Equine competitors have utilized a variety of approaches to help maintain physical fitness and to assist in the recovery process when injury occurs to a joint, muscle, ligament, or tendon. Today, physical therapy is a part of the equine racing and performance horse world, and is here to stay. Equine physical therapists are using a number of techniques that range from simple stretching exercises to sophisticated laser equipment.
The equine therapist normally works by referral from a veterinary surgeon or hospital following a thorough examination and evaluation prior to implementing any therapy procedure. The correct diagnosis is critical to the successful out come of the physical therapy treatment.
Physical therapy for horses is an evolving field and there has been much research on the use of physical therapy on horses. Some of the tools of rehabilitation include ice, heat, exercise, massage, lasers, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and magnetic fields. All are a drug free alternative and when applying the physical therapy tools and techniques the goals should be established as follows:
- Reduce pain
- Restore range of motion
- Restore strength
- Prevent injury
