Why is equine physiotherapy important in the already performing athlete?
Prevention is better than cure!
You may believe that your sound, performance horse does not require treatment however every athlete walks a fine line between high performance and injury. Regular equine physiotherapy helps to keep on top of any minor issues and any changes in muscular development can be noted before they escalate into a potential problem.
Regular Equine Physiotherapy treatment is a valuable part of any performance program with regular treatment keeping the horses musculoskeletal system in optimal condition. Your therapist receives feedback from your horse throughout the examination and treatment process, this communication from your horse can flag up any areas of tension or pain, which can then be addressed both during the session or through additions or changes in your horses exercise regime or daily routine.
Why is Equine Physiotherapy important in the rehabilitation process?
The earlier we can intervene in the injury process the better, before significant issues escalate and result in loss of performance. One of the most important aspects of the treatment process is rehabilitation. Veterinary Physiotherapists are experienced in the field of rehabilitation. We are able to treat your animal and provide and demonstrate rehabilitation exercises for you to carry out at home.
The aim of rehabilitation is to achieve a complete functional sport specific outcome for the horse. As an equine physiotherapist my role is to apply treatment techniques and implement management strategies, based on the knowledge and understanding of applied equine biomechanics and specific musculoskeletal injuries, to aid the recovery of your horse.
As an REVN and equine physiotherapist employed in veterinary practice I work with many orthopaedic cases both acute and chronic, providing both treatment and on-going management to aid the horses return to full function.
Why do you need veterinary consent?
In a nutshell… Veterinary consent is a LEGAL requirement as per the Veterinary Surgeons act 1966, therefore it is illegal for any person to carry out any form of therapy on an animal without signed consent from their veterinary surgeon.
It is also important as an Equine Physiotherapist that I work closely with your veterinary surgeon especially in cases that involve lameness, injury or disease. This optimises the rehabilitation process and ensures that your horse receives the best possible care.
Why take a history?
The history of the horse is an important factor in the treatment process. I will still thoroughly examine your horse and treat your horse according to my findings but it is important to ask questions and receive a thorough history so that any previous injuries are not exacerbated either by treatment or prescription exercise. Knowing the horses daily routine and exercise regimen ensures that any changes can be tailored individually to suit both you and your horse. There is always a gold standard approach that is the most suitable way forward, but in some situations this is not always the most practical approach for your situation and therefore obtaining a thorough insight into your horses care provides the optimal results from your treatments.
Why choose a RAMP registered therapist
All professionals registered with RAMP demonstrate high standards of proficiency and professionalism, equivalent to the demands of the statutory regulatory bodies governing Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy in the human domain.
This means that you can be confident that your animal should receive the same level of care as you would yourself.
There are many training establishments offering courses in therapy, which can be confusing. RAMP registrants are practitioners who only work within their scope of practice, have demonstrated a professional level of education and clinical experience, are insured, and who carry out regular compulsory continued professional development to keep abreast of advances in veterinary surgery and medicine and continued scientific research.