Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about veterinary physiotherapy at Karen Goodall Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Do I need a vet referral for physiotherapy?Yes, we operate a referral-based service. Your veterinary surgeon will need to provide a referral before we can begin treatment. This ensures your pet's physiotherapy programme complements their existing veterinary care. We provide referral forms that your vet can complete quickly and easily — just ask us and we'll send one over
How much does veterinary physiotherapy cost?Please contact us on 07766 145454 for our current pricing. We offer several options to suit different needs:
- Standard physiotherapy sessions (flexible, book as needed)
- Osteoarthritis Care Pathway (Gold and Silver block booking packages with progress tracking)
- Combined daycare and physiotherapy packages (in partnership with Old Flatts Farm Luxury Pet Retreat)
- Saturday appointments (available with a surcharge)
- Mobile/home visits (travel charges may apply)
Many pet insurance policies cover physiotherapy — see our insurance claims page for more information.
What conditions can veterinary physiotherapy treat?We treat a wide range of conditions including:
Orthopaedic: Cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, elbow dysplasia, fracture rehabilitation, osteoarthritis
Neurological: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), nerve injuries
Soft tissue: Muscle strains and tears, tendon injuries, ligament sprains
We also provide pre-surgical conditioning and post-surgical rehabilitation.
What happens at the first appointment?Your initial assessment is a longer appointment that includes:
- A full history review of your pet's condition
- Stance and gait assessment (watching your pet move)
- Hands-on physical assessment
- Discussion of findings and treatment options
- A personalised treatment plan tailored to your pet
- Home exercise recommendations where appropriate
Please bring along any treats or toys which might help your pet settle
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we offer mobile physiotherapy appointments across South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire, subject to availability. A travel charge applies for home visits. Our clinic in Treeton is often preferred as it has all our specialist equipment available. Contact us to discuss which option is best for your pet.
Where are you based?
Our clinic is at Old Flatts Farm, Flatts Lane, Treeton, Rotherham, S60 5QZ.
We're conveniently located near Junction 33 of the M1, making us easily accessible from Sheffield, Barnsley, Chesterfield and Doncaster. Freeparking is available on site.
How long does a physiotherapy session last?We pride ourselves on offering longer appointment times to ensure thorough, hands-on treatment. Initial assessments take longer than follow-up sessions to allow for full evaluation. The exact duration depends on your pet's condition and treatment needs — but allow up to an hour for an initial assessment and 45 minutes for follow-up appointments
Is veterinary physiotherapy covered by pet insurance?
Many pet insurance policies cover veterinary physiotherapy when referred by your vet. The level of cover depends on your policy. We have extensive experience handling insurance claims and can guide you through the process.
Visit our insurance claims page or contact us for advice.
What's the difference between veterinary physiotherapy & hydrotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy encompasses a broad range of treatments including manual therapies, electrotherapy, laser therapy, exercise prescription and more. Hydrotherapy (water-based exercise) is one specific tool that can be part of a rehabilitation programme. We offer land-based physiotherapy with a full range of techniques, providing comprehensive treatment rather than a single modality.
How many sessions will my pet need?This varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and how your pet responds to treatment. Some pets improve in just a few sessions, while chronic conditions like osteoarthritis benefit from ongoing management.
We will discuss expected timescales at your initial assessment and keep you informed throughout.
Can you treat cats as well as dogs?
Yes! While the majority of our patients are dogs, we also treat cats and have experience with rabbits. The same physiotherapy principles apply, and we adapt our techniques to suit each species and individual patient.