Why choose veterinary physiotherapy?
Despite centuries of service, evolution has not equipped the horse to carry a rider whilst performing movements such as jumping nor to pull heavy machinery without some help. Every horse is an athlete. A veterinary physiotherapists role is to support you and your horse to reach your goals, regardless of what they are.
Veterinary physiotherapy is often part of an animal’s health routine, alongside conventional medicine as part of a holistic, multidisciplinary team benefiting a wide variety of issues, including poor performance.
Physiotherapists provide treatments for horses, dogs, farm and other small animals but the majority of my clients are horses, including performance horses. Treatments take place in the home environment or during competition.
Treatment modalities include manual therapy such as massage, stretching, joint mobilisations, myofascial release, acupressure and electrotherapies. Based on individual need electrotherapies may include LASER (class 3b), therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, NMES and/or PEMF.
In November 2020, the RCVS released guidance which outlined that musculoskeletal therapists would not have to seek veterinary referral for maintenance care. As such, veterinary referral will be required for patients currently under the care of a veterinarian for an ongoing condition.
How can veterinary physiotherapy help?
Veterinary physiotherapists combine clinical palpation with gait analysis to create unique treatment programmes to enhance performance and overall wellbeing. The veterinary physiotherapist can detect and fix subtle changes to musculoskeletal framework, reducing the chance of injury.
Recognised as adjacent to veterinary treatment; veterinary physiotherapists can help to reduce pain and inflammation levels. This can help your animal recover from injury, building flexibility and range of motion while working towards developing strength and improving performance.
A veterinary physiotherapist as part of your holistic team will help you identify any musculoskeletal problems early. By continually assessing horses statically and dynamically while working with you to develop a training and fitness plan right for your horse, we work together to develop strength, and suppleness whilst avoiding injury.
For sports horses it is essential to be in peak physical condition. We work closely with elite horses and riders, both at home and at competitions plus your vet, farrier, saddler and trainer to work through your season for maximum success.
Following injury or surgical intervention, veterinary physiotherapy can aid recovery through pain management while restoring function through a rehabilitation programme.
For prevention. For recovery. For performance.
What are the benefits of veterinary physiotherapy?
Horses are generally excellent at hiding pain. Regular veterinary physiotherapy can identify imbalances, reduced movement and muscular tension so that small issues do not become a problem. Physiotherapy will also help maintain freedom of movement and joint mobility while helping those with confirmation issues stay sound and happy.
Some of the common issues which are addressed with treatment include:
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Correct movement - this is important in competition but essential for maintaining a sound horse. Avoiding or removing compensatory patterns which are compromising correct, natural movement is a key in avoiding injury and strain and promoting correct movement.
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Better physical condition - an animal with better strength, mobility and flexibility will have improved joint range and muscle balance so they are likely to be able to move more easily and efficiently, consequently performing better.
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Reduced recovery time - veterinary physiotherapy supports rehabilitation and a reduction in recovery time following an injury. It can relieve pain and stiffness while helping prevent longer-term secondary compensations resulting from gait pattern changes or residual muscle weakness.
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Supporting performance - treatments for horses in hard work or competing at a higher level help maximise athletic performance and maintain physical condition. I work closely with riders as a part of their team to help keep competition horses supple, flexible and strong.
Please contact me on +44 7771 367021 to discuss your needs or book an appointment.