Equine physio?

[Sail_away]

Quite a few questions since I’ve never needed one before! Got my first horse in October, he’s in perfect health and quite young (nine) but I know that a physiotherapist is still recommended. I’ve been a bit slow in getting this sorted but I didn’t quite know where to start. The livery yard my horse is at is lovely, but most of the horses are not ridden or ridden very occasionally. So as far as I know, none of the horses have a regular physio and because of this there’s no one to ask there. So... how often do your horses get physio? What should I expect from a session? I assume it differs depending on workload etc, so for a fit horse worked 4-5 days a week, mostly in a large arena (no hacking) what would be best? I’m in the Surrey area so if anyone has a physio they recommend please do let me know.

 

[madamebonnie]

I would always chose an ACPACT registered physio. Sadly my frequency of visits is cost dependant otherwise would be every 6 weeks if money no object! But a check up every 6 months is a good idea. Once you have seen one they may want to visit sooner again if they recommend further treatment. If there are no issues I'm happy to be on a 3 or 6 month cycle depending on work load.

I would expect them first time to take a full history. Watch them trot up. Possibly lunge. Turn a small circle and back up. Then a full physical examination. Explaination of any issues found and then subsequently treated. Ending with advice on stretching or strengthening if required. But do remember they are not Vets and are not qualified to diagnose lameness!

 

[Leo Walker]

I have a sports massage therapist every 8 weeks or so with the current one. She has no issues and is a young pony just starting work. I use an osteo as well. If you want to use a physio its as MB says. Use a qualified one, and make sure you have vet permission for them to treat.

 

[claret09]

I am very lucky to have an amazing physio who loves my boy and comes every three weeks. it makes a massive difference. he is 22 and looks and acts like a 10 year old. he moves better and looks stronger than he did years ago. he never actually gets sore because it is treated before it becomes a problem