Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is well-established as an effective intervention across almost every equine musculoskeletal condition. Where acupuncture is clinically indicated it can be integrated within or alongside the rehabilitation programme.

 

Rehabilitation physiotherapy can be of particular benefit in:

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• Pain, tension and restriction in the neck and the back

• Impinging dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines)

• Sacroiliac and lumbar disorders

• Arthritis

• Osteochondrosis

• Tendinopathies (tendon disorders)

• Desmopathies (ligament disorders) including proximal suspensory desmopathy

• Neuropathies (nerve dysfunction)

• Muscle disorders including strains, tears and atrophy

Electrotherapies and acupuncture can support tissue healing in specific contexts:

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• Myofascial trigger points

• Wounds

• Bone healing

• Muscle repair

• Tendons and ligament recovery

• Neurologic atrophy

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Horses on box rest – whether due to laminitis, fracture or post-surgical recovery – can benefit significantly from physiotherapy and acupuncture to manage pain, promote specific healing, maintain muscle condition and support progressive return to work.

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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.