Physio, chiro or both?

Fieldlife said:
In answer to the question. Do you see a benefit afterwards to the physio treating your horse? Does he move / go better afterwards? Do you have a recommendation of a good chiropractor? A vet chiropractor or one that you have a good recommendation on e.g. from your trainer / saddler etc. If can find a good one, that checks out, I would try one treatment and see if you notice a benefit or not.

I do think a chiro and a physio have different approaches. But equally depends on the workload challenges, and the physical state of your horse. If all is well and no concerns. I am not sure I would add additional checks, unless you think there is room for improvement or issues to monitor.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I have got the physio out next week so was going to ask her opinion and see if she has any recommendations, and go from there.
 
I would always rather use a RAMP or IRVAP registered physio. In my experience veterinary hospitals are also far more likely to work alongside them than others.
 
I prefer a ACPAT trained physio I know what I am getting someone who bright enough to study and qualify as a physiotherapist for humans that’s quite an undertaking .
Their understanding of human issues is so useful because crooked sore human equals sore horse .
If they have worked in the NHS ( most will have done ) they understand how to work as part of a team of different skilled people managing a horse .
The one I use works extremely well with my vet they trust each other that’s such a good thing .
 
Its horses for courses on whether you have an osteopath, chiropractor or physio for your horse.

In the 80's and 90's it was chiropractors and osteopaths, we'd never heard of physio's on our yard, nobody ever had one to their horse.
 
The physio most educated on the rider, and interactions with the horse, that I know is a vet physio, she teaches others (ie CPD) about rider optimisation. She may not treat riders but she'll know when the rider is part of the problem (almost always, if they're not part of the cause they're possibly perpetuating dysfunction as they adapt to it). No hard and fast rules.
 
Last edited:
Having been through intensive chiro treatment myself, to resolve a "misplaced" coccyx (don't ask!), I found the sessions to be effective but hard to endure and certainly not a pleasant experience!
The occasional sports massages I have had, I have thoroughly enjoyed, even if a bit sore afterwards.
Spa massages just make me feel pampered.
I can see the benefit of regular physio for my horse as just a way of keeping him supple and spotting potential future problems.
I personally would be very wary using the services of a chiropractor on my horse unless for a specific veterinary purpose.
Courses for horses - they could say ;)
 
There's a massive difference between McTimoney chiropractic and regular chiros - the latter are much more likely to do the "bone cracking". McTim is very gentle. Shame they have the same name really. There are also several vet chiros who I'd be happy to use, though I'd argue some are much better for acute than chronic conditions, and arguably (?) as so many injuries are actually from compensatory movement patterns they might not be the first choice, but either way you know you're in the hands of someone with vet training.
 
My chiro does McTimmoney which treats the body as one. Sometimes what appears to be a skeletal issue is actually a muscle issue and vice versa as the body doesn't operate in a vacuum. The manipulations are gentle but there is always a huge difference - both in the horse and myself. Horse is scheduled for every 3 months and I am currently on a monthly-ish schedule for my own issues.

I do have to add I was a skeptic of McTim method on myself but can attest the difference it makes. It made me realize I don't need someone to go in forceful on my muscles and bones to get results. I normally end up passing out after ?
 
LegOn said:
Osteo! Biomechanically found it more beneficial with a bigger performance difference in my horse, and me!

I've yet to find a good physio that doesn't leave my horse sore afterwards... same for myself if I'm honest. (I'm not the UK, we have different legislation in Ireland on physios). I have used McTimmony Chiro which I thought was really good too, same practitioner does riders aswell, I like to know what my horse is experiencing!

I've also had great success with Amutsu therapy, again both me & horse feeling fantastic afterward!
Click to expand...

What is Amutsu therapy, I would be very interested if only for myself.
 
lynz88 said:
I do have to add I was a skeptic of McTim method on myself but can attest the difference it makes. It made me realize I don't need someone to go in forceful on my muscles and bones to get results.
Click to expand...
Like magic isn't it. I have just been to mine as I was getting increasingly tight through my pelvis and struggling even with just walking round our field. This time I needed a bit extra. She did a muscle strip on some of my glutes, painful but what a difference. No problem at all walking now.
 
Errin Paddywack said:
Like magic isn't it. I have just been to mine as I was getting increasingly tight through my pelvis and struggling even with just walking round our field. This time I needed a bit extra. She did a muscle strip on some of my glutes, painful but what a difference. No problem at all walking now.
Click to expand...
I never tried this on myself, I've always used traditional chiropractic therapy which I've been happy about. When I start riding again next year I will have to book a couple of sessions of McTimoney and see.
 
I have been going to McTimoney chiros for around 40 years now. The best ever is unfortunately dead now and I have tried others with varying success. My current one is a McTimoney/Corley practitioner. This was the first time she had used the muscle strip approach on me, doesn't use it very often as not everyone can tolerate it. Previously I have been to an osteo who has done it. Very painful but works brilliantly. One of the canine masseurs who used to treat one of my dog's used to do it to her. The dog took it amazingly well and the difference in her was incredible.
 
TPO said:
No it's not.

For the benefit of others who may read this thread it is illegal for anyone to diagnose any animal other than a vet.

Of course therapists can advise the owner to contact a vet but thats as far as their "power" goes. Why anyone would get a physio/chiro out before a vet to a horse presenting as described is beyond me.
Click to expand...
Absolutely spot on, anyone who says otherwise is very misinformed at best or has no understanding whatsoever.
 
onemoretime said:
What is Amutsu therapy, I would be very interested if only for myself.
Click to expand...

Amutsu is a gentle soft tissue type treatment but also works on the principles of acupressure aswell, so it can help access organs and release energy and tension - has helped me with headaches & stomach issues aswell!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top