The importance & essence of physiotherapy for your horse

Physiotherapy is a hollistic approach, based on the use of physical stimuli, that focuses on the prevention and treatment of complaints in your horse's musculoskeletal system; but also of the consequences these complaints can have on his/her entire movement and well-being.

Pain is relieved, movement and posture improved, performance optimised; which, not only, has a positive influence on your horse's general wellbeing and behaviour, but also on his/her cooperation with the rider.

An imbalance between load and strain capacity causes physical complaints or injuries that lead to behavioural changes and reduced performance of your horse. Strain can occur suddenly due to an incorrect movement or gradually over a longer period of time.

Because horses are masters of compensating, they will adapt their movement patterns to avoid pain and discomfort. This causes muscle tension, trigger points and (chronic) muscle contractures. If left untreated, these movement restrictions can lead to joint blockages and greatly restrict mobility. The resulting altered strain on tendons and ligaments can also cause problems. 

It is therefore very important to detect and remedy disorders in time to prevent more serious problems.

Physiotherapy can be used for: 

• Muscular problems
• Tendon injuries
• Neck and Back Problems 
• Joint and age-related complaints
• Riding problems
• Rehabilitation & training
• Coaching of sport horses
• Wound healing & scars
• Neurological disorders
• Pre & Post-operative
• Chronic conditions, palliative care

An initial consultation starts with a physiotherapeutic examination.

First, a comprehensive anamnesis identifies the exact complaints, injury history, training status and other relevant issues.

This is followed by an inspection in stance, examining conformation, posture, musculature, asymmetry and other prominent features. The entire horse's body is also inspected for tension, pain, swelling and heat.

Next is a dynamic movement examination in which the horse's motion is examined on different surfaces and in different gaits.

Which is followed by a passive movement examination in which the mobility of the joints individually, the flexibility of the muscles and any pain reactions are tested.

If indicated, some neurological tests may also be performed, or the horse may be asked to be shown under saddle, paying attention to the horse's tack, use of its body and influence of the rider.

Based on the findings obtained from this examination, an individual treatment plan is then set up in consultation with the rider, owner or referring veterinarian.

If necessary, referrals will be made to other professionals; such as a veterinary specialist, farrier, dentist or saddle fitter.

Then the actual treatment is carried out.

Preventive treatment can be used to prevent symptoms and their consequences, for example as part of training guidance for sport horses, or for recreational and older horses to improve their well-being, health and comfort.

Curatively, treatment focuses on promoting recovery from injury, reducing pain and improving physical fitness & performance.

The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the problem. In most cases, one to four sessions are sufficient, sometimes daily application for longer periods may be necessary.

Depending on your horse's needs, I use various treatment techniques:

Massotherapy

Massage is found pleasant by most horses and has a calming effect.

The release of endorphins relieves pain making it easier for the horse to relax and let go, which promotes introduction of other techniques. Therefore, treatment is usually started with it.

The blood and oxygen supply to the muscles is stimulated while waste products are removed more quickly.

Muscle contractures, trigger points, rigidity and adhesions are loosened, making the tissue more flexible and increasing freedom of movement. Lymphatic circulation is also positively affected.

Various massage techniques are used including Sports massage, Jack Meagher, Accupressure, Deep tissue, Myofascial relaease, Guasha, Scar massage and Manual lymphatic drainage.

Mobilization & Stretching

To improve suppleness, mobility and stability.

Can be performed both passively (by me) and actively (by the horse). With small repetitive movements throughout a joint's range of motion, the distribution of joint fluid is promoted, allowing them to move more smoothly.

Stretching keeps muscles & tendons supple and at length. Any formed scar tissue is gently stretched allowing tissue to work more functionally. Connective tissue becomes stronger and can handle greater tensile forces.

Manual therapy

Specific treatment of joints trough mobilization and manipulation to improve biomechanics. This form of therapy also includes treatment of connective tissue.

Thermotherapy

Both heat and cold can be used depending on the indications at that moment.
Heat promotes circulation and has a relaxing effect on tissue and musculature. Cold will reduce swelling and inhibit inflammation.
Both therapies also have an analgesic effect.

Kinesio taping

Has a positive effect on various tissues in the body and can be used for: injuries, pain, high muscle tension, oedema, bruising, but also to improve body awareness; by influencing posture and use of the body, thereby supporting muscle and joint function and promoting muscle development.

Balance pads

Balance pads stimulate body awareness. By standing on the balance pads, the deeper, postural musculature is engaged and the horses receive a lot of neural input that influences core stability.

Due to the constant destabilisation on the unstable surface, the horses have to constantly adjust their muscle tone to maintain their balance.

Therapeutic exercise therapy

Aims to prevent and treat complaints resulting from incorrect posture and movement patterns.
Using targeted mobilising, stabilising and muscle-strengthening exercises, movement and posture are corrected and optimised.

Electrotherapy (TENS, NMES, Mid frequency)
For pain relief, muscle stimulation and promoting blood and lymph circulation

Finally, the rider/owner receives advice aimed at prevention and successful recovery.
This may include adjustments for management, training, riding technique, tack and nutrition.
Teamwork makes the dream work! Cooperation of the rider/owner is indispensable to achieve good results.

The goal of physiotherapy is to prevent musculoskeletal complaints and their consequences, promote recovery from injury and relieve pain; to optimise the horse's health, well-being, overall movement and performance.

Attention!

Equi 'n sync is not a veterinarian, does not diagnose and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Physiotherapy does, however, complement this!