Equine Physiotherapy
Horses, like us, can regularly tweak and strain muscles which may require a physiotherapist input. Veterinary physiotherapy is not just for competition horses, all horses can benefit whether they are a companion, show horse, working horse or athlete. Veterinary physiotherapy can help to improve muscle tone, symmetry, joint range of motion, and provide pain relief. It is also a great adjunct to performance maintenance, ensuring they stay in tip top condition, and any subtle problems are detected early before they impact performance and become a more chronic problem.
What to expect during a session
Once a full history has been taken, a thorough initial assessment will be carried out. This consists of a static and dynamic gait assessment to look for any asymmetries, abnormalities or offloading. You may also be asked to lunge the horse on a soft surface and possibly ride. A saddle check may also be carried out. Following the gait analysis, palpation will be used to assess the soft tissue and identify any muscular imbalances. Joint range of motion will also be assessed.
The results of this initial assessment then help to formulate a targeted and effective treatment plan which will include:
manual techniques
electrotherapies
home exercise prescription tailored to your horses needs
Veterinary Consent and Referral Form
In accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, it is a legal requirement for Veterinary Physiotherapists to obtain veterinary consent prior to the treatment of any animal. This does not mean that your animal has to see their vet prior to a physiotherapy appointment. The form below provides Avondale Veterinary Physiotherapy with information about you and your pet. Once we receive the form from you, it will then be emailed directly to your veterinarian to gain consent for your animal to receive physiotherapy. Alternatively, you can forward the form to your vet yourself, then return to us upon completion.
Signs that your horse may require physiotherapy include:
Reluctance to be tacked up and mounted
Changes in behaviour and temperament
Loss of performance
Lack of willingness to work or move forward
Rearing, bucking and napping
Poor impulsion and engagement
Stopping at jumps
Lameness
Stiffness
Shortened stride
Saddle slip
Head shaking
Unable to strike off on correct canter lead
Uneven shoe wear
Uneven or loss of muscle tone/mass
Tripping/ stumbling
Brushing of limbs
Common conditions, problems or injuries that physiotherapy can help with include:
Neck, back and pelvis pain
Tendon and ligament injuries
Fractures
Muscle sprain, strains, tears and bruising
Wounds and scar tissue
Soft tissue injuries and haematomas
Muscle imbalance or asymmetries
Nerve injuries
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Performance maintenance
Splints and swellings
Bone spavin
Behavioural issues
Back problems (e.g. kissing spines)
Lameness
Joint problems