We often talk about “the back person” or “the physio” for our horses – but how do you choose one? And why? Vet Sarah Hunter investigates…

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What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy involves assessing the ability of the body to move and perform physical activity. It includes looking at joint mobility, muscle size and strength, coordination, balance and the ability to perform certain tasks. The physiotherapist’s aims are to reduce pain and swelling and improve the movement and function of the patient. They use a number of different techniques, including massage, hot and cold treatments, hydrotherapy, laser, myofascial release, joint mobilisations and acupuncture, and use exercises to increase range of motion, strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.

Should I get my horse checked by the vet or the physio?

All physiotherapists must have consent from a vet before they can treat your horse for any disorder. The main reasons for this are; to ensure that there are no underlying health problems that may affect the physiotherapy treatment and to rule out any conditions that require veterinary intervention, either medical or surgical. 

So, in the first instance, you must speak to your vet about any concerns that you have with your horse. Your vet will ask you for information regarding what signs you have noticed, how long they have been going on for and if there has been any trauma. They will then examine the horse, looking for any swelling, pain or asymmetry. And will then watch the horse in walk and trot. Once an assessment has been made, your vet can refer your horse to your physiotherapist as required. Often the physiotherapist will communicate with your vet regarding relevant clinical findings and a plan can be made together. But the physiotherapist cannot and must not make a diagnosis, as only a vet can do this.

Who can perform physiotherapy?

Once a vet has made a diagnosis and recommended physical therapy as a treatment plan, this can be carried out by any musculoskeletal therapist. Unlike vets, there is no overarching regulatory body for veterinary physiotherapists. Although many therapists hold a qualification in their area of interest, there is a wide range of knowledge and experience required to achieve these qualifications; some requiring years of studying and some only being short part-time courses. 

The titles “Chiropractor,” “Osteopath” and “Chartered Physiotherapist” are legally protected. They can only be used by therapists who have undergone degree-level training in their subject and have the depth of knowledge and the level of skills for them to legally treat human patients. However, when the word ‘animal’ or ‘veterinary’ is placed in front of the title, this results in the title not being protected. Therefore anyone can call themselves a veterinary physiotherapist.

How can I tell which therapists will be better than others?

Although there is no legal requirement for therapists to be regulated, there are specific musculoskeletal associations that have been set up that therapists can join. By joining a group or association, such as the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) or Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) the therapist is voluntarily signing themselves up to be regulated, as members have to show that they meet standards set out by the association. However, this is not the same as statutory regulation. (Such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the case of vets and vet nurses).

What is the difference between physiotherapy maintenance and treatment?

Often regular physiotherapy is recommended to help improve performance, prevent injury, and enhance mobility and suppleness; especially if your horse competes or performs strenuous exercise. It is common for therapists to provide maintenance physiotherapy without veterinary direction and this is acceptable, as long as the therapist recognises when veterinary intervention is required and advises accordingly.

In summary, it can be very difficult to choose a physiotherapist for your horse. Your first port of call should be to contact your vet, as not only can they advise you on whether a physiotherapist is required or not but they can also refer you to one that they recommend. Your vet and physiotherapist can then work together to formulate a rehabilitation plan that is best for your horse.

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