FREYA Bates - founder of FMB

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I'm Freya Bates, a qualified and fully insured Veterinary Physiotherapist providing mobile physiotherapy for dogs and horses across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and South West Cornwall.

I became a Veterinary Physiotherapist because I genuinely love making a difference to animals' lives. Helping an animal become more comfortable, move with greater ease and maintain a good quality of life is incredibly rewarding to me.

My background has always been centred around animals, with practical experience across equine rehabilitation, performance and canine rehabilitation.

I completed my BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy at Harper Adams University, which included a year-long industry placement within a rehabilitation setting. This provided extensive hands-on experience assessing and supporting animals as part of their rehabilitation, as well as working alongside other professionals involved in their care.

I have also completed a Level 3 BTEC in Equine Management at Hartpury College. My equine background includes working on both rehabilitation and eventing yards, giving me a strong understanding of horses both within a rehabilitation environment and in their day-to-day work. I also represented my university playing polo, giving me a personal understanding of the physical demands placed on performance horses.

My canine experience includes working within canine hydrotherapy centres, as well as working with dogs in a rehabilitation setting during my university placement. I am currently undertaking a Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy for Musculoskeletal Practitioners to further develop my knowledge within canine rehabilitation and hydrotherapy.

This combination of academic training and hands-on experience has given me an understanding of the importance of looking at the whole animal — not simply the area causing a problem.

I believe every animal should be treated as an individual.

My approach is evidence-based, patient-led and compassionate. I take the time to properly assess each animal and develop treatment around their individual needs, lifestyle and goals.

Every session is led by the animal. I never rush treatment or expect an animal to do something they are uncomfortable with. Creating a calm and positive experience is extremely important to me, and building trust is often the first step towards successful rehabilitation.

I particularly enjoy working with older animals, helping to support their comfort, mobility and quality of life throughout their golden years.

I work alongside veterinary surgeons and other professionals involved in an animal's care, ensuring that physiotherapy forms part of a considered and coordinated approach to rehabilitation.

Outside of work, I'm kept busy by my three dogs — Betsy, my Springer Spaniel, Dotty, my German Shorthaired Pointer, and Bulliet, my Jack Russell — as well as my horse Kiwi, an ex-racing Thoroughbred.

Having my own animals has given me a real appreciation of the bond between animals and their owners. I understand how worrying it can be when something isn't quite right, and I aim to provide every animal with the same care, patience and attention that I would want for my own.

• BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy — Harper Adams University
• Level 3 BTEC in Equine Management — Hartpury College
• Member of RAMP
• Currently undertaking Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy for Musculoskeletal Practitioners
• Fully insured with Balens

At FMB Veterinary Physiotherapy, my aim is to help your animal feel more comfortable, move with greater ease and enjoy the best quality of life possible.