Veterinary physiotherapy uses many of the same principles and techniques as human physiotherapy—hands-on manipulation, massage, targeted exercises and hydrotherapy—but applied to animals by specialists trained in animal anatomy and movement. At Orchard Vets our physiotherapists are also qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses, so they bring a broader clinical understanding to every patient than a therapy-only qualification would provide.

Legally, your pet needs to be under veterinary supervision. However, we do not require your vet to submit a referral, as your pet can be seen by one of our vets before their appointment, taking any pressure away from your own vet. You can contact us directly without a referral from your vet. However, before we book your pet in we do need a copy of their full clinical history, so we'll ask you to arrange for this to be sent over from your current vet practice. This helps us make sure we design the safest and most effective programme for your pet from day one. Your pet remains under the care of your own vet throughout their treatment course with us.

Yes — while most of our patients are dogs, cats can benefit just as much from physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, particularly those recovering from surgery or managing long-term joint conditions. If you're not sure whether your cat would be suitable, give us a call and we'll be happy to advise.

An initial hydrotherapy session is £85 and physiotherapy is £50. Many pet insurance policies cover veterinary physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as part of your pet's overall treatment plan — we recommend checking your policy documents or calling your insurer to confirm. Usually insurance companies cover ‘complimentary therapies’ but, if you're unsure, our team are happy to help you work out what to ask.

Our rehabilitation unit is based at our Oldbury surgery at 410 Birchfield Lane, Oldbury, B69 1AD. Physiotherapy can be provided at our Oldbury, Harborne and Wednesbury veterinary practices on specific days. Free parking is available on site.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about the service. Traditional hydrotherapy pools ask dogs to swim, but dogs are built to walk and run—not swim—so the muscles used are quite different. We use a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill which mimics your dog's natural walking action, working the right muscles in the right way. The warm, buoyant water reduces stress on painful joints while your dog exercises, and our physiotherapist can monitor and adjust their gait throughout the session in a way that's simply not possible in a pool.

Completely. The underwater treadmill is a controlled, enclosed environment and your pet is supported by the buoyancy of the water throughout. They are never out of their depth and our physiotherapists are with them at every moment. Owners are welcome to stay with their pet during treatment, which many find helps keep their dog or cat calm, especially on the first visit.

The water is kept at a comfortably warm temperature specifically chosen to help soothe muscles and joints and encourage relaxation during exercise. If you have any concerns about your pet's comfort—particularly if they are elderly or very sensitive—just mention it when you book and we'll make sure everything is tailored accordingly.

The underwater treadmill is actually particularly well suited to overweight dogs. The buoyancy of the water reduces the stress on their joints, allowing them to exercise safely and burn calories without the pain or risk that land-based exercise can cause at a higher weight. We assess each patient individually before starting treatment to make sure the programme is appropriate for their condition and overall health.

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are among the most effective tools for supporting recovery after cruciate repair. Surgery corrects the structural problem, but rebuilding the muscle strength and movement around the joint is what gets your dog back to normal life and that's exactly what a structured rehabilitation programme does. Most dogs who go through a full course of treatment recover significantly faster and more completely than those who rest alone.

Yes, hydrotherapy is one of the most recommended complementary treatments for dogs with hip dysplasia. The underwater treadmill allows your dog to build the muscle mass around the hip joint—which helps stabilise it and reduce pain—without the impact that worsens the condition on land. Many dogs with hip dysplasia go on to enjoy a significantly improved quality of life with regular rehabilitation sessions.

Absolutely — older dogs with arthritis are some of the patients who respond best to hydrotherapy. The warm water eases stiffness and pain, while the gentle exercise helps maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. Many owners notice a visible improvement in their dog's movement, energy levels and general mood after just a few sessions. It can make a real difference to quality of life in a dog's later years.

The right time to start physiotherapy after a fracture depends on the nature of the break, the repair and how healing is progressing—so we always liaise with your vet, and get a full clinical history before making that call. What we can say is that early, controlled rehabilitation typically leads to faster and more complete recovery, so it's worth getting in touch sooner rather than later so we can plan ahead.

Yes — neurological conditions are one of the areas where physiotherapy can make the most meaningful difference. Treatment focuses on maintaining and rebuilding muscle strength, re-educating movement patterns and improving coordination. Results vary depending on the severity of the condition, but many dogs with neurological problems achieve significantly better mobility and quality of life through a structured rehabilitation programme.

Your first appointment lasts around an hour and involves both our vet and physiotherapist. We'll carry out a thorough assessment of your pet, talk through their history and discuss the most appropriate course of treatment together. There's no pressure — we'll explain everything clearly and make sure you're comfortable with the plan before anything begins. We recommend you stay with your pet throughout, and we'll send you away with home exercises to start straight away.

A typical course of treatment involves around 8 to 10 sessions, though this varies depending on the condition, your pet's age and how they respond to treatment. We'll give you a clearer picture after the initial assessment. Sessions are usually spread over several weeks, and we check in regularly to track progress and adjust the programme as needed. Appointments are tailored to your pet and scheduled according to each individual's needs.

Most dogs settle very quickly—many end up genuinely enjoying their sessions, particularly in the treadmill. Our team are experienced at reading animal behaviour and will always work at your pet's pace. You're welcome to stay with your pet throughout every appointment, which makes a big difference for more nervous dogs. We can carry out treatment with a more ‘hands-off’ approach for those pets that struggle with being examined. If you have any specific concerns about your pet's temperament, just let us know when you book.

Yes, absolutely. We actively encourage owners to stay for sessions, especially the first few while your pet is getting used to the environment. Many owners find it reassuring to watch the treatment and see how their pet responds, and it helps us too — you know your pet better than anyone.

You can book by calling us on 0121 544 0404, emailing physio@orchardvets.com or completing our online referral form at orchardvets.co.uk/physioreferral. Before we confirm your appointment we'll need a copy of your pet's clinical history from your vet — we can advise you on how to arrange this when you get in touch. No formal vet referral is needed, just the clinical records.

Follow-up hydrotherapy sessions typically last around 30 to 45 minutes. Your first appointment is longer — around an hour — as it includes a full assessment and consultation with our vet and physiotherapist before any treatment begins.