Structured rehabilitation programmes for horses with kissing spine combine veterinary treatment, physiotherapy, and progressive exercise to restore back health and welfare.
Kissing spine rehabilitation requires a whole-horse approach that addresses both structural problems and associated muscle tension, behavioural avoidance, and saddle fit issues. Horses with chronic back pain often develop anticipatory tension and avoidance behaviours that persist even after structural treatment. Rehabilitation must include recognition and treatment of these behavioural components, as forcing a horse back into work before muscle development and behavioural rehabilitation are complete frequently leads to relapse. The welfare of horses undergoing rehabilitation is best served by patience, appropriate pain management, and progress guided by individual response rather than timelines.