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Equine Physiotherapy

Both competition and leisure horses can benefit from physiotherapy, regardless of discipline or level of work. This can be for rehabilitation, to maintain performance, or ensure your horse is comfortable and not struggling with any issues.

Regular physiotherapy is not only essential for optimising your horse's performance, but also reducing the risk of injury. If good muscle tone, fitness and mobility is maintained then you are giving your horse the best chance to not suffer an injury. 

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Signs that your horse may have a problem may not be noticeable straight away as clinical signs are usually not presented until the problem is much worse. Regular physiotherapy can pick up on any slight issues or asymmetries before they affect performance or develop into a bigger problem. 

Signs that your horse may have an underlying problem include - 

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  • Changes in performance

  • Changes in behaviour

  • Uneven shoe wearing or toe scuffing

  • Problems with schooling - wrong canter lead, struggling with lateral work, stiffness, hollowing, head tilting, poor transitions, etc

  • Bucking, rearing or becoming 'cold backed'

  • Refusing at fences

Physiotherapy is as integral for competition horses as it is human athletes. Given the physical demands of all equine sports, horses can greatly benefit from regular physiotherapy to optimise their ability to perform. BCL Veterinary Physiotherapy is available for pre and post competition physiotherapy as well as providing a program for both during and out of season to enable your horse to perform and recover to the best of their ability. Bryonie has a huge amount of experience with competition horses, being a British Eventing competitor herself, so please contact Bryonie for any queries regarding competition physiotherapy. 

Rehabilitation is also a huge part of equine physiotherapy; from the early stages of recovery right through to returning to full work. If a horse is on box rest recovering from an injury or surgery they can greatly benefit from physiotherapy to not only optimise healing, but also maintain as good condition as possible to reduce compensatory issues and make getting back to full fitness soon, much more achievable. Regular physiotherapy prior to returning to work is also crucial to help prevent the risk of re-injury.

What to expect during a physiotherapy session - 

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  • A full history to be taken of your horse including any problems you may be having

  • A static assessment of muscle tone, general condition and joint mobility and range of motion

  • A dynamic assessment in hand

  • Formulating a treatment plan which will be discussed with the owner

  • Carrying out suitable treatments

  • Discussion of post treatment care, any exercises that may be prescribed, and any follow up treatments that are required

 

A lunging or ridden assessment may also be carried out if Bryonie feels it is necessary.

BCL Veterinary Physiotherapy is available for independent yard visits as well as clinics and can cater to any specific requirements you may need. Bryonie is flexible and adaptable to work around your availability and location so please get in touch to discuss your needs. 

Prior to your appointment please ensure your horse is clean and dry and that a suitable treatment area is available (e.g. stable or barn). Please also make sure you have your veterinary referral form with you, or that BCL Veterinary Physiotherapy has received it prior to your initial assessment. For more information on this please go to the contact page.

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