Equine physiotherapy has grown into a specialized field improving recovery from injury and maintaining musculoskeletal health in working horses.
Physiotherapy adds a welfare dimension to equine care by addressing musculoskeletal discomfort that may be present even when horses appear to perform adequately. Horses with chronic back pain often show behavioral changes including girthiness, resistance to work, and altered movement patterns that owners may misinterpret as behavioral problems requiring stronger correction. Proper physiotherapy assessment can identify the physical source of behavioral changes, leading to treatment rather than punishment. Recovery from orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal injury involves prolonged stall rest that reduces psychological welfare, and rehabilitation programs that safely increase activity during recovery improve both physical and behavioral outcomes. The growing evidence base for equine physiotherapy supports integrating it into routine equine care rather than treating it as an optional luxury for performance horses.