Horses are athletes and, just like any other athlete, they also experience pain and injury. Regular physical therapy can really help keep your horse healthy and pain-free, but it can be hard to know when it's time to schedule an appointment for them.
Physical therapy is an essential aspect of equine healthcare that can really help to improve a horse's overall well-being, performance, and quality of their life.
As horse owners, it's important to ensure that your horse is happy, healthy, and performing at the best they can be. Regular physical therapy can play a big role in achieving these goals, but it can be difficult to know when it's time to schedule an appointment. To help you understand when your horse might need physical therapy, below we've put together a list of warning signs for you to look out for.
Changes in behaviour or performance
Horses are social animals and their behaviour can be a huge indicator of their health and well-being. If you notice any changes big or small in your horse's behaviour or performance, it could be a sign that they're in pain or some form of discomfort.
Some examples of changes to look out for include:
Resistance to being groomed or tacked up.
Reluctance to move or perform certain tasks.
Decreased energy or enthusiasm for work.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
It's important to address these changes as early on as possible, these signs may be an indication of a more serious issue. Regular physical therapy can help in identifying and addressing any underlying issues presenting at that time, it will also help keep your horse feeling good!
Lameness or gait changes
Lameness or changes in your horse's gait can signify pain or discomfort, this can indicate the need for investigation and physical therapy. A horse that is presenting as lame or has a noticeable change in its gait may be experiencing pain in its joints, muscles, or even bones. This discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, or poor shoeing.
Some examples of lameness or gait changes to look out for include:
Limping or favoring one leg.
Shortening of stride or stiffness in movement.
Unusual sounds or creaking when moving.
Reluctance to move or perform certain tasks.
In addition to lameness, there are other signs that may indicate your horse needs physical therapy.
Decreased performance
Muscle atrophy
Resistance to being groomed
Stiffness
Changes in behaviour
All these signs can indicate the need for physical therapy. Regular physical therapy can help improve your horse's mobility and reduce the risk of further injury.
Muscle or joint stiffness
Seeing stiffness in your horse's muscles or joints can be a sign of pain or discomfort. When a horse is presenting as stiff, it can have a huge impact on its mobility, performance, and overall well-being.
If you are starting to notice your horse is experiencing stiffness, it is important to seek veterinary care to determine the cause. Physical therapy can then be used to help further improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the muscles and joints.
Some examples of muscle or joint stiffness to look out for include:
Difficulty bending or flexing.
Difficulty with certain movements or tasks.
Reduced range of motion in the joints.
Muscle atrophy or weakness.
Physical therapy techniques such as massage and stretching help increase circulation, relieve tension in tight muscles, and improve joint mobility.
Stiffness in your horse's muscles or joints can be a warning sign that they may be in need of physical therapy. By seeking veterinary care and incorporating physical therapy into your horse's healthcare routine, you can help to further improve their mobility, performance, and overall well-being. If you notice any of these changes, it's important to have your horse evaluated by a veterinarian.
Swelling or heat in a joint.
When you happen to see swelling or heat in a joint may be a sign of injury or inflammation. As soon as you notice this swelling or heat in one of your horse's joints, it is so important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Once your horse has been assessed by your vet physical therapy will then help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected joint, as well as improve joint mobility and even reduce pain.
Some examples of swelling or heat in a joint to look out for include:
Swelling in the legs or joints.
Warmth or redness in the affected area.
Pain or discomfort when touching the affected area.
If you do notice any of these changes, make sure to have your horse evaluated by a veterinarian. Regular physical therapy can then help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, and it can start to help improve your horse's mobility and strength again.
Abnormal posture or muscle development.
Abnormal posture or muscle development can also be a sign that your horse may need physical therapy. Abnormal posture can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, muscle imbalances, or even poor conformation. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and decreased performance.
Some examples of abnormal posture or muscle development to look out for include:
Uneven muscle development or asymmetry in the body
Unusual posture or stance
Reduced flexibility or range of motion
Physical therapy techniques such as massage, stretching, and therapeutic exercises can help improve your horse's muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. In addition, physical therapy can also help improve the range of motion, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation.
It is also important to address any further underlying issues that are contributing to the abnormal posture, such as poor conformation or an unbalanced saddle fit. By working with a veterinarian and an equine physical therapist, you can develop a comprehensive plan that will improve your horse's posture and overall well-being.
Conclusion
With equine physical therapy, we can help horses live longer and healthier lives. The benefits of this treatment are numerous, including improved mobility and comfort levels. It is important to note that physical therapy should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care.
However, by recognising these warning signs that your horse needs physical therapy, you can ensure that they are happy, and healthy, and can continue to perform at their best!
If you have any questions about the process or how it works, message us today on Hannah Egan- Equine Therapy!
Hannah
Physical therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care. We work closely with you, your vet, & farrier to fully benefit the whole horse. We are happy to answer any questions you may have or book an appointment, email Hannah at hannahegan.eq@gmail.com
Comments