Services
Equilibre offers equine veterinary physiotherapy and veterinary acupuncture, delivered by a practitioner who is dual-qualified in both veterinary medicine and veterinary physiotherapy. Every service begins with a thorough clinical assessment informed by veterinary medical training – distinguishing primary pathology from secondary dysfunction before any treatment begins.
The goal is always restoration: of movement, of comfort, of freedom.
Equine veterinary physiotherapy
Veterinary physiotherapy is a physical therapy that aims to restore, maintain or maximise movement and physical function. At Equilibre we believe that correct movement can only be achieved through balance within the musculoskeletal system and freedom from pain.
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 reduce the risks of injury.
At Equilibre, physiotherapy is informed at every stage by veterinary medical assessment – identifying what is happening clinically before determining how to address it.
Services are organised around three clinical goals:
Treatment sessions
Every horse presents a unique set of issues and every owner/rider has a unique set of goals. This means that all treatment plans are bespoke to the individual. A mixture of manual techniques and, if indicated, electrotherapies and/or acupuncture will be used. Exercises will be prescribed for the owner/trainer to continue beyond the physiotherapy session.
Assessment
A detailed history followed by a full and thorough clinical assessment is essential to understand the often complex issues involved.
Every new case begins with a full clinical examination, including detailed history, musculoskeletal palpation, passive range of joint motions, muscle symmetry, conformation and static posture assessment. Dynamic assessment includes lameness and gait adaptation evaluation in hand, on the lunge/long lines or ridden as appropriate.
As veterinary surgeon, Lorna is uniquely placed to identify and understand underlying clinical pathology driving musculoskeletal dysfunction.
She works closely with each owner to understand their specific concerns and future goals to provide a tailored and bespoke physiotherapeutic plan.
Manual therapies
Manual therapies are tailored to the unique requirements of each horse and will typically include a combination of:
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Targeted massage techniques
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Myofascial release techniques
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Passive range of motion exercises
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Joint mobilisations
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Targeted stretching
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Dynamic mobilisation exercises
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Manual trigger point therapy
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Cryotherapy - heat and cold
Typically a patient will benefit from repeated application of these techniques and, where appropriate, the owner, trainer or groom will be clearly taught how to perform relevant techniques safely to enhance their horse’s progression.
Electrotherapies
Electrotherapies are used where clinically indicated and where there is robust evidence for their efficacy. At Equilibre they are never used to fulfil client expectation or follow trends – clinical indication and evidence base are the only criteria.
The modalities we find most useful in select patients are:
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Laser – particularly useful for neutralisation of myofascial trigger points and for promoting optimum tissue healing, including wounds
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PEMT – particularly useful for sacroiliac pathologies, pain management and optimising tissue and fracture healing
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H wave – Oedema and lymphatic drainage, chronic pain management, muscle re-education, circulation
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NMES – particularly useful for neurological atrophy
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TENS – particularly useful for short term pain management
Rehabilitation plans
Physiotherapy is a process. Restoration of full movement potential requires structured progression. The work begins during a treatment session and continues at home with the rider or trainer.
Each rehabilitation plan is bespoke, taking into account individual pathology, clinical findings and the owner's goals.
Exercise prescription is central to every plan. Targeted exercises are clearly explained to owners, riders and trainers for continuation between sessions and include:
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Targeted tretching
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Dynamic mobilisation exercises
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Progressive exercise
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Polework
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School figurework
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Strategic use of training aids where appropriate
Veterinary acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture is offered at Equilibre as both a standalone treatment and as an integrated component of a physiotherapy programme, depending on the clinical needs of the individual patient.
Acupuncture at Equilibre based on western veterinary acupuncture principles – grounded in neurophysiology, anatomy and evidence-based clinical practice, and delivered by a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Western veterinary acupuncture works through the stimulation of specific anatomical points – primarily using fine needles – to produce physiological effects including pain modulation, muscle relaxation and promotion of healing. The mechanisms are understood through modern neuroscience: stimulation of peripheral nerves, release of endogenous opioids and modulation of the central nervous system's pain processing pathways.
Because acupuncture constitutes an act of veterinary surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, it can only be performed legally by a qualified and registered veterinary surgeon. At Equilibre, acupuncture is delivered by Lorna in her capacity as a veterinary surgeon – a legal and clinical distinction that matters.
Clinical indications
Veterinary acupuncture may be indicated across a wide range of conditions, including:
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Musculoskeletal pain – back, neck, sacroiliac and limb
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Myofascial trigger points – as a standalone treatment or alongside manual therapy
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Chronic pain and palliative care – including arthritis and degenerative conditions
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Neurological conditions – nerve pain and neurogenic muscle atrophy
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Post-surgical pain management and recovery
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Poor performance where pain is a contributing factor
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Anxiety and tension – where musculoskeletal pain is a driver
Acupuncture is most effective as part of an integrated treatment approach. Where appropriate, it is combined with physiotherapy, manual therapy and rehabilitation exercise to produce the most complete clinical outcome.
What to expect
An acupuncture session begins with a clinical assessment to establish the treatment plan and identify appropriate points. Fine sterile single use needles are placed at selected anatomical locations and doses applied through needle stimulation. Most horses tolerate acupuncture well and many show signs of relaxation during treatment. Common responses include muscle twitching at the needle site, lowering of the head, relaxation of facial muscles and a generally calm, settled demeanour. Some horses become noticeably drowsy during treatment – this is a positive sign.
Session length varies depending on the number of points used and the horse's response. A clinical plan will be discussed following each session, including recommended frequency and integration with any concurrent physiotherapy programme.
Electroacupuncture – coming soon
Electroacupuncture – in which a gentle electrical current is applied through acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation – will be introduced to the Equilibre treatment offering later this year. This extends the clinical application of acupuncture, particularly for chronic pain and neurological conditions. Existing clients will be notified when this service becomes available.
Veterinary framework
Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the diagnosis and treatment of animals – including the giving of advice based on this – are acts of veterinary surgery, to be performed only by qualified and registered veterinary surgeons. Musculoskeletal therapists work as part of a vet-led team under veterinary direction.
At Equilibre, Lorna is both a qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) and a qualified veterinary physiotherapist (MNAVP, MRAMP). This means every assessment is made within a full veterinary medical framework – with the authority to diagnose, treat and refer without the need for a separate veterinary consultation.
For horses receiving active treatment for a clinical condition, Lorna will – with the owner's permission – liaise directly with the horse's own veterinary surgeon to ensure continuity of clinical care. This is standard practice and a reflection of the collaborative approach that produces the best outcomes for patients.