Golden Vet Physio

Horses and ponies may be referred for physiotherapy for a variety of reasons, most commonly related to musculoskeletal issues or performance-related concerns. Here are some common scenarios where a physiotherapist might be involved:

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1. Lameness or Gait Abnormalities

• Lameness: If a horse is showing signs of lameness (limping, unwillingness to bear weight on a limb, etc.), physiotherapy can help address underlying muscular, tendinous, or joint issues.

• Gait irregularities: When a horse is not moving symmetrically or has an altered stride, physiotherapy can assist in restoring a normal gait pattern, whether it’s from a compensatory injury or weakness.

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2. Injury Recovery

• Soft Tissue Injuries: After strains, sprains, or tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments, physiotherapy helps in rehabilitation and supports tissue healing.

• Fractures or Surgery Recovery: Physiotherapy is often recommended post-surgery to help a horse regain muscle strength, flexibility, and function after breaking a bone or undergoing a surgical procedure.

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3. Pain Management

• Chronic Pain: Horses suffering from chronic pain, such as back pain or joint stiffness, may benefit from physiotherapy techniques like massage, joint mobilisations, and thermal therapies to reduce discomfort and improve quality of movement.

• Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease: Older horses or those with arthritis can have physiotherapy sessions to help manage pain, increase mobility, and improve muscle strength.

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4. Performance Optimisation

• Improving Performance: Competitive horses (e.g., racehorses, show jumpers, dressage horses) can be referred for physiotherapy to enhance their performance by improving flexibility, strength, and overall movement efficiency.

• Movement Dysfunction: Sometimes, physiotherapy helps horses perform better by correcting subtle movement dysfunctions or stiffness that may not be obvious at first glance but affect their performance.

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5. Postural Issues

• Poor Posture: Horses with poor posture (often from compensating for an injury or imbalance) may have tension in certain muscle groups. Physiotherapy helps realign the body and relieve pressure from certain areas.

• Muscle Imbalance: Uneven muscle development or strength can lead to postural problems or poor movement patterns. Physiotherapy can help address muscle imbalances to improve overall movement.

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6. Rehabilitation After Surgery

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After surgeries like colic surgery or orthopaedic operations, physiotherapy helps speed recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and preventing atrophy in muscles that have been immobilised.

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7. Prevention of Future Injuries

• Pre-habilitation: Horses that are at higher risk of injury due to their workload, age, or conformation may benefit from physiotherapy as a preventative measure to avoid strain or injury.

• Building Strength & Flexibility: Regular physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the likelihood of future problems and promoting longevity in the horse’s performance.

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8. Neurological or Neuromuscular Conditions

• Loss of Coordination: Horses with neurological conditions may show signs of poor coordination or difficulty in movement. Physiotherapy can help retrain the body and improve coordination.

• Muscle Weakness: In cases where neurological problems result in muscle weakness or instability, physiotherapy helps improve muscle tone and strength.

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9. Behavioural Issues

• Unwillingness to Work: Sometimes horses resist certain movements or work because of discomfort they may not immediately show (e.g., pain from muscle tightness or stiffness). Physiotherapy can help address the root cause and restore comfort, making them more willing to work.

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10. Older Horses (Geriatric Care)

• Age-Related Changes: Older horses may experience stiffness, muscle atrophy, and arthritis. Physiotherapy can help manage these age-related changes, keeping them comfortable and mobile for longer.

• Mobility and Flexibility: Physiotherapy assists in maintaining mobility in senior horses, allowing them to stay active without excessive pain.