About Me
My name is Ella, aka The Country Physio
My journey to become a veterinary physiotherapist started at college where, alongside my A Levels, I completed a 2 year course on animal behaviour and welfare. From there, I went onto complete a 4 year BSc (Hons) degree at Harper Adams University and more recently sat an exam to gain carded professional status as an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist.
Working with horses has already enabled me to work abroad. I completed an internship at Pferdeklinik, Wolfesing, which is a busy equine orthopaedic veterinary surgery in the outskirts of Munich, Germany. Whilst there I worked with the inpatients, often riding them or providing in-hand remedial exercise for the duration of their stay. I also helped the veterinarians in their lameness examinations and with diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and ultrasound, and I was involved in numerous interesting orthopaedic surgery’s where extra (scrubbed-in) hands were required. I met and worked with some very prestigious dressage horses and riders whilst there, and gained so much experience that set me up to be the confident veterinary professional that I am today.
Now I’m based at and around Burrows Lane Equestrian Centre, where I am a part-time lecturer and course manager in Equine Science for Reaseheath College. I also lecture at Nottingham University on the Veterinary Physiotherapy Masters degree programme sometimes. I love that I can now pass on the knowledge and experience that I am gaining everyday from working in the equine industry. When I’m not lecturing I am available, at the clients convenience, for single or group sessions, and of course I am happy to complete yard visits. Evening, day-time, and weekend bookings are available.
I am an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist
The FEI recently set up a new category of personnel- The Permitted Equine Therapists. Only permitted equine therapists and permitted treating veterinarians are able to carry out restricted therapies at FEI events and I have been approved by my national federation and passed an exam that allows me to treat at FEI events as a carded professional.
I am fully accredited by the NAVP.
The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) was formed over 30 years ago as a professional body for graduates of university veterinary physiotherapy courses.
Membership to the NAVP is via an accredited, externally validated university veterinary physiotherapy qualification at BSc or PgD/MSc level. All members have studied and worked hard to pass all theory and practical exams and assignments set by the university, and they will have passed three robust clinical exams before graduating. Additionally they will have completed a skills log; a series of practical competency tasks.
On qualification and acceptance into the NAVP, graduates are mentored for their first 12 months by senior NAVP members, after which time they become full members. Once accepted as members of the Association, graduates must adhere to the Conditions of Membership, Code of Conduct and Continuing Professional Development programme.
All members, including myself, have professional and public liability insurance and work with veterinary referral/permission. The NAVP also have a complaints procedure which may result in disciplinary action. Any veterinary surgeon and animal owner may be assured that, if they use an NAVP member, they will be using someone who has completed rigorous clinical training and is part of a professional association whose priority is the welfare of the animal and to provide vets and owners with the highest standard of knowledge and care. NAVP members are already working with vets at some of the most prestigious veterinary hospitals and referral centres.
