Benefits to vets of working with a NAVP member

​Veterinary Physiotherapists are able to assess and subsequently treat animals that have musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists) was formed back in 1985 to promote the professional practice of veterinary physiotherapy. Working alongside pet owners but also vets. We aim to ensure the highest standards of veterinary physiotherapy care and will be delivered by linking a strong foundation of scientific knowledge with clinical practice and continued research. Here, we discuss the benefits to vets of working as a NAVP member.

Qualification  
All NAVP members either hold a BSc or PgD/ MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree. This can reassure vets that all NAVP members are highly qualified and specialised in this field of study. 

Skills and Knowledge
Veterinary Physiotherapy degrees cover both equine and canine species. In some cases, they will also work on bovine, allowing them to work on farm animals. With theory and practical exams that are robust, a final exam has to be passed before any qualification is given. All exams and assignments also have to be passed before a degree is awarded, which is no mean feat.

Scientific knowledge
Scientific knowledge and evidence-based knowledge are combined by NAVP in order to come to an accurate diagnosis and create a bespoke treatment plan.

Professionalism
All NAVP members are part of a professional association and as such have a specific code of conduct, the scope of practice, CPD and complaints procedure.

Teamwork
NAVP members work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with the vet as the primary healthcare professional

Enthusiasm
A lot of NAVP members are self-employed and as a result, have a strong drive and enthusiasm in how they approach business. This is a great quality when working closely with veterinary surgeons. They must be flexible and practical, adapting to new situations and scenarios. 

Patience
Patience is also a key quality in veterinary physiotherapists that vets can benefit from. NAVP members are required to be observant, persistent, and analytical in their work. They have a genuine interest in the animals they work with and have the animals' welfare at the forefront of their work. 

Flexibility
NAVP members are typically flexible due to the nature of their work. Some will offer weekend appointments or are on call for emergency cases. 

Benefits when using a NAVP member

1. They will be kept updated with vet physio treatments and results.
2. The vet physio will refer to the vet at any time they feel a maintenance case needs further assessment and input by a veterinarian.
3. Owners like to work with a multi-disciplinary team and a good vet physio on board will enhance the profile and income for the vet practice.
4. NAVP members are skilled at treating each case as an individual, resulting in better outcomes for each case.

NAVP members can devise individual exercise programs to help each patient reach their full potential. Members also give advice on adaptation to the animal’s environment that will help them perform tasks more easily. NAVP members work alongside veterinary surgeons to help reduce pain, improve mobility and prevent the reoccurrence of injury in animals. Whilst the majority of animals referred for physiotherapy include horses and dogs, companion, working animals, or even farm and zoo animals that can benefit from the treatment.
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There are many benefits for veterinary surgeons to working with a NAVP. The combined knowledge can help create an accurate diagnosis and perfect treatment plan to help improve the chances of the animal's recovery. If you are a veterinary surgeon that wants to work with a qualified veterinary physiotherapist, in particular a NAVP member, then please get in touch and discover a NAVP member local to you.