Working empathetically
and in union with
your animals
Further information about the NAVP
The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists was formed back in 1985 to promote the professional practice of veterinary physiotherapy. Working together with veterinary surgeons, the organisation has since grown substantially. NAVP aims to ensure that the highest standards of veterinary physiotherapy care will be delivered to animals by linking a strong foundation of scientific knowledge with clinical practice and continued research.
Members are highly skilled in providing physiotherapy care for animals. By choosing a member of NAVP to refer your patients to, you are assured that they:
1. Have qualified via a recognised accredited training programme
2. Carry appropriate professional and public liability insurance
3. Work in accordance with current legislation alongside your veterinary surgeon, and also in close conjunction with members of other related professions such as farriers, saddle fitters, trainers etc.
4. Are required to work within a professional code of conduct and ethics
5. Are required to continually maintain and enhance their skills post-qualification by completing appropriate programmes of continued professional development (CPD) annually in order to be able to maintain their membership status.
The role of the NAVP is to further the profession, the interests of individuals engaged in the profession, and the public interest by setting professional standards for its members. They promote excellence in veterinary physiotherapy with the primary aim being the welfare of the animal in our care.
With stringent professional guidelines for CPD, ethics and conduct in place, the NAVP and its members have become well known within the industry as an association of trusted professionals.
Clinical reasoning and informed interpretation are the required basis for any intervention. NAVP members approach each case on an entirely individual basis, with a thorough history taking and examination guiding the choice of an optimal individual treatment plan. Nothing is ever prescriptive but instead based around constant assessment and reassessment of the presenting issues and always taking into full account each animal's unique presenting circumstances, management, and behaviour.
Current legislation to safeguard the welfare of animals states that animals may only be treated by a veterinary surgeon, or by somebody authorised by a veterinary surgeon, and all NAVP members adhere to this legislation. NAVP members are recognised by veterinary insurance companies when submitting a claim to recoup physiotherapy treatment costs for an animal.
Training
On their degree courses, members will have covered topics such as in-depth anatomy, professional practice, neurology, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy techniques, including static and dynamic observation, assessment, manual techniques and electrotherapies. They are skilled in clinical reasoning and the application of a treatment programme designed for the individual and therefore do not just use prescriptive programmes.
What happens if I have a complaint?
The NAVP has a robust code of conduct and disciplinary procedure in the event of a complaint. Any complaints should be sent to our secretary (navpsec@yahoo.co.uk) in the first instance using the form below.
Further information can be found below:
NAVP Conditions of membership Nov 2018