Equine Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be used to help all horses from the happy hackers to the sporting horses. It is useful in cases where assistance in recovery from surgery or injury is advised, as well as those requiring general maintenance programmes to keep them comfortable and mobile.
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Veterinary Physiotherapy uses non-invasive techniques to assess and treat your horse. It helps to prevent injury, reduce pain, improve mobility and improve strength.
How will physiotherapy benefit your horse?
Physiotherapy can be used alongside your horse's normal exercise regime to help keep them fit and healthy. It also works in improving overall performance and general wellbeing, as well as reducing the risk of injury. Whether this be for happy hackers, or competition horses.
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If a horse is recovering from injury or post surgery, I can tailor a bespoke rehabilitation plan to your horses requirements and needs in order to enhance recovery time.
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Rehabilitation procedures typically include manual therapies, massage, electrotherapies, and at home rehabilitative exercise prescription to aid in recovery.
What does a physiotherapy session consist of?
Each horse will have their own tailored plan, therefore, sessions may vary between clients. A typical session would consist of:
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Thorough static assessment
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Detailed gait assessment - sometimes using slow motion video analysis to assist in identifying abnormalities
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A palpation assessment - to feel the soft tissues, fascia and muscles to highlight any irregularities or asymmetries
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A range of motion assessment - to highlight if there are any joint restrictions present
The results are then supported by clinical reasoning to help determine the best course of action and treatment for your horse.
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A typical treatment plan would include techniques such as massage, range of motion exercises, stretching and electrotherapies to achieve the optimum treatment. No two sessions should be considered the same, and therefore techniques used may vary, depending on your horses abilities and requirements.
What conditions can physiotherapy help?
This list is not exhaustive, however, physiotherapy can be used to treat, manage and control a number of different conditions your horse may present with.​
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Osteoarthritis
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Kissing Spine
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Tendon Injury
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Suspensory Injury
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
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Performance Issues
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Stress Fractures / Splints
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Wound Healing
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Neurological Conditions
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Lameness
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Fitness / Conditioning
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Showjumpers
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Dressage
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Eventers
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Hunters / Point to Pointers
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