and stretching, including principles, indications, and contraindications.
Key learning objectives:
- Explain the importance of setting realistic treatment objectives with the assistance of SMART goal techniques.
- Describe correct therapeutic handling and the application of physiotherapy with a specific focus on animal welfare and wellbeing, including identification of stress and pain in the patient, and how to alter the session accordingly.
- Explain the benefits, physiological principles, therapeutic indications, contraindications, and special precautions of cryotherapy and thermotherapy.
- Explain the physiological mechanisms underlying PROM exercises and their benefits from a myofascial and neurological point of view.
- Describe how to perform a full PROM assessment.
- Devise a PROM exercise programme rehabilitation programme.
- Explain the physiological mechanisms underlying the different types of stretches and their benefits from a myofascial and muscular point of view.
- Describe how to safely implement the appropriate types of stretch on the major muscle groups.
06 - Physical Rehabilitation Techniques II: Physical rehabilitation Techniques part 2: active therapeutic exercises
As far back as 2400 BC when it was first discovered by the ancient greeks water has been used for healing thus the term 'Hydrotherapy' or 'Water healing'. This module looks at Hydrotherapy as a form of non-weight bearing exercise within the rehabilitation process.
- Principles of the design of the rehabilitation programme
- SMART goals to create specific exercise programmes tailored to suit the individual patient.
- Active exercises with use of clinical rationale to consider exercise repetitions, duration, and safety considerations
- Hydrotherapy; the properties of water and the differences between swimming and underwater treadmill in the canine rehabilitation patient.
Key learning objectives:
- Classify active and passive exercises.
- Categorise the general benefits of active exercises from distinct perspectives: myofascial, neurological, cardiovascular, and articular.
- Devise a prescription of different active exercises according to their specific goals (for balance, proprioceptive training, muscle tone and muscle strength improvement).
- Devise a prescription of different active exercises and according to the distinct clinical conditions, listing the main contraindications and safety concerns for each therapeutic exercise.
- Explain how the properties of water may influence an animal’s biomechanics.
- Discuss the key differences between hydrotherapy in a swimming pool or hydrotherapy on an underwater treadmill.
07 - Physical Rehabilitation Techniques III: Physical rehabilitation Techniques part 3: Electrophysical agents
This module will continue to look at therapeutic techniques which can be used in veterinary patients.
- Electrophysical agents commonly in use in the veterinary physiotherapy setting • Development of protocols, including dosing parameters and treatment frequency
- EPAs covered in this module are:
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Electrotherapy – TENS, NMES
- Extra corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
- Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy
Key learning objectives :
- Discuss the main physiological principles of the listed electrotherapies and their role in healing.
- Explain the indications of use of the relevant electrotherapies.
- State the main indications, precautions, contraindications, and safety concerns of the relevant electrotherapies.
- Explain an ultrasound dosing protocol according to clinical indications.
- Outline a dosing protocol for low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
- Discuss the differences between use of Class IIIb and Class IV laser systems in veterinary practice.
- Recognise the difference between TENS and NMES according to therapeutic goal - acute or chronic pain relief/muscle development.
- Outline a dosing protocol for Electrical Stimulation.
- Explain how to develop a dosing protocol for extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Outline a dosing protocol for pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.
08 - Physiotherapy approach to Frequent Medical Conditions. Soft Tissue, Post-Surgical, Osteoarthritic, Neurological and Oncological Patients
The module will look at a variety of veterinary conditions whereby the patient's recovery and quality of life will benefit from a physiotherapy and rehabilitation approach. You will be able to review all of the other modules in order to formulate a rehabilitation plan for specific patient requirements.
- Reflective framework for clinical practice, and the need to test own insights against the mirror of others
- Significance of reflective practice as a part of professional practice to include reflection on an in-practice case
- Benefits of developmental mentoring and sourcing a mentor
- Use of clinical rationale to individualise the design of the rehabilitation program in several common conditions:
-
soft tissue
-
Orthopaedic
-
Osteoarthritic
-
Neurological
-
oncological
-
- Prioritisation of the problem list and working using SMART goals associated with each individual patient
- Creation of rehabilitation programme including the use of objective measurements, manual and electrotherapies, and exercise prescription.
Key learning objectives:
- Identify the main goals across a variety of rehabilitation plans and show how these can be implemented into cases (e.g., treating pain, movement, strength).
- Evaluate any safety concerns associated with individual rehabilitation plans.
- Create a rehabilitation plan for:
- a specific post-operative case scenario
- a specific non-surgical case scenario
- a specific neurological case scenario
- an oncology patient
- a long-term hospitalized patient
8.4 Demonstrate reflective practice and a method for self-reflection.
Qualifications
Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate
To attain the NCert qualification, you must be able to prove your eligibility by either uploading your veterinary nursing qualification certificate or RCVS/VCI number to Improve Veterinary Education once you have booked onto your programme of study. To attain the VPPCert you must pass the eligibility criteria as set by ISVPS. Please see eligibility criteria tab.
Pricing
Up to 60 days before course starts
Less than 60 days before course starts
Pricing Billing
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Early price
Payment Terms & Conditions
Registration Information
100% Satisfaction
We're completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. So much so that if you're not 100% satisfied with your certificate course, we'll give you a 100% refund. Just get in touch with us within 30 days of your start date and we'll sort the rest. T's and C's apply.
Find out more
FAQs
Veterinary Nurse Certificates
What’s not included in the programme fee? Do I need to budget for any other costs?
What does the programme fee for the vet nurse certificate include?
How long does it take to study a veterinary nurse certificate programme?
How will studying a veterinary nurse certificate programme benefit me and my practice?
What are the assessments for the NCert/VPPCert?
Does the Nurse Certificate/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate award postnominals?
What is a Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert)?
What is a Nurse Certificate (NCert)?
How long do I have to complete a veterinary nurse certificate?
Who is eligible for the veterinary nurse certificate programmes?
What qualifications are needed for the nurse certificate programme if coming from other countries?
Practical Sessions
Where are practical CPD courses or face-to-face modules held?
What will the timings be for face-to-face certificate modules and practical CPD sessions? How will my day be structured?
Where do the cadavers come from for the practical CPD and surgical modules/courses?
What should I wear to a practical CPD course/module?
I will be travelling from overseas, do I need a Visa?
Will the dogs used for practical CPD courses be sedated?
Will the dogs used for scanning have any abnormalities?
Are the dogs used for ultrasound CPD clipped?
Are cats used for any of the ultrasound courses?
Payments & Finance
What payment methods do you accept?
Do you offer any flexible payment plans?
What payment methods can I use for setting up a direct debit?
Do you issue separate invoices for each instalment?
Why was my Direct Debit payment not charged on the day that is established in my payment plan?
Why couldn’t I make payment during check-out?
Where can I find the bank details for the bank/wire transfer?
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to cancel my order?
When is payment for my veterinary CPD course due?
How much do the veterinary CPD courses and certificate programmes cost?
My course includes assessments with HAU, how do I make payment for these?
My CPD course includes assessments with ISVPS, how do I make payment for these?
Can I pay by Direct Debit?
Our Clinical Excellence Centre
Discover the new Improve Veterinary Education Clinical Excellence Centre featuring two surgical wet-lab training theatres and a radiology suite.
Find out more