An understanding of an injury and how to prevent or treat it is the most important part of physiotherapy. The timing of the rehabilitation and techniques used are very important. All animals treated by physiotherapy are individuals and have a role within their home environment, it is therefore important to establish this within the physiotherapy assessment so that the rehabilitation reflects the goals desired. An assessment of an animal that does not present with any physical problems, but is not running or behaving normally may also be desirable, this is to prevent injury or identify any postural imbalances that are causing potential problems.