Why does my horse need Physiotherapy?

Animals can't tell us where their pain is or if they have injured themselves, and they can often hide their discomfort.

Schooling problems, behavioural problems or reduced performance can all be caused by pain, muscle weakness or joint stiffness. Equally your horse may have suffered a direct injury and may need rehabilitation to rebuild atrophied muscles and restore gait patterning.

Horses of today are asked to do far more than evolution could have expected, with greater pressure to perform at high standards. It is not surprising that injuries occur. Pain or discomfort in any degree is inhibiting and detracts from the performance ability of the horse. Add to that the dynamic of the rider, and their own imbalances, injuries and consequential compensations, and the horses own problems become increasingly problematic.

Physiotherapy aims to restore flexibility and normal range of movement where movement of joints and muscles may be restricted and painful.