About Equine Physiotherapy

Animal physiotherapy involves the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.

 

Physiotherapy may be beneficial in the following situations: -

 

Schooling Issues / Performance Problems:

• Napping / rearing / bucking
• Working hollow
• Disunited at canter
• Cold backed
• Stiffness to bend
• Head tilt
• Inconsistency
• Reduced push behind

 

Compensatory Problems:

• Lameness e.g. hock pain causing secondary neck/ back pain

 

Muscle asymmetry / imbalances

 

Uneven shoe wear

 

Saddle related problems

 

Routine checkups / screening

 

Assessment:

History - may involve discussion with owner, trainer and/or vet

Observation - standing, looking at confirmation/posture, for muscle and bone asymmetry

Gait - straight line, circling, backing up, lunging and ridden

Palpation - feeling for muscle tension, tenderness, range of motion

 

Treatment:

Dependant on assessment findings, treatment will often involve a combination of:

• Electrotherapy (H-Wave, laser, ultrasound)
• Mobilisation
• Manipulation
• Advice on exercise programmes/rehabilitation

 

Treatments under Sedation:

Where problems are chronic, deep seated, involving cervical spine (neck) or wide spread, treatments under sedation are carried out.

 

This involves meeting with your veterinary surgeon to sedate your horse to enable a deeper treatment with your horse fully relaxed. This technique is extremely beneficial in returning full range of movement to the neck, back and pelvis