'Back person'?

[VioletStripe]

Right, may sound like an absolute numpty question, but can someone please define 'back person'? I know some people who have their horses routinely looked at by physios, and then others who have other forms of treatments and the like done? What do you all go for, out of interest? Just out of curiosity
It's been nearly a year that I've had my boy, and he's had no issues, no sign of anything wrong since his vetting from when I bought him where nothing came up, but I am umm-ing and ahh-ing over who I should get to see him for a check up, just to ensure everything okay or see if anything could be worked on to improve his way of going in any way (If anyone knows of anyone good in the South East, please recommend, PM if preferred) As I said, have been no issues, but I have heard of people getting their horses seen yearly by back person, as they do the dentist and saddler.
Anyway, I'm rambling now, anything you have to say would be appreciated xx

 

[be positive]

Mine get routine checks by a physio at the start of the season when coming back into work and mid season for a bit of an MOT.
I think it is important to keep on top of any issues before they develop into anything more serious, especially in the older ones that are competing regularly.

 

[VioletStripe]

Mine get routine checks by a physio at the start of the season when coming back into work and mid season for a bit of an MOT.
I think it is important to keep on top of any issues before they develop into anything more serious, especially in the older ones that are competing regularly.

Those were my thoughts - catch something before the symptoms reveal themselves! Wasn't sure if it should be a physio or if there were other popular 'back people'. Thanks xx

 

[bushbaby28]

Try Jenny Hadland and co. They are based in Liphook (Near Petersfield) I use them every 6 months to a year for both of our horses.

http://www.jennyhadland.co.uk/html/faq.html

 

[Irishbabygirl]

I find a good equine sports massage therapist great! And if they don't find anything your horse still gets a great massage out of it!
Can highly recommend Hand and Hoof (google) her name is Kirsty Sexton, she's fab! Near Newbury, Berkshire if that's near you?

 

[VioletStripe]

Thank you very much for your replies - I think I shall book him in over the summer for a look over
Bushbaby - thank you! Around the right area for me too, will have a look
Irishbabygirl - I think that could be a little far - horse is based in Kent.. unless they do travel that far, or if you know of one around my area? xx

 

[rhino]

A 'back person' is a very vague and woolly term which can cover anything from Physiotherapists, Chiropractors or any numerous other 'therapies' with varying (or no) training etc...

Qualified physiotherapist - great idea if you think there is a problem, look for someone who is ACPAT registered http://www.acpat.org/ You should be asked to get your vet's permission too, if you contact your vet they should be able to recommend a decent physio

Otherwise personally I avoid like the plague - far too many people attending weekend courses and setting themselves up as 'back people' or 'therapists'

 

[Irishbabygirl]

Thank you very much for your replies - I think I shall book him in over the summer for a look over
Bushbaby - thank you! Around the right area for me too, will have a look
Irishbabygirl - I think that could be a little far - horse is based in Kent.. unless they do travel that far, or if you know of one around my area? xx

No sorry, don't know any in your area. My physio is Megan Fletcher, she's based near Reading and does travel so may come over your way? She's also very good. Best of luck!

 

[alsiola]

Unless you have more money than you are physically able to spend then there is no good reason to get a physio, or any of the more scam-like bodyworkers to see a healthy horse.

 

[Bikerchickone]

I use qualified equine and human osteopath Pippa Cossens. She's based in east Sussex but does travel so may be able to come to you. She has a facebook page called osteopathy for all and a website. She's fantastic, have used her for years, can tell the difference when she's treated my horses and she doesn't charge you for a treatment if she doesn't think the horse needs it. Definitely not one of these who keep telling you your horse needs more done! PM me

 

[Bikerchickone]

Sorry hadn't finished blooming phone, pm me if you need more information. x

 

[Booboos]

A physiotherapist should be qualified, i.e. have done a 4 year human physio course at Uni and then a Masters in equine physiotherapy (although I hear they are making the animal route more direct so look out for changes for younger people).

Then there are a variety of other specialties, although many are certified by their own organisations which may be dubious:

- chiropractors: manipulate bones. There is some scepticism over whether large horse bones can be manipulated in the first place, but some people swear by theirs.

- osteopaths: difficult to define this as a it fairly waffly, they claim to help the body heal itself by itself through a holistic approach. Difficult to define what they actually do, sometimes it's akin to massage sometimes they touch 'energy' points.

- McTimoney: a type of chiropractic manipulation

- Reiki: a spiritual, budhist healing technique that transfers 'universal energy' from the healer to the patient

- equine massage therapists: like human masseurs they massage muscles


Take your pick!

 

[emmaln]

I am a fully qualified, registered and insured equine sports massage therapist.


ESMT is the therapeutic application of hands on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone and increasing range of movement.*

ESMT can also aid lymphatic drainage thereby promoting faster healing and helping to prevent injury.*

ESMT can be of benefit for many reasons including if your horse:-

Bucks
Prefers one rein
Shows lateral stiffness
Is reluctant to canter on one lead*
Is hollow backed
Has unnaturally high head carriage
Head shakes
Bucks
Is cold backed
Has lack of poll flexion
Head tilts
Has an uneven stride length
Holds tail to one side

All of the above can be signs of pain and should be investigated. Despite the benefits of ESMT it is not a substitute for veterinary attention and all work is carried out in accordance with the veterinary surgeons act 1966.

I have many clients whose horses have no specific problems but they like to keep them checked and will book yearly or even 6 monthly treatments, I have never been to treat a horse and the owner not reported a marked difference in their horses way of going immediately after!

What I do is no miracle treatment, it is much like if we go and have a sports massage and no athlete would go out onto the sports field without it!

As for which "back person" to use it is very much personal preference, my vet has actually started to recommend massage for certain horses.

Good luck with whatever you decide, your horse sounds very lucky to have you!