More than “MASSAGE”  – What’s in a treatment?

Physiotherapists are movement and function specialists who base their practice on scientific research that demonstrates the effectiveness of different techniques and treatment programs.

A typical physiotherapy assessment includes analysis of:

• Gross movement and gait for dysfunctional patterns
• Individual joint range of motion and accessory joint glides particularly at the spinal segmental level
• Muscle length, bulk and tone – uneven side to side or abnormal ratios of agonist to antagonist muscle group
• Neural system e.g. proprioception, balance, sensation/pain, vestibular tests
• Neural tissue mechanosensitisation
• Saddle and/or rider

Treatment is then focused to you or your horse or dogs needs and can include:

• Joint level – joint mobilisation, reflex techniques
• Muscle level – massage, myofascial release, reflex inhibition, dry needling (western acupuncture).
• Muscle activation – if neurological deficits apply any of the following techniques
  • Vibration
  • Hand pressure
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Taping
  • Theraband
  • Targeted exercises and stretches for specific muscle groups
• Gait re-education
• Ultrasound
• Therapeutic exercises
• Rider instruction for end stage rehab