Animalia Physiotherapy Telehealth

Did you know that we can offer physiotherapy virtually?

One of the positive outcomes from this recent COVID era is that we as Allied Health Professionals have had to think of ways to help patients whom we cannot see in person - we have gotten very, very good at telehealth! Our animals can also benefit from this service.

Wherever you are in the world, with an internet connection and a device with audiovisual technology, you can access our expert care. Some of the most rewarding consultations for our physio Eilís have been virtual - for example, guiding the successful conservative management of a canine cranial cruciate injury of an Irish dog, in her home country of Ireland - all the way from her adopted home in Melbourne, Australia. Location is no longer a barrier to access care.


Virtual Animal Physiotherapy

Our Telehealth Physiotherapy Service is a great alternative to in person therapy, such as in the following circumstances:

  • You wish to chat to a qualified physiotherapist for education and advice

  • You live in an area where you can’t access a qualified animal physiotherapist

  • You are unable to access in person therapy due to COVID restrictions and precautions

  • You want to get started with your physiotherapy urgently before we can get to you in person

  • You are a busy professional who can’t leave the office or have us visit you on site

  • You would like a follow up session to check in with your physiotherapist and discuss your progress and progress on your animals rehabilitation journey

  • You live outside of our catchment area for home based physiotherapy but would still like to avail of our expertise

  • You are interested in mentoring for your own learning and personal or professional development

Our Telehealth consultations deliver the same exceptional and professional level of care as our in person home base service. Telehealth Physiotherapy has many of the same benefits as in person physiotherapy consultations. Your physiotherapist will complete a full assessment just as if you were in a clinic with the physiotherapist. You will commence your physiotherapy treatment plan during your initial session which will be based on your main problems and your goals.

We use an online secure platform called Cliniko to book and run our telehealth sessions. Your animal’s home exercise program will be sent to you via an online app called Physitrack - you can also access a good old fashioned PDF of your exercises if you wish, via email.

We offer Telehealth treatment sessions for the same conditions as we do in person. If we (or you!) feel you need a hands on session, we will organise that for you or direct you to a service in your area if we cannot travel to you.

What to expect from your session?

Payment is required to confirm your booking online.

Your physiotherapist will email you a link for your session in advance. Simply click on the link and you will be invited into the online Cliniko telehealth platform to meet your physio, Eilís.

If there are any issues with the internet connection, we will give you a call within 5 minutes of the session commencing.

The session runs in a very similar format to in person sessions:

  • We will start by listening to your story and gathering as much information as possible about the issues your animal has been having and your reason for seeking physiotherapy for them.

  • We will observe your animal move, just as we do in person. A mobile device and a second pair of hands is really helpful and recommended here.

  • Please ensure the lighting is optimal in your room. It is helpful to have a second pair of hands to act as ‘camera person’ to follow you as you and your animal move - the movements we look at will depend on the problems your animal is having. Have treats ready and a small step (or sturdy box, or a big book with a non slip mat on top).

  • We will assess your animal’s movement - strength, balance and coordination via a variety of movements.

  • Once we have assessed how your animal is moving and have a clear picture of their key problems, we will move onto what you can do to get started on your animal’s journey to recovery.

  • We will:

    • Explain our findings, what this means and show you how to best manage their condition.

    • Provide you with a range of ‘self’ management strategies - i.e. what can you do to help your animal at home.

    • Develop an individualised exercise rehab program and plan, specific to your animals needs.

    • Continue to monitor and advise on appropriate follow-up - where to from here?

    • Make recommendations regarding any relevant equipment such as rehab aids, exercise equipment, braces etc which might be helpful for you.

    • Refer you on to other allied health services if appropriate.

You can use the online booking system below to book a consultation. Alternatively, we may be able to offer additional time for you during the working day - just get in touch, let us know what times you prefer and we can set that up for you at a mutually convenient time.