WHAT IS VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY?
"Physical therapy, known as Physiotherapy, provided by trained therapists promote, maintain or restore health through physical examination, intervention, rehabilitation, education, prevention and health promotion.
We work alongside vets, riders, coaches, farriers and other paraprofessionals to help reduce pain, improve mobility and prevent recurrence of injury, as well as help maintain peak health and performance of animals."
Physiotherapy treatment has countless benefits for all equines, from leisure to competition. Just some of these benefits include;
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reduced pain & inflammation
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improved range of motion
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increased proprioception
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improved core stability
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reduced healing time of soft tissue structures
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increased muscle mass
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increased flexibility.
As well as helping in competition maintenance, physiotherapy can support veterinary treatment of conditions such as:
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tendon/ligament injuries
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osteoarthritis
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muscle tears/strains
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fractures/splints
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neurological conditions
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overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines)
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sacroiliac (SI) dysfunction.​
What to expect at an Equine Physio Session
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A thorough discussion of your horses history & current concerns
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Static assessment of conformation, muscle condition & symmetry
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Dynamic assessment including advanced digital AI gait analysis through Sleip
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Palpation of muscles & soft tissues
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Testing the range of motion of joints
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Analysing posture, core stability, strength & flexibility
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Specific orthopaedic/neurological tests if necessary
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Lunging and/or ridden assessment when required.
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The findings from this assessment form the foundations of every treatment plan, meaning each treatment is completely unique and tailor-made to ensure the very best for your horse.
Objective Gait Analysis with Sleip
Sleip, gait analysis software, is designed to monitor the performance and welfare of horses. It uses motion analysis technology to assess the gait of horses, aiding therapists and veterinarians to identify asymmetrical movement patterns.
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Highlight subtle asymmetries that can be missed by the naked eye, providing detailed reports and insights.
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Data can be shared amongst your professional team and will assist in making informed decisions about training, conditioning exercises, rehabilitation progress, and overall management
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Monitoring tool to know what's normal for your horse and detect changes early
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​Easy to get data by just videoing your horse trot up in a straight line and on a circle lunging. You can also record at any time using your own iPhone through the app and receive a full gait analysis report back. A monthly subscription available with unlimited uploads for one or multiple horses from £15/month or PAYG for £25.
Electrotherapies
Scientifically backed electrotherapies may be suggested to complement and enhance the manual techniques or be used to deliver the most efficient and optimal results.
Why use electrotherapies?
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Treat at deeper levels than manual therapy alone
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Warm up tissues & joints prior to mobilisations
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Pain relief to sensitive horses prior to treatment
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Stimulate cell metabolism & regeneration of damaged tissues for enhanced healing
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Increase circulation & blood flow, therefore bringing oxygen and nutrients for healing/recovery to the area
Modalities provided by PAP
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INDIBA Radiofrequency Therapy
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*LASER (3b & 4) Therapy
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H-wave muscular stimulation
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*NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
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*FMBs Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy (PMFT) rug
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K-Taping
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*Equine Training Bands resistance band system
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*PAP clients are able to hire these items as part of a rehab program or for competitions.