Equine Physiotherapy
Equine Physiotherapy
How can Veterinary Physiotherapy help my horse?
Horses can present with a variety of problems which may benefit from physiotherapy. Problems range from lameness, to more subtle presentations which may be attributed to ‘schooling or behavioural issues’.
Some concerns which owners may note can include:
- Lameness following veterinary assessment
- A change in performance
- Bucking/rearing
- Joint stiffness due to age
- A change in behaviour when being handled
- Reluctance to work
- Inconsistent contact
- Refusing fences or knocking poles down
- Incorrect canter lead or disunited
- Resistance or discomfort when being tacked up
- Stiffness on one rein
- Soreness within the back`
What does Physiotherapy assessment involve?
A detailed history will be taken from the owner initially, followed by a physical assessment.
Physical assessments may include:
- Analysing the horse moving in walk and trot, in straight lines and circles
- Sometimes a lunge or ridden assessment
- Palpation assessment of muscles
- Assessment of joint range of motion
- Assessment of spinal joints
Treatment for your horse can include:
- Massage
- Soft tissue mobilisations, myofascial release & stretching
- Manual therapy
- Exercise prescription
- Advice to owners
- Electrotherapy treatment including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
- Collaborative working with the vet, saddler and farrier
Where is assessment and treatment completed?
Naomi is a mobile veterinary Physiotherapist, so she will visit your horse at your home or yard, allowing horses to be assessed and treated in the familiarity of their own environment.
How do I refer my horse for equine physiotherapy?
All horses receiving physiotherapy treatment must be registered with a Veterinary practice, in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966). Naomi will contact your vet prior to assessment, to gain consent. The horse can however be referred for a ‘maintenance’ assessment and treatment without gaining prior veterinary consent, in accordance with the Royal Veterinary College (2020).
