Physiotherapy may be defined as the use of physical techniques for the treatment of injuries and movement dysfunction. In the world of human medicine, physiotherapy has been proven as an indispensable aid in the recovery of many musculoskeletal conditions, as evidenced by the extensive physiotherapy departments within most hospitals. Nowadays, this important branch of medicine is also rapidly becoming a recognised tool in the prevention, cure, and rehabilitation of many equine, canine and feline injuries. In 1978, canine physical therapy techniques were described by Ann Downer, a physical therapist on faculty at Ohio State University. Animal physical therapy is a new and rapidly developing field of health care for animals. The benefits of physical therapy have long been recognized in humans. More recently, work in the veterinary field has shown the same benefits of physical therapy to be true for animal patients. Performing orthopaedic or neurological surgery, or fitting a human patient with a cast or splint, and then discharging the patient is an outdated approach. In such cases, physical therapy is clearly warranted. Similarly, recent research has shown that post-surgical rehabilitation and therapy after injuries significantly improves the functional outcomes for animals. The goals of physiotherapy are to relieve pain, restore range of motion/movement, improve function, prevent injuries and expand the physical potential of the patient. Once in the field, physical therapists actively continue their education to keep up to date on the latest treatments and technologies. Via continuing education courses, physiotherapists can learn how to apply their unique and specialized knowledge to other animal species.