Who should you allow to treat your horse?
The term ‘Physiotherapist’ is a protected title when used on its own (usually in the human field). Unfortunately, if the same word is prefixed with another word such as ‘Animal’ or ‘Veterinary’ then the title is no longer protected. This means that anyone can use the term ‘Veterinary Physiotherapist’ or ‘Animal Physiotherapist’ without attaining any qualifications at all. To complicate matters, there are now numerous courses that teach Animal / Veterinary Physiotherapy. These courses are of varying lengths and intensities. The longest and most intensive route is to become a ‘Human’ Physiotherapist first by completing a 3 year BSc (hons) degree in Physiotherapy. This gives the status of “Chartered Physiotherapist’ which is as protected title. From here you are required to practice on people for a minimum of 2 years which consolidates all of the techniques and technology that will be needed to treat animals. Then the final stage of qualification is to complete a 2 year post graduate diploma / Masters degree which will also give you membership to ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy). So, to summarise, someone who is a Chartered Physiotherapist and an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist will have done a minimum of 7 years training and is highly qualified to treat both horse and rider.
As ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapists we are not attempting to take the place of your Veterinary Surgeon. We are working alongside Vets to provide a higher quality treatment for your horse
How can Physiotherapy help?
Animal / Veterinary Physiotherapists assess and treat a wide variety of conditions involving all aspects of equine life. All horses, from the happy hacker to the highest level competition horse will benefit equally from Physiotherapy treatment. It is important that your horse is in the best physical condition in order for it to be able to perform to the level that you require. Physiotherapists are highly trained to detect and treat physical injuries that may cause lameness or lack of performance.
When can Physiotherapy help?
Treatment in the early stages after injury or loss of performance is essential for quick and full recovery. ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapists can effectively treat many musculoskeletal problems, including;
- Poll and Pelvic Dysfunctions
- Sore/Cold back
- Performance Problems (e.g. Stiffness on one rein)
- Jumping Difficulties
- Muscular Injury and Muscle Strengthening
- Tendon & Ligamentous Injury (commonly flexor tendons and check ligaments)
- Post surgery
- reduce tissue healing time
- prevention of scar tissue
- faster return to work and competition
- Prevention of musculoskeletal injury - yearly checkup
- General advice and exercises for Arthritis
- Treatment of Rider
Learn more about…
Veterinary Kinesio Taping
Veterinary Physiotherapy Exercises