Whether you compete at local level, 5* eventing or going for the occasional hack round the countryside, Physiotherapy is important for the health and wellbeing of all horses
Equine Physiotherapy sessions are undertaken at your home/ yard address. Sessions take approximately 1 hour. The cost for equine Physiotherapy is £70 for the initial appointment which usually takes just over an hour, all reviews and routine checks after this are £65 plus travel cost (see price list). You will receive a report giving details of the session by email following your horses treatment. A copy is also sent to your vet for their records after initial assessment and also on review if there is anything of concern. Veterinary consent will be obtained for all horses prior to assessment as per legal requirement set out by the Veterinary surgeons act 1966. Routine checks do not need veterinary consent but must be registered with a vet.
When can Physiotherapy be used?
horses in almost all cases can benefit from Physiotherapy but here are a few examples of common issues treated and why you may need a physio:
✔️Routine checks
✔️Pre and post injury/ surgery checks
✔️pre and post event checks
✔️strengthening programmes
✔️muscle soreness/ injury
✔️wound healing
✔️arthritis
✔️tendon injury
✔️performance issues
Assessment
Assessment of your horse starts with gaining information on booking. When you book an appointment a link to an online form will be sent for you to complete with information about your horses current issues (if any) and his general routine and care. At the appointment the horse is observed for any obvious signs of conformational abnormalities, wounds, swelling etc. The horse will be observed walked and trotted up ideally on flat hard ground, observed on the lunge in an arena and depending on the issue also seen under saddle. A physical examination then takes place which includes spinal and joint motion, basic neurological examination, observation of hoof balance, basic saddle fit check and bridle check if required. The horse is then palpated over the whole body to check for heat, swelling, tension, pain, trigger points etc which helps to formulate a plan of appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Following assessment a problem list can be created to note what needs to be treated. This could be poor spinal movement, muscle soreness, scar tissue and core weakness. Treatment options include: joint mobilisation, massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, muscle stimulation (electro therapy machine), laser, red light therapy, electromagnetic therapy, ultrasound, taping, polework, stretches, core strengthening exercises and rehabilitation programmes to follow
After care
Following treatment it is advised to allow your horse 24hrs off with as much turnout as possible (unless on restricted turnout or box rest) to allow your horse to move freely. Depending on the horses issue and treatment provided, especially with a lot of release work it is beneficial to allow the horse to adjust before being worked again. If your horse is particularly sore a follow up check is advised within the next 2-4 weeks. If there are no particular issues of concern a review is advised every 4-6 months depending on the level of work and any underlying medical issues your horse may have. Horses on a rehabilitation programme following injury or surgery will require regular follow ups during this time which can range from every 2 weeks to every 4-6 weeks depending on progress until they have recovered. Exercises and advise is given for all horses depending on their individual needs.
Peak Performance Veterinary Physiotherapy 