A SALISBURY woman who made the decision 'to go back to school' has recently completed a 3-year bachelor of science qualification and is now a qualified pet physiotherapist.
Claire Johnston, 30, completed 300 hours of hands-on assessment and treatment in an evidence-based programme and now provides a mobile service helping pets with soft tissue issues or joint pain.
Holding a First Class BSc Hons degree in veterinary physiotherapy, Claire studied orthopaedics, neurology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, soft tissue and joint mobilisation treatments.
Claire said: "It is amazing. I am so passionate about this. I work in a holistic way and try to give time to each animal, something I couldn't do if I worked within a veterinary clinic plus animals are usually much happier in their home environment."
"I love working with new clients and then hearing that their animal is moving much better or is running around again."
Claire evaluates and interprets issues with horses, dogs or cats while considering an animal's behaviour and lifestyle. She also considers its home environment.
A musculoskeletal evaluation is performed looking for any signs of discomfort or tension and then, Claire develops a strategy to eradicate any factors that could be causing issues.
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Tails Therapy is a mobile service and Claire works within a 25-mile radius of Salisbury.
She said: "One day I would love to have my own therapy rooms but that's not for a while yet."
Claire also helps her clients at times when they must say goodbye to their animals.
She said: "It is horrible but it is nice to be able to offer them support as well."
For any animal to be treated, they must be registered with a veterinary surgeon. Therapists work under the direction of a qualified veterinary surgeon who must have examined the animal and prescribed a physiotherapy treatment.
For more information, see the Tails Therapy website.
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