Frequently Asked Questions
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Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Most insurance providers do cover for physiotherapy, but as with everything it is always best to check your policy with your insurance provider. OptiStride will provide receipts and invoices for every treatment we do, and we are happy to provide documentation and support you through any insurance claims when requested.
Do I need a vet referral for every treatment?
No; under new RCVS guidance, healthy animals do not need to be referred for maintenance treatments. However OptiStride does ask for vet permission to treat every new client, and we may refer your pet back to the vet if we think it necessary. We will let you know if you need a new referral form.
My vet hasn’t mentioned physiotherapy- does that mean my pet doesn’t need it?
Not at all! Vets are incriedibly busy and often have a lot to talk about in a very short space of time. OptiStride aims to maintain a great relationship with local vet practices, and we are always happy to discuss your animals needs with both you and your vet.
How long does each treatment take?
An initial equine consultation can take up to an hour and a half, including a full assessment, findings write-up and discussion, and a comprehensive treatment. Equine follow-up treatments usually last around an hour.
Canine treatments tend to be shorter, with initial consultations lasting about an hour, and follow-up treatments varying from 30-60 minutes depending on client needs.
How can I prepare my animal for a treatment?
Optistride does ask that animals are relatively clean, dry and calm before treatments- so perhaps reserve doggy play dates for another day!
For equine visits, we ask that horses are not worked hard on the day of the treatment, and areas of clean dry standing such as a stable are appreciated. We may ask for a rain-check in cases of exceptionally bad weather.
What if my pet is very nervous, aggressive or doesn’t like new people?
All that we ask for in these cases is that you give OptiStride a heads-up before the treatment so we can schedule you for some extra time! Our therapist Martyna is experienced working with anxious rescue pets, highly strung performance animals, or those that just take a little longer to trust her. OptiStride will always put your animal’s physical and emotional well-being first, and we will always take the time to be friends with your pet first.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
You can cancel your appointment for no charge up to 24 hours prior to the appointment time. If you cancel 24 hours or less before the treatment time then you may be charged for the full price of the treatment.
You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours prior to your appointment.
All invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt via BACS, or cash on the day of treatment.
Will there be homework after the treatment?
Following treatment, Martyna may leave you with a short list of instructions- this may be everything from recomended stretches or exercises to perform with your animal, to a full exercise program if needed.
Usually, we ask that horses are given a day off or worked lightly the day after treatment, and that dogs are kept calm and preferably on-lead during walks for a day.
If you require any equipment for exercises, such as balance pads or resistance bands, these may be available for hire or purchase from OptiStride.