An In-depth look into Equine Physiotherapy in Australia
You’ve possibly heard about equine physiotherapy, or equine physical therapy, but aren’t quite sure what it involves.
Is it something that may benefit your horse?
When would you need to consider it?
How will it help your horse?
If you’re wondering about all these things and more, read on…
Equine physiotherapy is a type of equine therapy, performed by trained specialists, that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and movement-related issues in horses.
Notably, it involves the use of physical manipulative techniques designed to heal, and improve, the horse’s range of motion, flexibility, and overall performance.
It helps treat injuries and to prevent future ones.
Common Techniques Used in Equine Physiotherapy
Equine physiotherapists typically collaborate with trainers, owners, and equine healthcare professionals to plan and develop treatment schedules.
These treatment plans are always based on the individual requirements of the horse concerned.
They use a range of equine physio techniques, depending on the treatment required, and the desired outcome of the therapy. Some of these may sound familiar if you’ve ever had physio yourself!
Manual Therapy
Manual equine physiotherapy is a hands on approach that uses techniques like massage, stretching, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to ease muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and boost overall musculoskeletal function.
Equine Physiotherapy Exercises
Specific equine physiotherapy exercises and rehabilitation programs are used to:
· Target and strengthen weak areas,
· Improve the horse’s balance and coordination, and
· Enhance the horse’s overall strength and flexibility.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Cold and heat therapy is a long-standing remedy for a whole host of musculoskeletal conditions including swelling and inflammation (ice therapy) or muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation (heat therapy).
It’s a major part of the reason we enjoy a nice hot bath, or shower, after a hard day!
Equine Hydrotherapy
The benefits of water-based therapies are well documented, and not just for horses! Therapies like underwater treadmill exercises and swimming are beneficial for providing low-impact conditioning.
They’re also valuable for helping rehabilitate horses recovering from injuries or surgery.
Electrical Stimulation
Equine physiotherapists may also use techniques like neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help with pain relief, reduce muscle spasms, and encourage muscle re-education.
Equine Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound waves are able to promote healing, and reduce pain and inflammation in humans.
This technique is widely used in equine physiotherapy for exactly the same benefits.
Laser Therapy
LLLT or low-level laser therapy helps stimulate cellular repair, tissue regrowth and healing, and ease pain.
The Benefits of Equine Physiotherapy For Horses
If you’re wondering what benefits your horse can expect to get from physiotherapy, here are a few of them:
Rehabilitation Benefits for your horse
Certain physiotherapy techniques can play a vitally important role in helping a horse recover from injury, surgery, or even just strenuous training.
Performance Enhancement
Equine physiotherapy can help enhance your horse’s performance and athleticism by improving it musculoskeletal function, increasing its range of motion, and improving its general strength.
Your horse will also feel better afterwards too!
Pain Management for horses
If your horse is dealing with injuries or musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, an equine physical therapist may be able to help.
Injury Prevention
Regular physiotherapy can help spot and treat potential musculoskeletal imbalances or weaknesses before they get worse and progress to the point where the horse may be injured.
Overall Well-being for your horse
Just like we benefit from a good physio session, your horse will too. And for the same reasons… Physio is good for promoting better musculoskeletal health, improving healing in general, and reducing pain and discomfort.
Other Important Things To Know About Equine Physiotherapy
If you thought physio for horses was only useful for treating injuries, think again!
Although it usually is used for that purpose, regular horse physio sessions for your healthy horse can help keep it healthy!
Amongst other things, it can help improve your horse’s range of motion, and its flexibility.
This will help keep your horse supple and less prone to musculoskeletal injuries like sprains and joint problems.
