WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?

What is Physiotherapy?
 
Physiotherapy uses physical methods, such as joint and soft tissue mobilisation, massage, exercise, electrotherapy, acupuncture, and heat and cold therapies to promote healing and restore function. Physiotherapy can also be used to improve athletic performance by enhancing balance, co-ordination, proprioception and muscle control to both the horse and rider.
 
Why Use an Animal Physiotherapist?

All Animal Physiotherapists are Human Physiotherapists who have undertaken additional animal physiotherapy post-graduate training. Animal Physiotherapists hold MSc or Post-Graduate Diplomas in Animal/Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Animal Physiotherapist work only through Veterinary referrals and communicate directly with your Veterinary Surgeon to ensure your animal receives the best care possible.
Animal Physiotherapists adhere to strict codes of clinical practice as outlined by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Australian Veterinary Association. All Animal Physiotherapists at Horse & Rider Physiotherapy are covered by Professional and Public Liability Insurance.
 
Legally Protected Title
The use of the term ‘Physiotherapist’ is a legally protected title irrespective of whether it is applied in the context of humans or animals. Animal/Veterinary Physiotherapists are properly registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
 
Equine Physiotherapy
The horse is an athlete and like any athlete, requires regular physiotherapy for optimum performance. Horses can develop back, neck, nerve and soft tissue injuries due to the nature of their work. If left untreated, this may affect performance and even behaviour, as a result of pain and dysfunction.
Following initial veterinary diagnosis, physiotherapy helps to reduce pain and restore your horse’s movement.
 
What Conditions Respond to Physiotherapy?
Back, neck and pelvic pain commonly occur in the ridden horse. Physiotherapists use joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to restore motion and reduce pain in the equine spine and pelvis. Exercises are frequently given to help improve strength and flexibility.
 
Physiotherapy can be used following equine arthroscopic joint surgery, tendon/ligament repair, fracture surgery, and abdominal surgery (colic). Your Physiotherapist will work closely with your Veterinary Surgeon to help speed up your horse’s recovery.
 
Physiotherapists are well qualified to assess movement disorders. The detection of movement dysfunction is crucial when helping to prevent the development of pain and loss of performance.
 
As horses age, their joints can become stiff and painful as a result of degenerative joint disease, or arthritis. Horses can show arthritic changes at any age for a variety of reasons, including general wear and tear or as a result of their work. With appropriate veterinary management and physiotherapy, horses with arthritic joints can remain in work and competitive. Physiotherapy is also effective for retired horses, ensuring they remain comfortable and active in their golden years.