Maeve Grant
Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist
Bsc Physio PG Dip Vet Physio
MCSP SRP ACPAT Cat A
Equine Physio
Physiotherapy is useful in helping the following conditions in the horse:
- Back, neck or pelvic pain
- Muscle strains or tears
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Compensatory problems due to underlying lameness
- Degenerative joint conditions
- Poor performance – inconsistency, poor propulsion, one sidedness
- Maintenance of high performance in all equine disciplines
- Return to performance following injury
- Nerve injuries
- Rehabilitation following surgery
- Saddle related problems
Performance problems
From high level eventer to pony club games, horses can present with performance problems that physiotherapy can help such as:
- lack of suppleness
- inability to maintain a good outline
- temperament changes such as bucking or napping
- inconsistency in performance
- one sidedness
- favouring one canter lead
The equine athlete
Physiotherapy can help with all equine disciplines. Pre-screening appointments can assess and treat potential problems such as back stiffness, hamstring tightness or scapular immobility. Physiotherapy is useful before competition to enhance mobility and flexibility and after competition to enhance tissue recovery. Physiotherapy is well recognised in helping achieve and maintain optimal performance in the human athlete and can do the same for animals.
The injured horse
Following initial veterinary diagnosis, physiotherapy helps to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal function following injury or lameness.
Physiotherapy can provide pain relief and muscle re-education following disuse or trauma.
Injury prevention
Early detection of movement abnormalities, which may indicate an underlying orthopaedic or musculoskeletal problem, is important to prevent development or worsening of pain and reduction in performance. Chartered Physiotherapists are well qualified to assess movement dysfunctions, and work closely with the Veterinary profession who can diagnose any underlying condition.
The older horse
Physiotherapy can help relieve aches, pains and stiffness in the older animal. It can help with flexibility and improve muscle function and quality of life in the older horse.
After surgery
Physiotherapy can encourage healthy repair of tissues and minimise scar tissue. It can prevent muscle atrophy and maximise return to normal function.
Prices
Horse assessment and treatment £55, session takes approximately 1 hour.
Travel charged at 40p per mile round trip outside Edinburgh bypass area.
Areas covered - central Scotland, Mid Lothian, East Lothian, West Lothian, Borders, Stirlingshire, Fife.
