Physical therapy or physiotherapy treats disorders of the musculoskeletal disorders with focus on muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. The animal physiotherapist treats the patient symptomatically after referral from a veterinarian, for example as part of a rehabilitation program after surgery, or recovery after an injury. Treatment may include exercise, massage therapy and physical therapies (such as electrotherapy, laser therapy) with the aim of reducing stiffness, increasing muscle strength, improving coordination and mobility, reducing muscle tension and swelling and improving the tissue circulation.
From AVOM viewpoint physical therapy is a good complementary therapy after AVOM treatment and if indicated.