WHAT IS EQUINE REHABILITATION?

Equine Rehabilitation is the use of active exercise to facilitate restoration of normal function.
The aims of equine rehabilitation are to:
• Re-educate gait, balance and proprioception
• Improve strength and flexability
• Restore normal range of movement
• Increase athletisism
• Improve stamina

The Priory Equine Clinic can accommodate up to twenty horses. The Physiotherapy treatment room is fully equipped with electrotherapy modalities including laser, ultrasound, muscle stimulator. As well as catering for in-patients, we also hold regular Clinics and workshops and will also travel to assess and treat patients at home.

The Priory Equine Clinic was set up with the aim of forming a multi disciplinary team to work alongside local vets, farriers, saddlers and nutrionists in the management of Equine conditions.

 
 We have excellent facilities to take in patients for an intensive course of Physiotherapy alongside an active rehabilitation programme. By combining the skills of a Chartered Physiotherapist with expertise in handling and schooling, both from the ground and under saddle, we can cater for:Treatment and rehabilitation following injurySchooling and behavioural problemsPost surgical rehabilitation Veterinary physiotherapy involves assessment and treatment of musculo-skeletal and neurological conditions. A chartered veterinary physiotherapist will study for three to four years to become a ‘human’ physiotherapist and then work for at least two years in the human field before undergoing further training with animals. This initial human training is invaluable as it is here that skills in biomechanical assessment and treatment techniques are developed. A Physiotherapy assessment will take up to 1 _ hours. A full history is taken followed by a physical examination. This will involve observation of standing posture and symmetry, seeing the horse moving in straight lines, on the lunge and often ridden. Movement abnormalities are noted. Range of movement of neck, back, fore and hind limbs are assessed and a palpatory examination will reveal areas of tension, tenderness and lack of mobility. Following the assessment process where problems are identified, a treatment and rehabilitation plan is formulated.