Physiotherapist or Chiropractioner? hmmm

[My bambinos]

Hi everyone

Just got myself a bit of a dilema my gelding has been cranky in his transitions particularly on his left rein and is reluctant to canter and bend correctly whether this be under saddle or on the lunge. He is a lot looser and comfortable on his right reign and will canter away freely. I spoke to my vet last night who gave me a couple of recommendations for Physiotherapists and Chiropractioners both of which I am waiting for call backs from, I am presuming there treatment has a cross over to some degree but I just wondering if anybody had been in the same situation as me as I think something is "niggling him" even though I have poked and proded him with no avail and what treatment you sought?

Many thanks

 

[brucea]

Vet, X-Rays. Look at the hocks - may well be the start of spavins.

Physios and chiros can't diagnose, your vet can. If Physio or chiro finds back pain - it may well be secondary to the real problem which is what your vet can find.

Not a fan of them to be honest - good ones are few and far between.

Back and neck pain is quite common as a secondary symptom in spavins. Another classic sign is being unable to effect a transition cleanly on one rein.

Of course he may just have been unhappy on the surface, or had a roll on a rock

 

[Mynstrel]

With vet approval - ACPAT physio all the way for us.

Somebody please say if I'm wrong but a human physio told me that chiro stuff is part of physio training so they can do what a chiro can but with other treatment methods too.

We tried various options when our boy had a bad back but the physio is the only one who's got to the bottom of it & sorted him out properly, we just get her out a couple of times a year now to make sure it's stilll ok as it is a weakness in him but he hides it until it's really bad.

 

[AmyMay]

Vet, X-Rays. Look at the hocks - may well be the start of spavins.

Physios and chiros can't diagnose, your vet can. If Physio or chiro finds back pain - it may well be secondary to the real problem which is what your vet can find.

Not a fan of them to be honest - good ones are few and far between.

Back and neck pain is quite common as a secondary symptom in spavins. Another classic sign is being unable to effect a transition cleanly on one rein.

Of course he may just have been unhappy on the surface, or had a roll on a rock

Agree completely (especially about not being a 'fan' and good ones far and few between.

 

[be positive]

A good vet approved physio, if they feel there is an underlying problem that needs referring back to your vet they will do so. It may just be a slightly sore muscle, often due to poor saddle fitting, which can be resolved with a visit or two from the physio. The vet would need to possibly do a full lameness work up, a costly exercise, that may be needless.
The problems that occur following treatment by non vet recommended "back people" are another issue and can be horrifying.

 

[Mynstrel]

We were lucky & found a good one who competes at national level herself so she does know what she's looking at, and who wouldn't even consider seeing him until the vet had ok'd it & she knew what the vet had said.

As I said before I wouldn't get one without a vet's agreement - (and only a qualified one too), but a physio can sometimes see something from a different point of view to a vet & if they work in conjunction rather than against each other surely it can only help.

 

[My bambinos]

Thank you for your replies, my vet has suggested I get a physiotherapist out and if necessary they will have a look at him too. The lady I have contacted is a ACPAT member and works with the British FEI Pony Event Team she comes highly recommended and if she feels she is unable to treat him will refer me back to the vet. I think he has an aggrevated muscle in his shoulder and if that is what the vet found they will only refer me to a physio anyway.

 

[foxy]

I think I would get the vet out first just so that they can see what is happening. If the vet is happy that it can be treated by a phsyio or chrio then get them to recommend one.