National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists - NAVP

What is NAVP?

Name & Founding: NAVP stands for the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. Established in 1985, the organization aims to promote and regulate the practice of veterinary physiotherapy in the UK.

Mission: The association is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of high standards in veterinary physiotherapy for animals. This is achieved by integrating scientific knowledge with clinical practice, promoting research, and supporting practitioners.

What Defines Their Professional Standards?

Members of NAVP are subject to stringent requirements and guidelines to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and accountability. Key aspects include:

1. Accredited Training & Qualifications

   Members must complete a recognized accredited training program in veterinary physiotherapy, typically a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Honours) or a postgraduate diploma/MSc in veterinary physiotherapy.

   
   

   There are two membership categories:

   Category 2 – newly qualified graduate members in their first year.

   Category 1 – full members who have fulfilled additional criteria (such as case histories and references) after gaining professional experience.

   
   

2. Code of Conduct & Ethics

   NAVP members are required to adhere to a formal Code of Conduct, which encompasses animal welfare, client confidentiality, professional competence, honesty, and integrity.

   
   

   They must also comply with current legislation, particularly regarding veterinary supervision or referral when necessary.

3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

   Members are obligated to maintain and enhance their skills post-qualification through annual CPD.

   
   

4. Insurance and Liability

   Members are required to have adequate professional and public liability insurance to protect the animal, owner, and practitioner in the event of any issues.

   
   

5. Collaboration with Veterinary Surgeons

   NAVP members provide treatment under or in conjunction with veterinary care. In many instances, referral or oversight is necessary. For maintenance or performance care, they may work with the owner under specific guidelines, always keeping the registered veterinarian informed.

Services Typically Offered by NAVP Members

According to NAVP, their members may offer the following services:

Manual therapies, including massage, joint mobilisation, myofascial release, and stretching.

Electrotherapies, such as ultrasound, laser, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, H-wave, TENS, and interferential treatments.

Remedial and corrective exercise programs designed to enhance strength, balance, endurance, suppleness, and proprioception.

Guidance on management, including therapeutic handling and adjustments to the home environment.

Advantages for Pet Owners and Veterinarians Using an NAVP Physiotherapist

Confidence in the practitioner's qualifications and adherence to established academic standards.

Commitment to transparent professionalism, including a code of conduct, insurance, and ongoing professional development (CPD).

Clear legal and regulatory framework: While “veterinary physiotherapy” is not universally a protected title under UK law, NAVP membership promotes safe, evidence-based practice.

Convenient access to qualified practitioners: NAVP offers a “Find a Member” directory, searchable by region, animal species (such as dogs, horses, exotics), and qualifications.

Limitations / What NAVP Membership Does Not Guarantee

NAVP does not legally protect the title of "veterinary physiotherapist" in all contexts. Consequently, individuals may use this title without NAVP membership or equivalent qualifications. While NAVP strives to enhance professional standards, regulatory protection is not universally applied.

As with many professions, outcomes are significantly influenced by the practitioner's skill, case complexity, owner compliance, and other factors. Membership does not guarantee perfect results, but it does enhance the baseline of safety and professionalism.

Availability: NAVP members may not be present in all veterinary practices or specialise in all areas, particularly in rural regions or for exotic species.