What to expect before, during and after an animal physiotherapy session
Every animal is unique and has different requirements so treatment plans are always tailored to meet their needs.
Before
The process begins with a telephone call to chat about your animal and discuss the reason for needing treatment. If it is for any reason other than maintenance, a referral from your vet will be needed prior to treatment.
I will try to fit in with a convenient time in your horses daily routine, when they will be settled in a barn or stable.
On the day
Please ensure your horse is clean and dry prior to treatment with clean legs, feet picked out and wearing a head collar with lead rope available. If I attend an appointment and am unable to provide treatment due to the horse being wet and/or muddy, the full treatment cost is still due.
Please be honest about your horse’s nature and/or willingness to be handled. I will always do my best to treat your horse however if I feel the situation is too dangerous I reserve the right to stop at any time and the full treatment cost is still due.
During
During the session itself, we will start by talking about your animals history and assessing your horse, both statically and dynamically, looking for subtle abnormalities and compensations. In some cases I will ask to see the horse on the lunge and under saddle. I will then use hands-on palpation to gain a more thorough picture of how they feel and determine where treatment will be targeted, this includes testing their joint range of movement through their neck, back and limbs.
I'll create a bespoke treatment plan consisting mainly of manual therapies including soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, myofascial release, massage, trigger point release and acupressure as necessary. Treatment may also include electrotherapies where deemed necessary and it is likely some exercises will be set as homework for you to do with your horse.
On performing an initial assessment, where treatment is not deemed appropriate, I may ask to refer your horse back to your vet for further assessment before treatment.
After
Most horses will need at least one day off after treatment.
A treatment report will be sent or given to you for your records, this can also be sent to your vet on request. Please call with any questions or concerns you may have between visits.