The majority of manual therapy techniques are used cross all disciplines in Human Physiotherapy and are transferred to horses. Manual therapy uses soft tissue techniques which have an effect on the biomechanical, physiological, neurological and psychological systems in the horse.

Many manual therapy techniques are used such as Reflex/Reciprocal Inhibition, trigger point release, myofascial release, joint mobilisations. 

Reciprocal Inhibition and Reflex treats muscle spasm and restores normal muscle tone and length. The technique the Physiotherapist uses stimulates the Golgi Tendon Organ of the agonist muscle.

This causes the muscle to contract and initiates involuntary relaxation of the opposing antagonist muscle.

Trigger points are areas of increased tone within the muscle belly. The Physiotherapist applies and sustains graded pressure on the trigger point which momentarily stops blood flow to the area. 

The Physiotherapist then releases the pressure and blood flow transporting nutritional properties and cell modulation surges into the area, thereby promoting healing.

Fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue below the skin. It attaches, stabilises and separates muscles and organs. Tight fascia can be caused by persistent muscle tension, adhesions, scars and tears. It can lead to reduced range of movement, increased neural tension and cause pain. 

Physiotherapy can loosen the fascia and encourage the fresh blood and nutritional properties into the area to promote healing.

Joint mobility is effected by range of movement which all contributes towards joint stability. Too much range of movement can lead to “loose” joints and hypermobility and cause joint instability. The Physiotherapist can prescribe strengthening exercises to stabilise the joints. Too little range of movement can lead to restricted joints and hypomobility and cause stiffness. 

The Physiotherapist uses graded passive mobilisations to restore joint function and range of movement.

This is a non-invasive mode of electrotherapy. Electrodes are applied to the horse’s skin, and an electric current penetrates the deeper muscles and causes them to contract. 

Nutrient rich blood is flushed into the area (often the muscles have become ischaemic) and increases circulation which promotes healing, pain relief and assists in restoring the muscle to being soft and supple which is necessary for optimal function.

A non-invasive treatment tool for numerous acute and chronic conditions on small animals, domestic pets, horses and livestock. 

Wounds including bites, stiff joints and osteoarthritis are a few of the conditions I can help with phototherapy.