Physiotherapy involves a wide range of techniques which are important in helping animals maintain fitness and/or recover from injury or post surgery. Problems encountered include pain, post-surgical recovery, back problems, spinal and neurological conditions, lameness , age associated conditions such as joint and locomotion issues, obesity and general musculoskeletal conditions.
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After a gait, palpation and range of motion assessment, appropriate treatment methods are chosen including manual therapies, electrotherapies and exercise prescription.
All horses and ponies can benefit from physiotherapy whether competitive or companion by improving muscle tone, bulk, joint range of motion, overall flexibility and movement.
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There may be various signs which could indicate that your horse could benefit from physiotherapy including:
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Changes in behaviour including lethargy
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Bucking or rearing
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Resentment during tacking up
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Favouring/stiffness on one rein
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Striking off on the incorrect canter lead
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Shortening strides
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Reduction in performance
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Loss/uneven muscle tone
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Poor foot balance including uneven shoe wear
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Lack of core strength and stability
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Conformation abnormalities, including postural changes linked to illness and/or injury
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Common equine conditions that physiotherapy can help include:
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Neck, back and pelvis pain, including saddle related issues
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Joint conditions e.g. Degenerative joint disease, osteochondritis dissecans, arthritis, stiffness, swelling and pain
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Muscle strains, tears, trauma and bruising
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Tendon injuries
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Ligament injuries
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Nerve injuries
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Post surgery rehabilitation
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Performance maintenance
Equine
Canine
Veterinary physiotherapy can be an essential process in the recovery of dogs from a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as assisting in rehabilitation after surgery or general maintenance.
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There may be various signs which could indicate that your dog could benefit from physiotherapy including:
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Obsessively licking a specific area
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Hopping
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Change in behaviour including reluctance to walk upstairs, jump on the sofa or in the car
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Loss of muscle
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Lameness
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Reluctance to play
Common conditions that physiotherapy can help:
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Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
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Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
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Hip dysplasia
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Elbow dysplasia
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Ligament damage such as cranial cruciate disease
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Muscle and tendon injuries
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Joint conditions e.g. pain, stiffness, injury, luxating patella
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Post surgical rehabilitation
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Spinal and neurological conditions including spinal surgery/trauma, intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy and fibro-cartilaginous embolism
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Loss of function e.g. reluctant to play, walk, climb stairs
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Excessive weight/obesity related problems
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Performance maintenance
Various treatment options, specific to the individual are available for a wide range of conditions and can improve overall quality of life including increasing muscle condition, and improving mobility.
A veterinary referral is required before the assessment and treatment of any animal. You can download a referral form here: