How can Veterinary Physiotherapy help my horses and I?
As Chartered Physiotherapists specialising in Veterinary Physiotherapy we apply an expert knowledge of biomechanics, musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation to both you and your horse. We can provide mechanical horse or ridden assessments where required examining both rider and equine biomechanics and the interaction between them.
We use non invasive hands on techniques and electrotherapy to restore and maintain joint range, skeletal suppleness and muscle balance to maximise performance. We work within the Veterinary Surgeons act and work alongside your vet, riding instructor, coach, farrier and saddler. This ensures a complete approach to care for your animal, whether as a routine maintenance or to provide rehabilitation following veterinary treatment for lameness or post operatively.
We are available for yard visits or for more intensive in patient rehabilitation we can admit your horse to the Therapy Centre at Hartpury College (click here to see Hartpury Therapy Centre website) where we have access to expert handlers and riders to rehabilitate your horse back to their chosen profession. Here we have the use of a Sato high speed treadmill, aquafit, solarium, Zamar and various forms of electrotherapy from interferential to H wave.
By choosing a Chartered Physiotherapist who specialises in Veterinary Physiotherapy you are ensuring that both you and your horse are treated by the most highly qualified and regulated practitioner possible.
Whatever your horses discipline, they will benefit from having mobile joints and a strong, evenly developed muscle structure to support them in their work. Your routine annual healthcare checks for your horse should include a consultation with your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist. Whether it’s for a specific medical need or just part of maintenance healthcare, as Physiotherapists we may well be able to help.
Why might I need an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist?
Horse are often very stoic, what presents as a schooling issue may well be a physical restriction.
The list below contains some concerns horse owners often have which makes them book an appointment with us
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Bucking/rearing
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Age related joint stiffness
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Uneven wearing of shoes or hooves
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Lameness following veterinary work up
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Wounds and soft tissue injuries to tendon, ligament and muscle.
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Poor/under-performance or change in functional level
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Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour/reluctance to work
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Discomfort when being tacked up/rugged
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Saddle area soreness
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Refusing fences, knocking poles, reluctance to stretch/collect
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Reluctance to engage
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Disuniting in canter/incorrect strike off
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Stiffness on one rein
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Head tilt
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Poor transitions
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Contact issues
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Lack of throughness
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Rider asymmetry
Specialist Treatment for your Horse
What does an assessment and treatment involve and how do I book?
Whatever your horse needs, the background history will always be discussed with your vet prior to assessment and treatment. To book an appointment either contact your vet and ask them to refer your horse to us for physiotherapy or call us directly to discuss and book and we will contact your vet. A typical assessment/treatment lasts over an hour and may include:
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Assessment of the horse at walk and trot and if required on the lunge or ridden
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Examination for spinal pain, stiffness and alignment
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Assessment of joint range, looking for stiffness, restriction or pain
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Symmetry of the skeleton and muscle bulk
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Assessment of muscular function, tightness and spasm
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Assessment of myofascial tightness
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Assessment of general condition
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Expert advice and information
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Provision of a tailor-made home exercise programme
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Treatment with manual therapies and electrotherapy as required
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Expert advice and support between appointments
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