VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Equine Physiotherapy
Physiology and bio-mechanics
Your horse is a master at altering its movement when it feels uncomfortable either due to a sudden injury (acute) or a longstanding issue (chronic). As a results muscles can go into spasm and/or misalignment in the spine and pelvis can occur.
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The equine physiotherapist must have an in depth knowledge of the physiology and bio-mechanics involved in locomotion. Prevention is better than cure; but in the event of injury, knowing the correct therapies available is a fundamental principle in rehabilitating the injured equine athlete.
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Reports and records
Equine treatments are carried out at your yard, or equine hospital,or a suitable safe environment, after obtaining a veterinary referral, or permission from your veterinary surgeon. This is in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, where no animal may be treated without veterinary consent.
A comprehensive report recording the findings of the gait assessment, palpation and response to physiotherapy will be given to you, with a copy also sent to your veterinary surgeon or farrier. Some home exercises are prescribed which target specific muscles or problem areas in between your physiotherapy sessions to help in maintaining your horses mobility. These are given as an information pack specific to your horse and can be demonstrated during your physiotherapy appointment
Common conditions that benefit from physiotherapy treatment
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Muscular asymmetries
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Muscle strains
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Obesity
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Back problems
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Sacroilliac conditions
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Kissing spines
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Osteoarthritis
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Bone spavin
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Ringbone
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Sidebone
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Navicular
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Check ligament sprains
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Collateral ligament damage
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Proximal suspensory desmitis
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Superficial digital flexor tendon injury
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Deep digital flexor tendon injury
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Wounds that are unable to be sutured; are dirty or infected; or post-operative.
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sss
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​Reducing scar tissue
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Splints
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Fractures
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Bucked shins
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Haematomas
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Bite or kick injuries
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Mud fever
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Laminitis
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Exertional Rhabdomyolysis or "tying up"
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Stifle injuries
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Locking stifles
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Tightness in the poll
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Post-surgical rehabilitation
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Postnatal physiotherapy and massage
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Nerve injuries
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Behaviour changes
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Rider related issues
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Low grade lameness
