FAQ

Please find the answers to our frequently asked questions.

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:

Restore movement
Improve strength and function
Reduce pain
Support recovery from injury
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:

Full static and dynamic assessment
Palpation and muscle evaluation
Joint range of motion testing
Postural analysis
Treatment (manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise prescription)
Written rehabilitation plan

How often will my horse need treatment?

This depends on the condition, workload, and goals.

Acute injuries: weekly or bi-weekly initially
Rehabilitation cases: structured block plans
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:

Post-injury recovery
Box rest management
Structured rehabilitation
Weight management
Performance conditioning
Long-term chronic condition support

What facilities do you have?

The Therapy Unit includes:

Water treadmill
Solarium and hot wash
Rehabilitation stabling
Small individual turnout pens (if appropriate)
Small individual grass turnout
Clinical assessment space
Structured exercise prescription
Full daily care packages
Electrotherapies
Access to arenas, river walk etc

What makes rehab livery different?

This is not standard livery.

Horses receive:

Clinical oversight
Weekly physiotherapy assessment (in relevant packages)
Structured rehabilitation plans
Objective progress tracking
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:

Improve muscle development
Increase joint flexion
Reduce concussive load
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Support safe return to work
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:

Certain acute injuries
Active infections
Specific tendon or ligament phases
Poor handling tolerance

Suitability is assessed clinically for rehabilitation cases.

How often should my horse use it?

Frequency depends on the goal:

Rehabilitation: 1–3 times per week
Weight management: up to 3 times per week
Performance conditioning: up to 5 times per week
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:

Full daily care
Bedding
Forage (including soaked if required)
Small individual turnout pens (if appropriate)
Structured plan oversight

Higher-tier packages include:

Weekly physiotherapy assessment
Individualised exercise programme
Water treadmill sessions (as prescribed)

Do you take horses for box rest?

Yes.

We specialise in:

Box rest management
Controlled exercise progression
Mental stimulation strategies
Graduated return-to-work planning

Can you manage complex cases?

Yes.

We regularly support horses with:

Tendon and ligament injuries
Osteoarthritis
Navicular-type pain
Post-surgical rehabilitation
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:

Performance horses
Off-season conditioning
Muscle development programmes
Return-to-competition transitions
Older horses requiring structured management
Weight management cases

Can you help with muscle asymmetry or weakness?

Yes.

Through assessment, manual therapy, and progressive loading programmes, we address:

Epaxial weakness
Hindlimb asymmetry
Reduced gluteal mass
Core instability
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:

Book via the website
Contact RPM Equine directly
Arrange a vet referral

What should my horse wear?

For treadmill sessions:

Clean limbs
No boots (unless advised)
No studs
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:

Exercise is modified or paused
The referring vet is contacted
A revised plan is implemented

Results & Expectations

How long does rehabilitation take?

Rehabilitation timelines depend on:

Tissue type (bone vs tendon vs muscle)
Severity
Previous conditioning
Owner compliance
Veterinary protocol

Structured rehab is measured in months, not weeks.

Can you guarantee results?

No ethical clinician can guarantee outcomes.

What we provide is:

Evidence-informed planning
Objective progress monitoring
Structured progression
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.