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Louise Towl
Veterinary Physiotherapist
How long have you been Veterinary Physiotherapist?
I have been a Veterinary Physiotherapist for 14 years, but a Chartered Physiotherapist for 17 years. I am a member of ACPAT – the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, and RAMP – the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners.
What made you choose this profession?
Originally I wanted to be a vet like my father, but I didn’t want to do out of hours. My horse was then treated by Jane Hyde (Tavistock Physiotherapy Clinic) and I decided that was the job for me.
Where did you do your training?
My undergraduate Physiotherapy degree was from UWE in Bristol and my Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy was from the Royal Veterinary College.
What qualifications do you need?
To be an ACPAT physio you need to have a Physiotherapy degree followed by a Post Graduate Diploma or Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy. It is so valuable to have learnt manual therapy skills, functional movement assessment and management of neurological cases on people first - I can’t imagine treating horses without being able to understand the mechanics of the rider, treating them too if necessary.
Do you specialise in any particular type of animal?
I treat mainly horses and dogs, with the occasional cat. My patients range from pets and happy hackers to international athletes. I still treat a few people - my main focus there is Pilates, specifically for horse riders.
What sort of conditions do you treat?
A huge variety. In dogs it’s primarily joint conditions, post-operative and spinal (neurological) cases. In horses it tends to be more performance-related problems and maintenance for competition horses. I use a combination of manual therapy, exercise regimes and electrotherapy. All complementary therapists need permission or referral from a vet before treating any case.
How do the animals you treat react to physiotherapy?
Mostly they appreciate and usually enjoy it, some just tolerate my presence and some can be very anxious so I adapt my approach accordingly.
How would a typical day unfold?
I travel quite a lot because most of my patients I see at their own home, taking one to one-and-a-half hours depending on if they are a new case or a review. I try to get phone calls done in any breaks, but usually all my admin is done once my son is in bed!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Managing expectations – my own and my clients. Sometimes no matter how much we want a ‘cure’, it just isn’t possible. And the paperwork of course!
What do you like best about your job?
The rewards when a patient makes a good recovery or performs particularly well, knowing I have played a part in that process.