Horses

Would my horse benefit from physiotherapy/McTimoney manipulation/sports massage?

Most horses can benefit from such treatments, from top competition horses to riding school ponies. Racehorses, eventers, showjumpers, dressage horses, police horses and even older retired horses are commonly seen.

When should I seek help?

Common indications for seeking help include:
• Change in performance
• Irregular action
• Stiffness
• Unlevelness, especially behind
• Uneven shoe wear
• Cold or sore backs, resentment to girthing
• Disunited canter
• Stiffness on one rein
• Lack of collection or impulsion
• Unexplained napping, rearing bucking or refusing fences
• Atrophy or asymmetrical muscle development
• Asymmetrical sweating patterns
• Changes in behaviour or temperament

It is at this point that an external influence is needed to restore functionality.

What causes these problems?

• Acute trauma for example, a fall, slipping over in the field or when being ridden
• Getting cast in the stable
• Falling off the ramp while loading
• Chronic problems such as saddle fit, foot balance, dental or rider issues
• Sore mouths leading to raised heads and hollowed back to avoid pain
• Discipline demands
• Conformation faults eg. long backs place greater strain on the supporting structures
• Constant confinement - decreases flexibility

Back problems are often secondary to a primary cause, which is why it is essential for your veterinarian to diagnose the problem first and then refer the animal for treatment if they feel it would be of benefit.

Will it hurt?

Most animals accept the treatment quite readily and usually find it quite relaxing.

Will my horse be better straight away?

The response to treatment varies with the individual animal and the problems found. Many cases feel better straight away and have much more energy and enthusiasm, whereas others may be stiff, sore, go off food or not quite feel themselves the next day. Both responses to treatment are perfectly normal and are nothing to panic about.

It must be noted that if the primary cause is left undiagnosed and untreated then the problem may keep recurring despite a number of treatment sessions. Furthermore, conformational faults may require regular attention as they can lead to consistent problems. Chronic problems such as foot balance or saddle fit issues may take much longer to treat as healing is not a single event, it is a process and the body needs time to adjust and make the necessary changes. The body is not a machine and it is not as simple as pressing a few buttons to make things right again.

How often will my horse need treating?

Recognising and treating a problem early can avoid the risk of it developing into something chronic or more serious, which could even end a competitive career. For this reason it is advisable to have regular treatment sessions. The number and frequency of treatment sessions will be dependent on the horse's particular problems, conformational faults, the activities it is used for, and any previous problems or injuries sustained. An initial series of treatments may be required at weekly or biweekly intervals, or it may be that six monthly or yearly check ups is all that is required.