Injury Rehabilitation
Horses are athletes, whether they compete or hack out. All athletes that have had injury should have specific rehabilitation routines prescribed in order to bring them back to athletic performance. Physiotherapists and trainers work together with the athlete to provide the unique rehabilitation that the athlete needs.
The horse world is moving away from generalised advice of for example “6 weeks walk, 4 weeks trot and then just gradually increase the work”. As ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapists we have the expertise to assist you to bring your horse back into work in a manner that strengthens the weak parts and helps your horse to use all of his body to the best of it’s capacity.
Often after injury a horse will subtly compensate through other parts of his body when coming back into work. This not only puts other structures onto strain but prevents him reaching his athletic potential. ACPAT Vet Physios have knowledge of sports rehabilitation, tissue healing, biomechanics and gait analysis.
What does this involve?
- Working closely with your vet
- Knowledge of the injury and stage of healing
- Assessment of your horse’s current body symmetry
- Physiotherapy treatment of any issues present with hands on therapy
- Within vet’s exercise limit guidance, specific rehabilitation exercises
- These can be in the stable, in hand or when relevant under saddle
- Often this is over many months as you bring your horse back to full work
- The Physio may visit more often to start and then monthly as return to work progresses
The Physio prescribes the right work for you and your horse depending on your horse’s previous work level and whether you will be returning to competition.
So if for any reason your horse has been out of work, give him or her the best chance of recovery, use Physiotherapy Rehabilitation.
Client Testimonial
