Equine Physiotherapy

Veterinary Physiotherapy can benefit your horse by promoting pain free function, improving range of movement and optimising the healing process.

As a Chartered Physiotherapist and an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist I am best placed to help your horse with the following conditions: 

  • Back pain 

  • Neck pain 

  • Sacroiliac dysfunction 

  • Soft tissue injury including muscle strain 

  • Post-operative rehabilitation including kissing spine surgery 

  • Joint stiffness 

  • Lameness and compensatory movement patterns (in conjunction with your veterinarian) 

  • Chronic degenerative conditions including osteoarthritis and long-term management  

  • Rehabilitation post injury 

  • Management of the older horse (maintenance of muscle, optimising joint range and reducing pain) 

  • Muscle atrophy, tightness and weakness

Behavioural Changes and Schooling Difficulties

Behavioural changes and schooling difficulties may also be an indication that your horse could benefit from a Physiotherapy review as physical aches and pains can manifest this way. I will work with the relevant professionals as needed in these cases. Some common concerns include: 

  • Reluctance to be brushed over their back 

  • Reluctance to be tacked up 

  • Difficulty with transitions 

  • Difficulty maintaining canter on one rein 

  • Resistance to usual exercise e.g. stopping at jumps 

  • Saddle slip 

  • Difficulty maintaining a contact 

  • Reduced suppleness 

Competition Benefits

Physiotherapy can also be beneficial for the equine athlete both pre competition and post competition. However, this is not limited to high level competition horses as maintenance/performance Physiotherapy sessions can be helpful for all levels, disciplines and ages! 

  • Enhance muscle strength 

  • Reduce training soreness 

  • Optimise performance

  • Optimise recovery time

  • Assess for stiffness & soreness

     

Comprehensive Management Plans

Each session, whether it be initial or follow up, will begin with a thorough subjective and objective assessment. Following this, a comprehensive management plan will be made including a treatment on the day, and a bespoke home exercise plan. All goals will be made in conjunction with yourself, tailored for you and your horse. Hands on treatment options include, but are not limited to: 

  • Manual therapy including joint mobilisations 

  • Myofascial release 

  • Soft tissue techniques including massage and trigger point release 

  • Reflex inhibition 

  • Stretches/dynamic mobilisation exercises 

  • Reflex/rounding techniques 

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 

  • Class 3B laser 

  • H-wave  

  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) 

  • Biomag pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)

Get in touch.

Based in Herefordshire near to the Welsh border, I provide a professional Veterinary Physiotherapy service to all areas of Herefordshire and the borders of surrounding counties.

To book a session or learn more, please do get in touch.