
FAQ
Please find the answers to our frequently asked questions.
Contact us below if there are any questions that we may have missed!
About RPM Equine
What is RPM Equine?
RPM Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy is a specialist equine veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation service based in Cheshire. We provide structured rehabilitation, performance conditioning, and long-term management support through our purpose-built Therapy Unit.
Who runs RPM Equine?
RPM Equine is led by Ruby Milne, a qualified veterinary physiotherapist with a clinical focus on complex rehabilitation, post-injury recovery, and performance case management.
Where are you based?
RPM Equine Therapy Unit is based in Byley, Cheshire and welcomes horses from across the North West and surrounding counties. RPM Equine Livery is based in High Legh, Cheshire.
Why are we different?
At our facility, every session is meticulously planned and by a Level 7 Veterinary Physiotherapist. This ensures that you can trust in the therapy provided, as base our practices on tissue type, healing stages, and evidence-based methods.
Veterinary Physiotherapy
What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a science-based discipline that uses manual therapy, exercise prescription, electrotherapies, and rehabilitation planning to:
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Restore movement
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Improve strength and function
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Reduce pain
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Support recovery from injury
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Optimise performance
Does my horse need vet referral?
Yes, if your horse is undergoing veterinary treatment or has an existing diagnosis, we require veterinary consent before beginning physiotherapy.
We work closely with vets to ensure collaborative, evidence-based rehabilitation.
What happens during an appointment?
A session typically includes:
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Full static and dynamic assessment
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Palpation and muscle evaluation
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Joint range of motion testing
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Postural analysis
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Treatment (manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise prescription)
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Written rehabilitation plan
How often will my horse need treatment?
This depends on the condition, workload, and goals.
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Acute injuries: weekly or bi-weekly initially
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Rehabilitation cases: structured block plans
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Performance maintenance: every 4–8 weeks
Each horse receives an individualised plan.
RPM Equine Therapy Unit
What is the Therapy Unit?
The RPM Equine Therapy Unit is a purpose-built rehabilitation facility designed to support:
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Post-injury recovery
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Box rest management
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Structured rehabilitation
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Weight management
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Performance conditioning
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Long-term chronic condition support
What facilities do you have?
The Therapy Unit includes:
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Water treadmill
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Solarium and hot wash
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Rehabilitation stabling
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Small individual turnout pens (if appropriate)
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Small individual grass turnout
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Clinical assessment space
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Structured exercise prescription
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Full daily care packages
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Electrotherapies
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Access to arenas, river walk etc
What makes rehab livery different?
This is not standard livery.
Horses receive:
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Clinical oversight
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Weekly physiotherapy assessment (in relevant packages)
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Structured rehabilitation plans
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Objective progress tracking
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Collaborative vet communication
It is a rehabilitation-led environment, not simply a stable with services added on.
What type of livery do you offer?
We offer a range of livery services: from full performance livery to holiday livery. All packages can add on additional services (including ground work, ridden work and electrotherapies).
Water Treadmill
What are the benefits of water treadmill?
Water treadmill therapy can:
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Improve muscle development
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Increase joint flexion
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Reduce concussive load
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Improve cardiovascular fitness
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Support safe return to work
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Assist weight management
Water height, speed, and session length are individually prescribed.
Is it suitable for all horses?
Not all cases are appropriate.
A full assessment may be required before starting. Contraindications may include:
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Certain acute injuries
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Active infections
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Specific tendon or ligament phases
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Poor handling tolerance
Suitability is assessed clinically for rehabilitation cases.
How often should my horse use it?
Frequency depends on the goal:
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Rehabilitation: 1–3 times per week
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Weight management: up to 3 times per week
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Performance conditioning: up to 5 times per week
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General maintenance is advised weekly/fortnightly
Structured packages are available.
Do you offer session packages?
Yes.
We offer block packages (e.g., 8 sessions) at a discounted rate, valid for a set period. Packages must be paid upfront and are non-refundable.
Rehabilitation Livery
What is included?
All packages include:
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Full daily care
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Bedding
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Forage (including soaked if required)
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Small individual turnout pens (if appropriate)
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Structured plan oversight
Higher-tier packages include:
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Weekly physiotherapy assessment
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Individualised exercise programme
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Water treadmill sessions (as prescribed)
Do you take horses for box rest?
Yes.
We specialise in:
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Box rest management
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Controlled exercise progression
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Mental stimulation strategies
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Graduated return-to-work planning
Can you manage complex cases?
Yes.
We regularly support horses with:
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Tendon and ligament injuries
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Osteoarthritis
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Navicular-type pain
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Post-surgical rehabilitation
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Chronic performance issues
Each case is managed individually in collaboration with your vet.
Do you offer "prehab" livery?
Yes.
We recommend horses that are going for an elective surgery and require box rest or rehabilitation following the procedure to come for a week of "prehab". This allows the horse to acclimatise to reduce stress in an unknown environment to maximise recovery.
Performance & Conditioning
Is the Therapy Unit only for injured horses?
No.
We also support:
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Performance horses
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Off-season conditioning
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Muscle development programmes
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Return-to-competition transitions
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Older horses requiring structured management
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Weight management cases
Can you help with muscle asymmetry or weakness?
Yes.
Through assessment, manual therapy, and progressive loading programmes, we address:
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Epaxial weakness
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Hindlimb asymmetry
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Reduced gluteal mass
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Core instability
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Postural imbalances
Can I use your facility post competition?
Yes.
Our water treadmill can be used as a low-impact, structured session following high intensity work.
We also have equine spa capabilities, promoting circulation, cooling and compression to over-used limbs.
Do you offer session packages?
Yes.
We offer block packages (e.g., 8 sessions) at a discounted rate, valid for a set period. Packages must be paid upfront and are non-refundable.
Practical Information
How do I book?
You can:
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Book via the website
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Contact RPM Equine directly
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Arrange a vet referral
What should my horse wear?
For treadmill sessions:
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Clean limbs
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No boots (unless advised)
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No studs
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Minimal rugs
We will advise based on your horse’s case.
Is the unit insured?
Yes. RPM Equine operates with appropriate professional and public liability insurance.
What if my horse becomes unsound during rehab?
All changes are documented and communicated.
If clinical concerns arise:
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Exercise is modified or paused
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The referring vet is contacted
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A revised plan is implemented
Results & Expectations
How long does rehabilitation take?
Rehabilitation timelines depend on:
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Tissue type (bone vs tendon vs muscle)
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Severity
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Previous conditioning
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Owner compliance
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Veterinary protocol
Structured rehab is measured in months, not weeks.
Can you guarantee results?
No ethical clinician can guarantee outcomes.
What we provide is:
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Evidence-informed planning
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Objective progress monitoring
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Structured progression
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Collaborative veterinary support
Is the person running my session qualified?
Yes.
Ruby Milne holds a BSc in Equine Science and an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy and Clinical Rehabilitation.
All sessions are tailored to your horse using evidence-guided therapies and protocols.
Objective assessments are used to monitor progress where appropriate.
What happens after rehab?
You will be provided with a comprehensive exercise and management programme to follow when you go home.
You will continue to receive support and are encouraged to come back for follow up sessions and check ins.
You will not be left on your own when you take your horse home.