Companion Animals

Horse Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Equine physiotherapy has developed into a recognised discipline for managing musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic pain conditions in performance and leisure horses.

Key Facts

Equine physiotherapy uses massage, stretching, laser, ultrasound, and electrotherapy
Core strengthening exercises prescribed by physiotherapists reduce injury recurrence
Post-surgical physiotherapy after fracture repair or joint surgery improves outcomes
Back pain from kissing spines or muscle injury responds well to physiotherapy
Chartered physiotherapists with equine specialisation are increasingly accessible

Welfare Considerations

Musculoskeletal pain causes horses to be worked through discomfort or retired prematurely. Physiotherapy intervention extends comfortable working life and improves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Seek equine physiotherapy assessment for horses with performance loss or muscle issues
Ask your vet for physiotherapy referral alongside any musculoskeletal diagnosis
Maintain physiotherapy exercise programmes prescribed for your horse
Support integration of physiotherapy into standard equine veterinary care