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Meet The Physio
Brian Sharp
(Veterinary Physiotherapist)– background and qualifications
Brian Sharp is a Chartered Physiotherapist, who graduated in 1992
from Brunel University, London. Before training as a physiotherapist
he had already achieved a first degree in zoology/physiology, had
worked in medical microbiology and health education, and qualified
as a teacher.
He has worked for more than 14 years in human physiotherapy and gained
substantial experience in a wide variety of disciplines including
musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, neurology, respiratory, cardiothoracic/transplant
surgery, burns/plastics, general surgery/ITU, and pain management. Over the last 10 years he has specialised in musculoskeletal work,
and still regularly attends CPD courses to maintain/update his skills.
He is registered with the Health Professions Council, and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
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Animals have been a life-long passion, and Brian and his family
owned and showed Golden Retrievers for many years. He now has 2 adopted Lakeland Trailhounds, which he is training in obedience. Professionally, Brian started his animal physiotherapy training in 2001, achieving his Category ‘A’ membership status of ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy) in 2003. He passed the MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2004, and established his own small animal practice (Canine Physio) in Middlesex. In October 2005 he began research at the RVC on the subject of cruciate disease and stifle joint biomechanics in dogs. He continues to provide a part-time consultancy service on physiotherapy matters to staff at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (RVC), and in this role, he recently appeared in an episode of 'Supervets' on BBC1. Brian has also recently started outpatient referral clinics at the hospital, and is also involved in the development of veterinary physiotherapy services there. |
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In 2007 Brian recognised the need for basic physiotherapy skills training for veterinary nurses and vets in general practice, to help improve outcomes for animals following injury or surgery. As a result, he developed a training course to improve practical skills and confidence amongst veterinary practitioners, and promote the value of collaboration between the veterinary team and the veterinary physiotherapist. The course proved immensely popular, and he now teaches regularly throughout the year for several organisations.
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Brian has always had a special interest in dogs, and is a member of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association. Therapy-wise, his major
interest is in proprioception training, and the benefits this
can have on recovery from injury/surgery, and he has had a good
degree of success treating dogs with various neurological conditions.
He is also interested in joint hypermobility and the links this
has with other conditions such as hip dysplasia, and this subject
formed the basis of his MSc thesis. |
Brian lives and works in Uxbridge, Middlesex, and has full professional
liability insurance to treat animals. Although he may occasionally
treat animals in his own home, he prefers to assess and treat in
the animal's home environment whenever possible:
‘I like to go to my patients. It is generally far less
stressful for both the animal and the owner. It is also more effective
to work with the owner in developing an appropriate rehabilitation
programme for their animal in the environment in which it will ultimately
take place’.
Although based in Uxbridge, Brian is happy to visit homes in Middlesex,
Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, North-West London, and other adjoining
areas.
Brian is also available to see dogs at the 'Dipping Dogs' Hydrotherapy
Centre in Cowley, Middlesex, where hydrotherapy can be incorporated
with other physiotherapy treatments as part of a general rehabilitation
programme.
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