Just as athletes seek treatment after an injury, horses can benefit from regular therapy sessions to keep on top of any aches and pains. EQ Life talks to practitioners in the area to give you all you need to when choosing treatment.
Although the names vary, the goals for therapy methods are usually the same; offering pain reduction, restoring range of motion, restoring strength and to prevent further injury. Some give an immediate fix, perfect to make quick adjustments before a competition, whereas some are used long term as maintenance to aid horse condition.
It is important to check that any therapist holds a certification and full liability insurance in their specialist field.
Physiotherapy
Equine physiotherapists analyse and assess posture, movement and locomotory function, and treat musculoskeletal problems such as muscular damage, back pain, fractures, some neurological conditions and sports injuries.
Halina Tombs Veterinary Physiotherapist
Halina Tombs, chair of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists explains, “Techniques include assessment both static and dynamic, as well as massage, manual and electrotherapies, range of motion and stretches, remedial exercise prescription.”
Nicky Desailly, Veterinary Physiotherapist adds, “Therapy methods include manual techniques such as myofascial techniques, massage, trigger point release; these form the foundation of most treatments.
“Electrotherapy modalities and ultrasound can be used to enhance the healing response of tissue, reduce oedema, provide pain relief, influence adhesions or scar tissue or assist in re-establishment of correct neuromuscular function,” she continues. “Main modalities used are therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation which may take the form of various different wave lengths, pulsed magnetic field therapy, cryotherapy and remedial exercise prescription.”
Largely used during rehabilitation processes to aid horses recovering from surgeries, physiotherapy can enhance performance and quality of life for horses with degenerative conditions such as arthritis. These practitioners use a hands-on approach to promote passive stretching, weight shifting and the activation of spinal reflexes, thought to help to increase flexibility and strengthen core muscles.
“It is suitable for horses of any age as each treatment is adapted to the individual case,” says Halina. “The realisation that it is pain, in varying degrees, that leads to mental and physical behavioural changes in the horse made me pursue a role in physiotherapy. With 30 years of experience in the industry I know that once the pain and its causes have been addressed these horses become happier, better able and willing to work for us.”
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) advises, “A growing number of Chartered Physiotherapists now work with animals. Unlike the title ‘Veterinary Surgeon’ the title ‘Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist’ is not protected. This means that any one can call themselves an animal or veterinary physiotherapist regardless of their qualifications. The title ‘Chartered Physiotherapist’ is protected by law and can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physiotherapy and are consequently qualified and registered to practice.”
Chiropractic
Chiropractic therapy focuses on the spine and its effect on the nervous system. Chiropractors use high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to induce relief and restore correct alignment of the vertebrae or other joints after being shifted, also known as subluxation. Subluxation can impact nerves, muscles, and joints in the surrounding area, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Julia Smith-Pearse using chiropractic techniques, photo by Laura Green
Julia Smith-Pearse, McTimoney Chiropractor explains, “This method is beneficial for many reasons – to increase freedom of movement both globally for the body as a whole, but also from the chiropractor’s perspective, at individual joint level. When joints move incorrectly, associated nerve function is reduced, and overall function of the body is reduced. Conversely when joints move correctly, the reverse happens.”
Chiropractic adjustments are particularly useful for horses with back pain, especially when the condition is accompanied by visible asymmetry such as a horse that travels crooked, carries its tail to one side, or has a consistent head tilt, and over time, can reduce back pain, improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
“Altogether there are hundreds of chiropractic techniques, the two best known being used in the UK for animals are McTimoney and Diversified, which are both taught in the UK,” Julia explains. “Look for members of the McTimoney Chiropractic Association, the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the British Veterinary Chiropractic Association.”
All chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council – the title “chiropractor” is protected in law – so by default, any chiropractor working with horses will also treat humans, and it can be very useful to have the same person treat both horse and rider.
Osteopathy
Like physiotherapists and chiropractors, manual osteopaths use a combination of techniques to address problems in the musculoskeletal system. Hannah Koeller, Registered Osteopath explains, “Osteopathy works to restore the body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. It aims to support the functioning body for as long as possible against the stresses placed on it by exercise, poor conformation, poor riding, the ageing process and intermittent trauma such as falls, slips and getting cast for example.”
Registered Osteopath, Hannah Koeller using palpations to relieve tension
While any horse can benefit from the treatment, osteopathy is most helpful for treating conditions affecting the musculo-skeletal system, including conformational strains, ageing tissues and trauma.
“Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms,” says Hannah.
“As osteopaths, our highly trained palpation skills allow us to expertly assess the degree of treatment appropriate for the tissue state without inflicting further injury or destabilising a vulnerable area.”
Osteopathy fits between physiotherapy and chiropractics, and as the treatment works on all types of tissues, from muscle, to tendon or joint, the process cannot be rushed.
“Osteopath” is a protected title and registration and can only be used by members of the General Osteopathic Council, who regulate the industry.
Massage
Equine sports therapists look at the horse as a whole, from bones and joints to muscle groups, to find the source of any pain by gauging how the horse reacts to different pressures. After locating any issues, therapists use a variety of massage techniques including; Swedish massage, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, acupressure and in some cases kinesio tape, to restore normal function.
Megan Lindsey using kinesio taping to control pain and manage swelling
Equine body workers are regarded separately to massage therapists as they combine stretching exercises with whole body massage techniques. Massage therapy can be beneficial for any horse, from elite competition horses to the leisure horse and older horse.
“For working horses this treatment aims to improve performance by increasing flexibility and range of motion, in addition to relieving stress and soreness. It can change the way of going, improving head carriage and tracking up,” explains Megan Lindsey, Equine Sports Therapist EEBW.
“It can be very useful for horses on box rest, encouraging blood flow and break down in fluid, while the stimulation helps to prevent wastage of muscles and aids recovery.”
“For competition horses, massage can be used as a preventative method to warm up the body and to help prevent injuries as well as enable them to work to their potential. Post event massage is used to reduce recovery time and stiffness as well as detect any injuries or potential injuries.”
Massage also has its uses for a number of age related problems. “One of my old clients was a 26–year–old thoroughbred with Cushing’s disease, and he loved being massaged. It really helped him to relax and made drastic improvements to his mood, going from a grumpy horse to touch and groom, especially around his tummy area, to a desensitised and happy horse.”
With training covering everything from nutrition and biomechanics to saddlery and behaviour, qualified massage therapists are a great resource for any owner having problems due to stiffness and muscle weaknesses, as well as those who simply want to help their horse relax.
Although there is a qualification for equine body workers and an International Equine Body Worker Association (IEBWA) that qualified members can join, there is no regulatory body for massage therapy as a whole, so instead look for degrees and certification awarded by associations such as EEBW, ESMA and IICT.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a sister therapy to acupressure and has its origins in Traditional Chinese medicine. Using pressure from palms, fingers, elbows and even shoulders, head and hips, in conjunction with rotations and stretches of limbs, shiatsu aims to restore the flow of Ki (vital energy) that is necessary for good health.
Liz Eddy, chair of the Equine Shiatsu Association (tESA) explains, “The aim is to rebalance the body or vital energy but you can talk about this in terms of muscles, joints, circulation, lymphatic system too. Shiatsu is traditionally a preventative medicine and so lots of practitioners work as part of a team for competition horses to help maintain and promote well-being both physically and mentally.
Liz Eddy using shiatsu to restore the flow of Ki
“Shiatsu is aimed at finding the source of a problem and not just treating the effect and gradually, in both equine and human field, this is becoming more understood and so Shiatsu is more and more being used for all kinds of ailments and problems.”
The treatment is suitable for a wide range of horses, from competition to the elderly and retired, and although many of the techniques used in equine shiatsu look and affect the horse similarly to other musculoskeletal therapies (massage, rotations and stretches), shiatsu practitioners are looking for the source of the problem rather than treating the effect.
Liz believes that in the long term Shiatsu is more effective, “It is a whole body therapy, looking at how a problem in one part of the body affects the rest of the body.
“I worked on a horse who colicked when stressed and was treated for ulcers but through shiatsu, I found the reason that he stressed was that he had injured a shoulder years before and when the work got to a certain level, he couldn’t cope and so he colicked. Through treating the injured shoulder, we treated the colic.
“It can be the same for lame horses, who cause other stresses on their body to relieve the pain in the sore leg or foot. Shiatsu is considered to be a conversation with the horse and they can tell you where it hurts!”
When finding a practitioner, its is best to visit the tESA website as they set standards and uphold the equine shiatsu code of ethics. Only members who are fully trained (over 2-3 years) and fully insured will be recommended by the site.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure in which tiny needles are inserted at specific locations of the body, which stimulate the brain into producing a variety of naturally occurring chemicals, including potent painkillers such as endorphins. This achieves natural pain relief as well as other positive effects on the body, such as relaxation.
Christopher Day, the UK’s longest serving homeopathic and holistic vet explains, “Animals generally accept acupuncture very well indeed. Relaxation is the usual response to acupuncture vet treatment but in the rare cases when the patient does not readily accept needling, we offer different methodology. We do not sedate patients as, apart from the potential toxicity of the chemical used, the patient’s perception of the acupuncture stimulus and response to it is likely to be altered. Our experience is that most patients willingly submit themselves to the acupuncture vet for a second treatment, when offered, thus demonstrating their comfort with the process.”
Acupuncture can be used to treat a range of issues including back and neck problems as well as arthritis, wobbler syndrome, kissing spines, spavin and lameness. “We have found that ‘head shaking’ cases can respond well and may require ‘top-ups’ during the season,” says Christopher. “One of our greatest surprises was the apparent ability to control cases of ‘periodic ophthalmia’ (moon blindness), and when treated promptly, attacks become less and less severe, eventually ceasing in most cases.”
While acupuncture can be a sole treatment, Chris believes it is more effective to address the horse as a whole using holistic methodology, with integrated alternative and complementary medicine methods, including frequent recourse to veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, cold LASER and natural feeding to fully support the horse’s wellbeing.
Following the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, acupuncture can only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon who has undergone special training in the technique.
Holistic Methods
As a less understood area of equine therapy, many are quick to disregard holistic approaches for their lack of scientific evidence in comparison to more mainstream methods. Niki Senior, Principal of Animal Magic and Reiki Master Teacher explains, “As a holistic practitioner I believe in treating each animal as a whole, which means applying a number of methods that will treat the horse on emotional, behavioural and spiritual levels. Akin to each physical ailment, I will often discover causes of a more emotional or behavioural in nature which have contributed to the diagnosis of particular physical condition.”
One of her popular treatments is Reiki, a hands-on, gentle, non-invasive, relaxing energy healing method, which aims to restore balance to the mind, body and spirit.
As well as being a qualified Master Herbalist and Bach Flower Remedies practitioner, Niki offers crystal therapy. “This is where crystals, which may include calcite (which is a naturally occurring mineral found in the pineal gland), being placed on relevant areas of the equine body to stimulate energy balance and promote healing,” she says. “Coupled with terminated quartz points the healing of each crystal is deeply enhanced because quartz creates a piezo-electrical effect that enhances the energetics of crystals.”
Regardless of traditional opinions, Niki explains holistic practice isn’t an alternative to veterinary medicine, “On the contrary, I work alongside many vets and I even receive client referrals from three practices here in East Anglia.”
Therapies benefit horses physically by removing pain, as well as mentally, encouraging them to relax
DIY Treatments
Currently the market boasts a wide variety of products for home use, designed for daily use to alleviate light pain or offer horses a way to relax.
When it comes to massage therapy, most products use oscillations (vibrations) to increase blood flow to the tissues, promoting healing and relaxation, reduce tension and improve flexibility and even increase things like stride length. Some are area specific, whereas others can be used all over the body, either as tools to manage current conditions or to improve overall wellness.
Magnetic products are far more widespread and the technology can be found in all manner of products including leg wraps, back pads, rugs, boots and poll bands. The magnetic field generated by the magnets is believed to relax the capillary walls and surrounding muscle and soft tissue, improving oxygen and blood flow, which aids cell renewal, reduces inflammation and reduced muscle tension. While there is minimal scientific evidence about their effectiveness, some find these products useful for alleviating arthritic joints.
Undoubtedly the easiest form of ‘at home’ treatment is through stretching, which improves mobility and range of motion. Encouraging the horse to flex through its neck is a form of dynamic stretching and can be performed at any time, whereas passive stretches, such as front and hind leg stretches, ought to be used when the horse is warmed up to ensure no soft tissue damage is caused. For stretches to be fully beneficial they must be carried out properly; the horse shouldn’t be forced into position and limbs shouldn’t be pulled into stretch. For more information about performing stretches, contact your vet.
Over to you
Word of mouth is usually how people find therapists, but as Nicky Desailly reminds us, “There are so many variables that can influence a horse’s response to treatment such as temperament, conformation, level of training, age, existence of previous injuries, training methods, an owner’s expertise and facilities available. It is impossible to be prescriptive in most cases and each case must be assessed on its own merits.”
We all want to keep our horses happy and healthy for longer
Hannah Koeller adds, “Any treatment modality does not offer a ‘miracle cure’ and attention should be paid to the training/riding methods and general management of the horse to aid rehabilitation and prevent recurrence.”
While therapy shouldn’t replace treatment from a vet, finding an option suitable for your horse and his workload can be a very useful method to improve performance and alleviate present issues as well as alert you to any developing problems.
Take note
Equine physical therapists should work only on a referral basis from a veterinary surgeon and no invasive techniques should be employed by the therapist. This is to protect the horse and the therapist, as any undisclosed information known by the vet, may lead to serious harm in horses, such as those that have recently undergone operations or have special conditions the treatment could aggravate. The therapist ought to see the horse move if possible, to understand the problems it is having, as well as understand the horse’s history, what it is required to do and what it will be doing in the future.