|
|
 |
 |
|
|
WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP MY HORSE? |
|
|
CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP MY HORSE?
Soft tissue injuries involving muscle tendon, joint capsule or ligament can be treated successfully with physiotherapy if used correctly and at the right time. Physiotherapy can also aid in the rehabilitation process following orthopaedic surgery. Both spinal and peripheral conditions respond well to physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is not an alternative but often an essential adjunct to conventional veterinary medicine. Treatment in the early stages after injury is most beneficial and therefore prompt referral to the physiotherapist from the veterinary surgeon is recommended.
PHYSIOTHERAPY MAY BE AN OPTION IF YOUR HORSE SHOWS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
SCHOOLING ISSUES
Stiffness and resistance
Napping, rearing & bucking
Hollowing and lack of engagement
Incorrect lead or disunited in canter
Deterioration in performance
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Cold Backed
Saddle related problems
Uneven shoe wear
Muscle imbalance/atrophy
Abnormal behaviour
Horses working at all levels will benefit from physiotherapy to assist in improving mobility and maximise performance, as will older horses that may suffer from problems relating to degenerative joint disease and poor mobility.
PHYSIOTHERAPY MAY ALSO BE OF BENEFIT IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES
Performance Horses
• Screening for potential problems
• Pre and Post competition to maximise performance
• Following injury to enhance recovery
Compensatory Problems
Horses may develop an adaptive gait or backpain secondary to conformational abnormalities, or to a primary lameness such as navicular, bone spavin or degenerative joint disease. Physiotherapy, alongside active rehabilitation can assist in restoring function following veterinary intervention.
Soft Tissue Injury
• Wound Healing
• Tendon & Ligament Injury
• Cosmetic Blemishes
Victoria Spalding has been practising since 1992, she is a Chartered Physiotherapist and a Category A member of ACPAT. In 2002 Victoria completed the very first MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy course, passing with Merit, at the Royal Veterinary College, London.
Victoria has spent six years on the ACPAT committee, holding the post of public relations officer. In this role she has spoken at seminars and club meetings, written for magazines and given demonstrations at road shows, with the aim of raising the profile of Animal Physiotherapy in both the public and veterinary field.
In accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, all treatments given is done so with veterinary approval.
|
 |
|
