Veterinary physiotherapy is a physical therapy that aims to restore, maintain or maximise movement and physical function. It involves a thorough assessment of your horse – at rest, moving dynamically and through clinical palpation – followed by treatment tailored to their individual needs. → Treatment typically includes a combination of manual therapies and, where clinically indicated, electrotherapies. A structured exercise and rehabilitation plan can be provided for continuation at home between sessions. Read more about our services →

Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions – from post-injury rehabilitation and kissing spines to maintenance of the healthy performance horse. Equine veterinary physiotherapy is used in rehabilitation, maintenance and performance cases to restore, maintain and maximise physical function and movement. At Equilibre we believe that correct movement can only be achieved through freedom from pain and balance within the musculoskeletal system. Effective physiotherapy can help restore musculoskeletal weaknesses and compensations to promote strength, stability and suppleness. Horses will be more comfortable and relaxed – at rest and at work, show improved performance and function, and be more robust to withstand the rigours of exercise and therefore less likely to succumb to injuries. Benefits include: * Reduction of pain, tension and restriction * Improved joint range of motion and spinal flexibility * Restoration of muscle symmetry and core strength * Faster and more complete recovery following injury or surgery * Early identification of sub-clinical issues before they become significant * Improved comfort, way of going and performance

Manual therapies are tailored to each horse and may include: * Targeted massage techniques * Myofascial release * Joint mobilisations * Passive range of motion exercises * Dynamic mobilisation exercises * Targeted stretching * Manual trigger point therapy * Cryotherapy – heat and cold application

Electrotherapies are used only where there is a clear clinical indication and robust evidence for their efficacy. At Equilibre they are never used to fulfil expectation or follow trends. The modalities available are: * Laser therapy (LLLT) – tissue healing, trigger points, wound care * Pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMT) – sacroiliac pathology, pain management, tissue healing * H-Wave – oedema and lymphatic drainage, chronic pain, muscle re-education and circulation * Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) – neurological muscle atrophy, muscle re-education * Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – short-term pain management An additional charge applies for electrotherapy use – see the Prices page for details. View prices →

H-Wave is a patented electrical stimulation device that uses a unique exponential waveform – distinct from standard TENS or NMES devices. It operates at two frequencies: low frequency stimulates gentle muscle contraction to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, while high frequency provides non-fatiguing neural pain relief. It is particularly useful for horses with oedema, post-surgical swelling, chronic musculoskeletal pain and conditions where improving circulation and reducing fluid accumulation is a clinical priority. Many horses find it well-tolerated and relaxing.

Yes, absolutely, physiotherapy is excellent for rehabilitation cases through musculoskeletal restoration. However under The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 only qualified and registered veterinary surgeons can diagnose and treat animals, and give advice based on this, as these are all considered acts of veterinary surgery. This means that, when an animal has pathology (lameness and/or musculoskeletal pain) physiotherapists can only work as part of a vet-led team under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, ie. permission must be given to treat. This is NOT required for provision of maintenance or performance services in healthy animals. At Equilibre, Lorna, our equine veterinary physiotherapist, is also a qualified, registered and practising veterinary surgeon. This makes navigating the legislation considerably easier and gives clients a truly complete approach to musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. As a qualified veterinary surgeon Lorna is legally permitted to make a veterinary assessment and diagnosis. However, for horses receiving active treatment related to a clinical condition, rather than maintenance therapy, Lorna will - with your permission - liaise directly with your own veterinary surgeon to ensure appropriate continuity of clinical care. Read more here.

Yes absolutely, physiotherapy is excellent for maintenance cases. It allows thorough assessment of any early, sub-clinical musculoskeletal niggles, which can then receive appropriate therapy BEFORE they become a significant issue. Specifically it can promote full range of motion through all joints, ensure any areas of muscular tension are addressed before they become a problem and provide a format for appropriate ongoing maintenance exercises.

All three are musculoskeletal therapies but they differ in approach and scope. Physiotherapy considers the whole horse – the entire musculoskeletal system including muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and bone. It aims to restore or maximise movement and function through a combination of manual therapy with exercise prescription and electrotherapy. It is the most broadly applicable discipline for equine rehabilitation, maintenance and performance. Animal chiropractors use chiropractic techniques that have been adapted from human medicine to treat primarily spinal problems as well as other joints. Adjustments are made to spinal areas with decreased range of motion (vertebral subluxation complexes) to induce a therapeutic response. Animal osteopathy similarly uses manual techniques adapted from human osteopathy to manipulate and strengthen the musculoskeletal framework, improving mobility and therefore function. The techniques primarily focus on the joints, muscles and spine, working on the principle that the whole body is interconnected. Both can be valuable for specific presentations. The most important factor in choosing a therapist is not the modality but the practitioner's qualifications, training and professional registration. All musculoskeletal therapists working with horses with pathology must do so under veterinary direction. Read our full guide to choosing a musculoskeletal therapist →

Yes absolutely, physiotherapy is excellent for performance cases to maximise physical function. Modern sports horses are athletes where fully physical function and mobility are vital for every discipline, from dressage horses, to show ponies, to three-day event horses. Physiotherapy can help maximise musculoskeletal performance through correct development of the strength, stability and suppleness required for our elite athletes.

At Equilibre, Lorna, our equine veterinary physiotherapist, is also a qualified, registered and practising veterinary surgeon. This makes navigating the legislation considerably easier and gives clients a truly complete approach to musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. As a qualified veterinary surgeon, Lorna is legally permitted to make a veterinary assessment and diagnosis. For horses receiving active treatment related to a clinical condition, rather than maintenance therapy, Lorna will - with your permission - liaise directly with your own veterinary surgeon to ensure appropriate continuity of clinical care. For maintenance and performance cases in healthy horses, a veterinary referral is not required and you can book directly. If you are unsure whether your horse needs a referral, please get in touch and we can advise. The law The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 ensures that animals are treated by only those who are qualified to do so. This means that the diagnosis and treatment of animals, including the giving of advice based on this, and performance of surgical operations, are ALL are considered acts of veterinary surgery, to be performed ONLY by veterinary surgeons. The Veterinary Surgeons Exemption Order 2015 allows MSK therapists to work as part of a vet-led team. This requires delegation by a veterinary surgeon who has already examined the animal and prescribed the treatment to include MSK therapy. Only if the MSK therapy is for maintenance of a healthy animal, rather than treatment, can an MSK therapist practise without prior referral from a veterinary surgeon.