Back pain
Related to pelvic asymmetry, spinal conditions such as 'kissing-spines', ill-fitting saddle, or secondary to lameness.
Equine conditions treated
Conditions sometimes go unnoticed with horses
Horses, just like us, compensate for pain felt by adopting a way of moving which is less painful. Horses are masters at this, having an innate ability to mask injury stemming from the fact that they are, fundamentally, prey animals.
This can mean that some conditions are unnoticed for quite some time, long enough for changes in muscle and soft tissue to take place. If left unaddressed, these changes can become permanent and performance limiting.
These are some common conditions occurring in horses:
Poor performance
Issues such as bucking, napping, refusing / knocking jumps and changes in temperament can often be due to an underlying musculoskeletal disorder.
Joint problems
Arthritis/DJD, OCD, spavin, navicular syndrome are routinely treated by veterinary surgeons. Physiotherapy is important for rehabilitation in these conditions.
Lameness
Causes are numerous and should be initially investigated by a veterinary surgeon. Compensations developed by the horse due to lameness may be helped by physiotherapy.
Tendon injuries
Research is showing the value of physiotherapy modalities such as low level laser and ultrasound therapy to assist healing and minimise scarring.
Poor saddle fit
Physiotherapists work closely with Master Saddlers assessing saddle fit and advising when changes are required. Resulting symptoms can often be resolved by physiotherapy.
Post surgery
Physiotherapy forms an integral part of the rehabilitation programme required to enable the horse to return to activity.
Wounds
Physiotherapy techniques are beneficial in treating wounds sustained from direct injury, haematomas from kicks and collisions, and in reducing subsequent scar tissue.
