Rozwój fizjoterapii weterynaryjnej w Polsce

Introduction: in Poland animal physiotherapy is a very young discipline and it is still not very popular. However, in recent years animal owners and veterinary surgeons have become more and more interested in the use of physiotherapeutic procedures in veterinary medicine. Observing world trends, it may be expected that the nearest future will bring about significant expanding of physiotherapeutic services in the treatment of animals. Aim: the aim of the research was to assess the popularity and development of animal physiotherapy in Poland. Material and methods: the research was carried out in veterinary institutions in which at least one physiotherapeutic method is used in the treatment of animals and which completed a questionnaire. Sixteen institutions completed the questionnaire, and they included: veterinary departments, clinics, surgeries from all over Poland. Conclusions: in Poland the use of physiotherapy in treatment of animals is still limited. However, an increase has been observed in animal physiotherapy among veterinary surgeons and clients of veterinary clinics. According to Polish therapists rehabilitation of animals brings about very good results. Animal physiotherapy is used most frequently in diseases of the spine, discopathy, joint degeneration, aftertraumas, accidents and in hip dysplasia. Therapists are eagerto improve their qualifications by attending specialist training courses.