Professional Bodies

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Animals Therapy (ACPAT)

ACPAT members begin their careers training in human physiotherapy before upgrading their skills to work with animals. Chartered Physiotherapists have specialist knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and pathology. The considerable experience gained in the human field develops refined clinical reasoning and practical skills which are largely transferrable to animal physiotherapy.
All Chartered Physiotherapists abide by the standards for fitness to practise set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Code of Professional Values & Behaviour set by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Members are subject to a random annual audit process to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of health and safety, record keeping, professionalism and competency. All members maintain full public and professional malpractice indemnity.

Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners

(RAMP)

RAMP is an Industry Regulatory Body recognised by DEFRA. Every musculoskeletal practitioner listed on this Register must uphold the gold standards as stipulated by RAMP.

These standards include:

Exemplary professional skills and attributes
Ethical business practice
Excellent practice and clinical skills
Evidence informed underpinning knowledge and understanding
Practitioners on the Register work with permission from the animal's vet as required by The Veterinary Surgeons (Exemption) Order 2015. They will also work autonomously and in collaboration with the vet in cases of performance and maintenance of healthy animals.

What This Means For Vets

This Register offers vets, members of the public and other allied professionals the reassurance they need to safely refer to, and/or work closely with registered musculoskeletal practitioners.

RAMP aims to endorse best practice methods of animal musculoskeletal therapy delivered by appropriately competent professionals
RAMP registered practitioners follow a strict code of conduct, work within their scope of practice, comply with annual CPD requirements and have appropriate insurance

Definitions of Treatment

Musculoskeletal Care & Veterinary Treatment

The principle of musculoskeletal care is to mobilise and manipulate dysfunctional soft tissue and joints in order to restore, improve and optimise flexibility, symmetry, coordination, strength and balance. This will improve function and performance in terms of reducing pain, reducing asymmetries, restoring nerve function ultimately increasing mechanical strength and stability.

Any condition outside the Practitioner's remit is quickly referred back to the Veterinary Surgeon. Allowing early Veterinary diagnosis and treatment of pathology and collaboration on the ongoing care plan.

Musculoskeletal therapies are a non-invasive adjunct to veterinary treatment for musculoskeletal and post-surgical conditions.

Crisis Care

Musculoskeletal conditions where non-invasive approach may be sufficient alone, and for any animal where surgery is not appropriate.
Traumas as an adjunct to veterinary care to promote cell healing and restore optimal movement patterns.
Neurological conditions where movement therapy may restore function and provide a cost effective solution.

Maintenance Care

Identification and monitoring of compensatory movement patterns, which can identify early pathology prompting a referral back for Veterinary investigation.
Long-terms conditions, the elderly or post-surgical.
Regular check-ups are recommended to maintain fitness and improve prevention of avoidable injury.

Competition Care

Where animals are involved in athletic activities, treatment can resolve minor musculoskeletal problems that challenge performance.
Where the Multi Disciplinary Team has been proven to be an effective and successful management strategy improving animal welfare and owner satisfaction.