Top Benefits of Equine Physiotherapy for Horses

Horse owners are always looking for ways to support their animal's health and well-being. One effective approach gaining popularity is equine physiotherapy. This specialised therapy helps horses recover from injuries, improve mobility, and maintain peak performance. In this post, the top benefits of equine physiotherapy and why it is a valuable tool for horse owners and veterinarians alike will be discussed.

Understanding the Key Equine Physiotherapy Benefits

Equine physiotherapy offers many advantages that contribute to a horse’s overall health. It focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and preventing future injuries. Here are some of the main benefits I have observed:

• Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Physiotherapy techniques such as stretching and joint mobilisation help horses regain and maintain a full range of motion. This is especially important for horses recovering from injury or those with stiffness due to age or workload.

  
  

• Pain Relief: Targeted treatments reduce muscle tension and inflammation. This can alleviate discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis, tendon injuries, or back pain.

  
  

• Enhanced Performance: Regular physiotherapy sessions can improve muscle strength and balance. This supports better coordination and endurance, which is crucial for competition horses.

  
  

• Faster Recovery: After surgery or injury, physiotherapy speeds up healing by promoting blood flow and tissue repair. It also helps prevent complications like muscle atrophy.

  
  

• Prevention of Injuries: By identifying and addressing muscle imbalances or weaknesses early, physiotherapy reduces the risk of future injuries.

  
  

There are two main candidates for equine physiotherapy:

1. The Rehabilitation and Recovery Horse - These horses need veterinary referral. The physiotherapist will often work closely with other paraprofessionals for best results.

2. The Performance Horse - The physiotherapist will target areas of tension and imbalance for optimised performance. These candidates do not need veterinary referral.

   
   

In both cases, the physiotherapist may prescribe changes to the horses routine and home environment to maximise biomechanics.

Horse undergoing physiotherapy in a stable

Use Alongside or as an Alternative to Traditional Veterinary Medicine

• Physiotherapy is a good alternative to traditional corticosteroid injections, for which there is growing evidence towards harmful long term affects for repeated use [1]

• Physiotherapy can also be used for pain management with minimal adverse affects. This can be used alongside or alternatively to traditional medication like bute (phenylbutazone) and other NSAIDs, which can cause GI issues and affect kidney function.

• By treating with physiotherapy, we are not only masking pain but also improving the root of the issue. This helps with longevity and continued mobility of the horse.

How Physiotherapy Supports Rehabilitation and Recovery

When a horse suffers an injury, the recovery process can be long and challenging. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by:

1. Assessing the Injury: A physiotherapist evaluates the horse’s movement and identifies areas of pain or restriction.

   
   

2. Creating a Tailored Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the therapist designs exercises and manual therapies suited to the horse’s specific needs.

   
   

3. Implementing Therapeutic Techniques: These may include massage, stretching, electrotherapies, and controlled exercise.

   
   

4. Monitoring Progress: Regular sessions allow adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring steady improvement.

   
   

For example, a horse with a tendon injury benefits from gentle stretching and controlled walking exercises to rebuild strength without overloading the damaged tissue. This careful approach prevents setbacks and promotes a safe return to work.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Physiotherapy into Horse Care

If you are interested in including physiotherapy in your horse’s routine, here are some practical steps to follow:

• Consult a Specialist: Always work with a qualified equine physiotherapist who understands horse anatomy and movement. Physiotherapist's at Stridewise are registered with the NAVP.

  
  

• Vet Referral: Many physiotherapists work closely with veterinarians to ensure treatments complement medical care - therefore it may be neccessary to ask your vet to fill in a referral form.

  
  

• Regular Sessions: Consistency is key. Schedule sessions based on your horse’s condition and workload.

  
  

• Home Exercises: Your therapist may recommend simple exercises you can do at home to maintain progress.

  
  

• Monitor Changes: Keep a journal of your horse’s behaviour, movement, and any signs of discomfort.

  
  

• Balanced Workload: Combine physiotherapy with appropriate exercise and rest to avoid overtraining.

  
  

By following these guidelines, you can maximise the benefits of physiotherapy and support your horse’s long-term health.

Kinesiology tape applied to a horse leg during a physiotherapy session

Why Choose Stridewise - Specialist Veterinary Physiotherapy in County Waterford?

• Expert Knowledge: Specialists have in-depth training in equine anatomy, pathology, and rehabilitation techniques.

  
  

• Advanced Equipment: They use modern tools such as laser therapy to enhance treatment outcomes.

  
  

• Collaborative Care: Working alongside vets ensures a holistic approach to your horse’s health.

  
  

• Personalised Plans: Treatments are customised to the horse’s age, breed, discipline, and injury history.

  
  

• Improved Quality of Life: Specialist care helps horses recover fully and maintain comfort throughout their lives.

  
  

Supporting Your Horse’s Wellbeing with Physiotherapy

Incorporating physiotherapy into your horse’s care routine is a proactive way to maintain health and prevent problems. Whether your horse is young and active or older and recovering from injury, physiotherapy offers valuable support. It helps maintain muscle balance, joint health, and overall fitness.

Remember, early intervention is key. If you notice signs of stiffness, lameness, or discomfort, seek advice promptly. A physiotherapist can assess your horse and recommend treatments that prevent minor issues from becoming serious.

By investing in physiotherapy, you invest in your horse’s future. This approach not only improves physical health but also enhances comfort and happiness.

References

1. McIlwraith CW, Lattermann C. Intra-articular Corticosteroids for Knee Pain-What Have We Learned from the Equine Athlete and Current Best Practice. J Knee Surg. 2019 Jan;32(1):9-25. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676449. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30562835.