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P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y
The most frequently occurring back problems
are muscular and can present in many ways.
Often it is a change from the ‘normal’. For
example, the horse is normally stiff to the right
and he has started being stiff to the left. If you
have a new horse it can sometimes be difficult
to know what is normal. It is good practice to get
new horses routinely checked after you make
the purchase or start harder work with them.
This is to ensure there are no physical problems
making it more difficult for them to perform.
Like humans, horses will tolerate levels of
pain very differently so it is important to get
your horses assessed and treated by a
physiotherapist so that they can be pain free
enabling them to work/perform to the best of
their ability. Even if your horse isn't presenting
with any of the symptoms opposite they may
still have a back problem. It is good to have
routine checks as issues can be picked up
quickly and not develop into larger problems,
which take more treatment and time to resolve.
Physiotherapy
Equine
Back problems are the most
common issue that Chartered
Animal Physiotherapists are called
to see. This is why Chartered
physiotherapists are often called the
‘back men or women’. Beware there
are ‘back men and women’ who
have NO qualifications so always
make sure the person treating your
horse is fully qualified.
All Chartered Animal Physiotherapists
are fully qualified, insured and
experienced enabling them to give
correct and appropriate treatment to
deal with the problems.
To find a chartered physiotherapist
in your area go to;
www.acpat.org.uk
for the painful back
Rachel Greetham BSc (Hons) MCSP, SRP,
Category A member ACPAT
Signs and symptoms
of back problems
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Loss of performance
l
Lameness
l
Dislike of being groomed
l
Change in temperament
l
Schooling issues, disunited in canter,
hollowing in transitions, lack of bend,
inconsistency in the contact, reluctance
to engage and use hind limbs
l
Behavioural issues, such as bucking,
rearing, nappiness
l
Jumping issues, such as refusing,
unable to take off when deep, rushing
l
Resenting being saddled, or mounted,
cold backed
l
Lack of straightness especially going
down hills
Carrot stretches help improve core stability and flexibility
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EQUINE MATTERS