Equine/ Horse Physiotherapy

Conditions treated

• Back, neck and pelvic pain- including saddle related back pain
• Tendon injury
• Muscle strains/tears
• Joint problems- including arthritis/degenerative joint disease, pain/swelling/stiffness in joints 
• Performance Problems
• Maintenance of high performance (all equine disciplines)
• Compensatory problems due to underlying lameness
• Nerve injuries
• Rehabilitation after surgery
• Rider related problems

The sport horse

The performance horse is an elite athlete. Physiotherapy can help to improve flexibility and mobility pre-competition to improve performance; post competition physiotherapy can enhance tissue recovery. The physiotherapist can also pre-screen for potential problems so to prevent injury and decline of performance.

The injured horse

Following accidents, falls or during training  and competition, horses can develop fractures, wounds, and soft tissue injuries. Following initial veterinary diagnosis, physiotherapy can help with rehabilitation: re-educating muscles to prevent atrophy; reducing pain; enhancing healing and minimising scar tissue; and improving function to restore the horse’s movement and performance.

Prevention of injury

Movement abnormalities can be indicative of orthopaedic conditions, muscle imbalances or other musculoskeletal problems. Physiotherapists are specialised in the assessment of movement and can help to detect such problems while liaising closely with veterinarians who will diagnose if there is any underlying condition.

The older horse