Rehabilitation
A combination of Veterinary Physiotherapy and Good Riding.
The Veterinary Physiotherapy aspect
​
Veterinary Physiotherapy involves identifying weaknesses in movement in the horse, and then using a variety of methods to aid restoring function and strength in horses. Horses with injuries, or those optimising training for maximum results can all benefit from this service.
A loss of a horse's normal function may have resulted from injury, disease, training problems, prolonged period out of exercise or anatomical/conformational abnormalities. Common problems addressed by Veterinary Physiotherapy are wide-ranging, and compensations can complicate this even more. This is where an experienced Physiotherapist to help you and your horse may be worthwhile.
​
The different modalities I use in treatments include Massage and manual therapies, electrotherapies and Remedial Exercise Programmes. Electrotherapies we currently offer include NMES, H-wave and LASER.
​
Why do Dressage and Training belong alongside Veterinary Physiotherapy?
​
The most successful rehabilitation cases, are the ones whose riders make the efforts to improve the biomechanics of their horse in between appointments. Poor biomechanics can result from, and can cause, injury and pain. It is not always possible to entirely change this, however showing horses a way to move their bodies and muscles in a fluid, free, strong and "through" way, is the best antidote to the risk of injury.
​
This is where Dressage and the methods of strengthening and conditioning our horses' muscles is so valuable, and it is where my incredibly unique intersection of skills is so valuable to rehabilitation programmes.
​
Correct training with Dressage, means horse riders can learn better independent and balanced aids, which will ultimately allow their horses to move more independently, symmetrically and correctly. This moves the needles close to correcting patterns of inefficient biomechanics, allowing these patients to benefit from rehabilitation in a truly long-term way.
Since moving to Sydney, I have become a part of the Equine rehabilitation team of Equimotion!
As part of this, I offer:
- Racehorse physiotherapy and support
- Performance horse physiotheapy and support, with a particular emphasis on strength and conditioning for Dressage competition
- Equine biomechanics sessions which combine a deep understanding of the Dressage movements you are working on, alongside the weaknesses or problems I can see and feel in your horses body and movement.
Our other team members are able to provide thorough assessment of yourself as a rider and provide an in-depth strengthening plan for you, so that you are both working towards being your best... not just your horse! Having recently been part of one of these, this was very useful to pinpoint a problem I have had with riding canter pirouettes!
Head on over to the website to find out more, and to book in an appointment with the range of specialists and services we have on offer.
