Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Welfare

Equine physiotherapy is a growing profession that contributes significantly to horse welfare through pain identification and rehabilitation.

Key Facts

Equine physiotherapists assess musculoskeletal function and design rehabilitation programmes
Physiotherapy can identify pain sources that owners and vets may not detect during standard examination
Techniques include manual therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy
Post-operative rehabilitation significantly reduces recovery time and improves outcomes
Regular physiotherapy checks can detect musculoskeletal problems before they become serious

Welfare Considerations

Physiotherapy provides horses with pain relief and rehabilitation support that extends beyond what conventional veterinary medicine alone provides. Integration of physiotherapy into routine equine health care catches problems early and improves overall welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Include equine physiotherapy assessment in the routine health care plan for ridden horses
Seek physiotherapy assessment for horses showing behavioural changes or poor performance
Ensure physiotherapists treating your horse are qualified members of the IRVAP or ACPAT