MY JOURNEY
> view CV here <
I have always been fascinated by veterinary medicine and my interest in veterinary physiotherapy started when I first observed an equine bodyworker treating a horse. I would always participate in any chiropractic or physiotherapy session that the horses in my stable undertook. Since then, I learned and practised simple stretching and massage techniques. Over the time spent in different stables, I realised there was a lack of knowledge in saddle fitting. Therefore, I focused my final graduate project on the consequences of incorrect saddling. On my theoretical part, I collaborated with chiropractor Stuart Brock, who helped me answer my key questions and I also learned about the McTimoney method. As a practical part, I recorded a video about saddle fitting and correct saddling. Furthermore, to raise awareness of the importance of correct saddle fitting, I uploaded it on YouTube.
Since then the video has reached over 110K views but is so far only available in the Czech language.
My passion for physiotherapy strengthened when I started attending canine therapy at DogGuru with our German boxer suffering from spondylosis. Shortly after that, I secured a placement at the same canine physiotherapy clinic. I have learned to operate the underwater treadmill and I started to learn how to recognise tension, restrictions or changes in muscle tone. During my time at the clinic, I came across a range of diagnoses including hip dysplasia, spondylosis, arthritis, polyneuropathy and LCP disease. I had the opportunity to practice on balance equipment with a border collie diagnosed with spondylosis and I was encouraged to identify abnormalities on x-ray of patients, which I greatly enjoyed. After completing my work experience at the clinic, I participated in a course on canine massage and stretching techniques and I earned a certification.
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To gain more dog handling skills, I started volunteering in a small dog grooming salon that opened in September 2019, very close to my home. I started as a prep but as soon as bathing and drying were a daily bread for me, I became comfortable with both scissors and clippers. Having dealt with a variety of different dogs such as rescued and blind dogs, I learned to handle anxious or distressed dogs safely. I truly enjoyed my time at the groomers (Thank you Casey’s Groom Room!).
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I am now a proud MSc student of veterinary physiotherapy and I am looking forward to fulfilling my dream and working to my best abilities!
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WORK EXPERIENCE
Animal Related Professional and Volunteer Work
Student of MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Writtle University since 2020
INTERNAL PLACEMENTS
Equine and canine placements with external clients under the supervision of qualified lecturers.
Independent treatment of both canine and equine species including detailed history taking, full assessment and treatment (electrotherapies, manual therapies, remedial ground exercises and hydrotherapy under supervision).
Production of vet reports and prescription of home remedial exercise plans for each patient.
EQUINE PHYSIOTHERAPY PLACEMENT
Visited 16 horses owned by external clients and assisted with their treatment.
Confidently applied heat, therapeutical ultrasound and laser to identified target areas and explained their mechanism of action to the owner.
Demonstrated a safe use of TENS machine to an owner as a part of a home rehabilitation plan and explained its mechanism and features in a simple language.
Performed a full session independently including history taking, full assessment (static, dynamic, palpation, range of motion, neurological and spinal, hoof balance), and treatment (electrotherapeutical modalities and manual techniques).
CANINE PHYSIOTHERAPY PLACEMENT
Assisted with the treatment of 12 patients.
Took detailed medical history from the owner, evaluated posture and gait of each patient and assessed range of motion.
Performed deep tissue massage to hypertonic areas and observed tissue changes.
Applied PEMF with a justification of its cellular and global effects.
Independently performed a neurological assessment of an IVDE patient.
Observed Kinesio taping techniques for the support of tarsal tendon rupture and for proprioceptive enhancement in an IVDE patient.
Created and presented a remedial exercises plan for patients with CrCL rupture in conservative management and an IVDE case based on own notes and observations and evaluated their progress in a follow-up session.
PLACEMENT AT CANINE HYDROTHERAPY CLINIC
Assisted by examination and treatment of various pathologies.
Operated the underwater treadmill and observed hydrotherapy sessions.
Learned about water hygiene management and safe clinic running procedures.
Performed administration duties and note-taking during assessments.
VETERINARY ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER
Observed and assisted in small animal surgeries such as ovariohysterectomy or lipoma removal.
Took ownership of daily procedures such as vaccinations, blood samples and medicine administration under supervision.
CANINE CLINIC PLACEMENT
Observed the treatment of 32 patients with various diagnoses including hip dysplasia, spondylosis, arthritis, polyneuropathy, LCP disease and after surgical rehabilitations.
Learned to independently operate the underwater treadmill and encouraged patients while exercising.
Engaged with remedial exercises and balance equipment under supervision.
Completed a canine massage and stretching course and earned a certificate.
DOG GROOM & RECEPTIONIST
Dog grooming including bathing, drying, clipping and nail trimming.
Customer care, diary management, taking payments, answering phone queries.
Daily shop management, stocking up and ensuring the cleanliness of the shop.
Set social media up, acquired Google Maps listing and created promotional events.
CPD
Continuing Professional Development
Additional Courses, Lectures and Webinars Taken
08/2022
The 11th Symposium of IAVRPT
Cambridge
05/2022
Polework and Gymnastic Jumping
Horses Inside Out, webinar by Gillian Higgins
03/2022
Understanding and Assessing Horse's Posture
Horses Inside Out, webinar by Gillian Higgins
06/2021
Understanding Horse's Muscles and Fascia
Horses Inside Out, webinar by Gillian Higgins
03/2021
Understanding Horse's Neck
Horses Inside Out, webinar by Gillian Higgins
10/2020
Understanding the Horses Back
Horses Inside Out, webinar by Gillian Higgins
01/2020
Canine Massage and Stretching, course & certificate
DogGuru