How often should a horse have physiotherapy?

Each and every case must be assessed for their individual needs and treatment plans made accordingly. Therefore, the answer is not straight forwards, it is case dependant.

Some clients receive weekly physiotherapy treatments, and this is because some medical cases require intensive rehabilitation. Some such cases include those with kissing spine, tendons/ligament injuries, those recovering post operatively, and/or those the have severe musculoskeletal issues. Cases that require pain relief will definitely be seen on a regular basis initially with the hope that, as their condition improves and their pain is relieved, the frequency of their treatments can be spread out.

The majority of my clients receive monthly treatments, and this is because the majority of my client’s horses are, thankfully, fit and healthy competition horses. These horses (and owners) are incredibly hard working, and their muscles pay the price for this! Regular physiotherapy, therefore, can be used to target and treat knots that tend to form in their hard-working muscles. I also work, alongside the owners chosen trainer, to help develop a remedial exercise plan. This plan is completely tailored to the individual job of the horse and it aims to help improve the horses muscle quality, range of motion (stride length) and overall fitness.

Some horses are also seen less frequently, some leave up to 6 months to a year between treatments! These horses are typically less active than those seen on a monthly basis and they may enjoy light competition or be happy hackers.

All horses can benefit from physiotherapy, but the treatment route they take is completely individual to their needs; I will prescribe the plan that has the best interest of the horse in question.