Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

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Physiotherapy: Stronger for Longer

Willows is one of Europe’s leading small animal referral centres. Our state-of-the-art Hospital is led by internationally renowned Specialists, committed to providing the highest standards of veterinary care.

Our team of four Veterinary Physiotherapists work closely with our multidisciplinary team of Specialists including; Orthopaedics, Neurology and Anaesthesia to provide gold-standard care for patients and clients alike.

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What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?

Pets are an integral part of the family, and when their quality of life or ability to move around becomes compromised we know how important it is to get them back on their feet again.

A pet’s mobility may be affected by a range of issues. Physiotherapy is used to treat a range of disease, injury, deformity and also to help improve recovery from surgery through the use of a range of methods such as massage, electrotherapies, heat treatment and exercise.

Physiotherapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, reduce pain and restore mobility and function. Physiotherapy can also be utilised for performance enhancement in athletic and working animals. If your pet has had surgery, an injury or disease, physiotherapy can form an integral part of the rehabilitation process.

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What are the Physiotherapy Treatments Available?

  • Class IV laser therapy
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
  • Acupuncture
  • Core strengthening and conditioning – wobble cushions, gym balls etc.
  • Soft tissue techniques – trigger point therapy, myofascial release
  • Exercise based rehabilitation

 

Hydrotherapy is also available - find out more below:

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What can I Expect if my Pet undergoes Physiotherapy?

Your pet may first meet our Physiotherapy team as an inpatient recovering from surgery, or as an outpatient. If your pet is recovering from surgery, a tailor made rehabilitation plan will be developed which will include specific advice about how to manage your pet once they have returned home. Many of our patients return to see our physiotherapy team to further their rehabilitation and ensure the best possible outcome and increase in mobility.

As an outpatient, a detailed history of your pet’s condition will be taken. The way your pet stands and moves will be closely assessed and evaluated by our Physiotherapists and a tailor made treatment plan will be devised that addresses any of your pet’s issues. This could include manual therapies such as massage, or electrotherapies such as class IV therapy. A personalised exercise plan will then be created for you to work on at home with your pet.

Meet The Team

Emma Box

BSc (Hons) PgDip VetPhys MNAVP MAHPR

Head of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Emma graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2016 before going on to qualify as a Veterinary Physiotherapist from Harper Adams in 2018. She spent two years working in small animal practice in the Midlands, before joining Willows in 2019. Emma set up the veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation service at Willows, which has grown over the years with the addition of hydrotherapy in 2023.

Emma has additional qualifications in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (L3 Certificate) and Human Sports Massage Therapy (L3 Diploma). She has a clinical interest in neurology and chronic pain management and has authored and lectured the ‘Physical Rehabilitation For The Neurological Patient’ module for the GPCert in Small Animal Neurology for Improve International. Emma is also an active member of The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP).

Emma feels privileged to do a job she loves and finds supporting pets and their owners down the long and winding road of rehabilitation extremely rewarding. Seeing patients taking their first steps during their recovery will always be a highlight of her role.

Outside of work, Emma has an older cat called Rocket and a mischievous kitten called Toast that she adopted from Willows as a stray. She is a competitive Crossfitter and spends most of her spare time checking out brunch spots with her husband around Leamington Spa where she lives.

Holly Finelli

BSc (Hons) MNAVP L4Cert Canine Hydrotherapy

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Holly graduated from Coventry University in 2019 with a first-class degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Holly also holds an OCLNR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy for Veterinary Physiotherapists.

Holly has previously worked in a small animal practice, treating a multitude of patients with physiotherapy, laser therapy and hydrotherapy. Holly has a particular interest in post-operative rehabilitation as well as rehabilitation for muscular injuries. Holly enjoys providing support for owners as well as patients throughout the recovery and treatment process.

In her spare time, Holly enjoys cooking and baking but most of all she loves playing netball.

Emily Toal

PGDip Vet Phys (ACPAT Cat A)
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (MHCPC, MCSP)

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Emily first graduated as a chartered physiotherapist from the University of Birmingham in 2018 and has experience of working in multiple specialist areas within the NHS, such as orthopaedics, neurosurgery, intensive care, general medicine, burns and plastics and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked in the private sector and elite sport before graduating as a veterinary physiotherapist from the University of Liverpool in 2023.

Since moving to veterinary physiotherapy Emily has worked in canine rehabilitation at a referral centre with a under-water treadmill as well as an independent hydrotherapy centre with a pool, both based in Manchester, as well as volunteering on a wildlife veterinary programme in South Africa in 2024 before joining the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation team at Willows in 2025.

Emily has a professional interest in working with service animals and in her free time enjoys travelling,

Rhiannon Hope

BSc (Hons) MNAVP

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Rhiannon graduated from Harper Adams University in 2023, having completed a placement year at university she has previously worked at a small animal practice with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy facilities based in Lancashire and an equine rehabilitation yard working with youngsters and performance horses based in Hertfordshire. Upon graduating, she joined the team at Willows in 2023 working as a Rehabilitation Assistant before progressing to Veterinary Physiotherapist in 2024.

Rhiannon is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP), and has a special clinical interest in the rehabilitation of conservative neurological cases. She is also interested in the use of laser therapy in practice after completing her university dissertation investigating the use of different classes of laser to treat myofascial trigger points. Rhiannon feels passionate about advocating for chronic pain awareness and treatment in senior pets and enjoys educating owners in ways to help their own pets in the golden oldie years of their life.

Outside of work, Rhiannon enjoys traveling, having spent her gap year volunteering in multiple animal welfare & conservation projects across South East Asia. She also is a keen polo player, but most of all enjoys going on adventures with her (very) senior dog, Poppy the Dalmatian who is always up to no good!

Ryan Wharton

BSc (Hons) VetPhys MNAVP, L3 Cert SA Hydro MCHA

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Ryan graduated from Coventry University in 2019 as a Veterinary Physiotherapist, before undertaking a level 3 certificate in small animal Hydrotherapy, which he completed in 2023.

After graduating he started up his own business providing Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy services and over the years has developed a particular interest in neurological and orthopaedic cases and how rehabilitation, in terms of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, can help improve each patients recovery and overall quality of life. Ryan finds these cases, and being part of his patient’s journey, extremely rewarding.

Outside of work Ryan enjoys walking his two whippets, Mylo and Moss, spending time in the gym and even more time heading out for a run.

Olivia Young

BSc (Hons), MSc VetPhys

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Olivia graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019 with a BSc (Hons) in Bioveterinary Sciences. She went on to complete an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy through Writtle University College, now Anglia Ruskin University, graduating in 2024. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she also obtained a Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy in 2023, awarded by the Skills and Education Group.

Her academic background reflects a strong interest in both clinical practice and research. Her undergraduate dissertation focused on epidemiology exploring the association of dog breed size on longevity and mortality. This work was later adapted and presented at the BSAVA Congress 2020. For her MSc dissertation, she investigated biomechanics and the effect of cavaletti pole heights on the canine joints.

Born in Norway, Olivia has lived in five countries including the USA, Scotland, Canada, and now England. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, roller skating, video gaming, crochet, and peaceful walks around duck ponds. She also shares her home with two much-loved cats: Lottie, a domestic shorthair, and Rylee, a Maine Coon cross.

Tia Williams

BSc (Hons) VetPhys

Patient Care Assistant (Rehabilitation)

Tia graduated from Coventry University (Moreton Morrell) in 2024 with a degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy, driven by her passion for animals and their health. She believes that pursuing her passion makes the job feel less like work, which is why she joined the Willows team as a Patient Care Assistant (Rehabilitation) in 2025. Prior to this, Tia completed two equine management diplomas, gaining valuable work experience at a horse riding school in Birmingham. She also completed a work placement and volunteered at Daybreaks Trust in 2021, aiding in the care and rehoming of retired and rescued greyhounds. 

With a particular clinical interest in neurology, Tia focused her university dissertation on the use of a proprioceptive bracelet for re-educating gait during rehabilitation, sparking a strong desire to understand and assess the complexities of physiological functions. This passion for problem-solving motivates her to identify factors affecting animal health and to strive to provide the best tailored advice and experience for whoever is at both ends of the lead or lead rope. 

In her free time, Tia enjoys horse riding, watching Formula 1, and reading a good book. But most importantly, she loves being creative, whether it’s through baking delicious treats or designing her own unique projects.