Veterinary Physiotherapy
What's included in a veterinary physiotherapy consultation?
Discussion
To start with your horse's history, temperament & current issues will be discussed. A lot of information can be gathered through discussion alone! We will also talk about your aims & expectations.
Palpation
There is no better way to find out whats going on that getting hands on. Palpation involves a comprehensive assessment of joints, muscles and bony landmarks. This will involve preforming range of motion assessments on all joints (where appropriate).
Static assessment
A static assessment involves assessing your horse's conformation & posture. This indicates a lot about a horse's overall condition & can be referred back to, allowing for changes to be monitored.
Treatment
After your horse has been assessed, any findings will be discussed with you & we will make a plan for treatment & any home adjustments/ exercises. Treatment can include massage, myofascial release, stretching, joint mobilisation exercises & INDIBA treatment.
Dynamic assessment
Your horse will be assessed by walking & trotting in hand, backing up & making small circles (if appropriate). It can be useful to have you tack ready as watching your horse on the lunge or under saddle can help identify certain issues.
Plan
Making a realistic plan for your horse to achieve optimal results will involve home exercises, frequency of treatments & any home adjustments that could be beneficial.
Benefits of veterinary physiotherapy treatment:
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Increased flexibility & suppleness
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Improve posture
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Decrease pain & stiffness
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Increase stride length
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Improve core strength
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Decrease muscle tightness
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Encourage mental relaxation & well being
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Prehabilitation
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Decrease swelling & increase blood flow
Some of the conditions veterinary physiotherapy can help with:
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Osteoarthritis
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Kissing spine
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Tendon & ligament injuries
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Muscle strains
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Sacroiliac joint strain
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Decreased performance