What to expect from an Equine Physiotherapy Session

There are many reasons why an owner chooses to gain the expertise of a horse physiotherapist. Some horses come referred to us from vets, others are recovering from injury and most are simply seen as a matter of routine on a yearly, 6 monthly or 3 monthly schedule. What matters is that you have taken the first steps towards gaining a better insight into how your horse moves and eliminating any muscular issues that they may have.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a history form for your horse. This allows Sune to get a full and detailed history of any ailments, illnesses, or problems that your horse may have. The importance of getting this history cannot be highlighted enough as it enables Sune to be fully aware of the background of your horse and means the treatment and assessment of the horse can be tailored accordingly.

You will also be requested to state your vets name. We need to gain consent from the veterinary surgeon to treat any horse prior to your appointment. Sune cannot treat ANY horse without prior consent from your vet.

These forms are sent automatically 15 minutes after booking online (please check your junk mail). 

During your visit Sune will do a full dynamic assessment of your horse. This may include:

• Walk, trot and canter on the lunge, on both reins on the soft
• Walk and trot in a straight line on the hard and or soft.
• Rein back a few steps.
• 5 meter circles on both reins.
• A visual assessment will also then be taken of the horse standing square and any abnormalities or conformation will be noted.
• The saddle fit may also be looked at.

Notes will be taken at every element of the assessment stage - Please don't be alarmed by this, the notes are there to get the best maintenance or rehabiliation programme for your horse.

If needed the horse will then be treated using a variety of different techniques such as:

• Reflex inhibition technique
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point release
• Massage 
• Stretches using reflexes points
• Cervical mobilisation using the Maitland principle
• Stretches including limb stretches and baited stretches 
• Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS) 
• Kinesio taping 
• Ultrasound 
• Laser 

A re-assessment of the horse may then be done and a full plan and conclusion will be written up. Re-habililation plans or maintenance programmes will be tailored to the issues your horse presented with to gain the best from your treatment. Sune may also suggest a follow-up appointment, you are not obliged to take this appointment, neither does it have to be booked on the day of your appointment.

You will receive the notes that Sune took during the visit within 48 working hours, along with a request for consent to send them to your regular or referring veterinary surgeon.

The full assessment and treatment of a horse costs £60.00* plus travel. If you have more than one horse on a yard, the travel costs will be split. Please note, new clients may be asked to pay a deposit prior to their appointment being confirmed.

*Travel costs are listed in online booking as well as under prices. 

To book an appointment simply use our online booking service or call or text on 07513 028507 to arrange an appointment to suit you.