Equine Physiotherapy
ACPAT & RAMP registered practitioner providing specialist equine physiotherapy
Equine physiotherapy focuses on assessing and treating pain, dysfunction, and reduced performance in horses. Using evidence-based techniques, treatment aims to support recovery from injury, optimise movement, and promote long-term soundness in both sport and leisure horses.
Common Conditions Treated
Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping horses recover from injury, reduce pain, and improving performance. Treatment aims to support recovery, improve comfort, and optimise movement. Physiotherapy may be beneficial for horses presenting with conditions such as:
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Tendon and ligament injuries
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Soft tissue injuries, including muscle tension and movement asymmetries
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Back pain and spinal dysfunction
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Sacroiliac and pelvic region pain or dysfunction
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Joint conditions, including osteoarthritis and joint stiffness
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Reduced performance associated with musculoskeletal discomfort
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Post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation
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Reduced mobility following periods of rest or box confinement
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If you’re unsure whether physiotherapy is right for your horse, feel free to get in touch to discuss
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a key part of equine physiotherapy and involves a range of skilled, hands-on techniques. These include soft tissue massage, myofascial release, stretching, and joint mobilisations. These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, enhance circulation, and relieve muscle tension. Manual therapy can also support lymphatic drainage and promote relaxation, which is particularly beneficial for performance horses, post-injury rehabilitation, and the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is essential for restoring strength, coordination, and functional performance. Programmes are designed following a detailed assessment and tailored to your horse’s condition and stage of rehabilitation. This may include in-hand exercises, ridden work progression, pole work, and proprioceptive training to improve balance and movement quality. Programmes are progressed gradually to support safe and effective recovery, return to work, improve performance, and reduce the risk of re-injury. Clear guidance is provided for owners and riders to ensure effective implementation.
The therapies below outline some of the treatments used within our equine physiotherapy service. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual horse, taking into account clinical findings, workload, and discipline.
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​All treatments are provided in accordance with veterinary consent where required and in line with professional guidelines.
Our Treatment Approaches
Electrotherapies
Electrotherapy is used to support pain management, muscle function, and tissue healing. Within our practice, we utilise TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation). TENS is primarily used to modulate pain and provide analgesia, while NMES is used to stimulate muscle contractions, helping to improve muscle strength, maintain muscle mass, and reduce muscle loss due to inactivity. These therapies are particularly useful in rehabilitation following injury or surgery, and in horses with muscle inhibition or weakness. Electrotherapies are always applied as part of a structured rehabilitation programme tailored to the individual horse.
Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment used to support pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in horses. It works at a cellular level by stimulating energy production within cells (ATP), helping to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and accelerate tissue repair. This makes it particularly beneficial for both acute injuries and long-term conditions. Laser therapy may be used for: - Tendon and ligament injuries - Back pain and muscle soreness - Joint conditions (e.g. arthritis) - Wound healing - Post-exercise recovery
Insurance Referrals Welcome
If your horse is insured, physiotherapy treatment may be covered under your policy. We are happy to work with insurance providers and can provide all the necessary documentation to support your claim.
Please check your individual insurance policy for coverage details.
To book an appointment or discuss any questions you may have, please contact us.