Modalities Offered

Veterinary physiotherapy modalities are a range of evidence-based techniques used to support healing, relieve pain, and restore movement. These include manual therapies such as soft tissue release, joint mobilisations, and stretching to improve mobility and reduce discomfort; electrotherapies like laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and neuromuscular stimulation to enhance tissue repair and reduce inflammation; and therapeutic exercises that build strength, balance, and correct movement patterns. Each modality is carefully selected to suit the individual horse’s condition, stage of recovery, and overall rehabilitation goals.

Manual Therapies

Massage

Equine massage therapy is a hands-on technique used to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall comfort and performance. By targeting specific muscle groups, it helps to release soft tissue restrictions, reduce stiffness, and support recovery from exercise or injury. Massage also promotes relaxation, improves range of motion, and can be a valuable part of both rehabilitation and routine maintenance for horses at any level of work.

Myofascial Release

Equine myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on therapy that targets restrictions within the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, joints, and organs. By applying sustained pressure to specific areas, this technique helps to release tension, improve mobility, and restore healthy movement patterns. It’s particularly effective for addressing chronic stiffness, postural imbalances, and compensatory issues, making it a valuable tool in both rehabilitation and performance management.

Mobilisation and Manipulation

Equine joint mobilisations are gentle, passive movements applied to a joint to reduce stiffness, improve range of motion, and support comfortable, functional movement. They help maintain joint health and are often used in both rehabilitation and performance care.

Electrotherapies

Class 3B Laser

Class 3B laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in equine physiotherapy to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. It works by delivering targeted light energy to cells, stimulating cellular repair and improving circulation. Commonly used for soft tissue injuries, joint conditions, and wound healing, it’s a safe, effective modality that supports both acute and chronic rehabilitation.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound in equine physiotherapy uses sound waves to deliver deep tissue heating, promoting circulation, reducing pain, and accelerating the healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s especially useful for chronic injuries, scar tissue, and soft tissue tightness, helping to improve tissue elasticity and support recovery.

TENS and NMES

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used to relieve pain by stimulating sensory nerves and blocking pain signals, making it helpful for managing both acute and chronic discomfort.

NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) targets motor nerves to activate muscle contractions, helping to prevent atrophy, improve muscle strength, and support neuromuscular re-education during rehabilitation.

Therapeutic Exercise

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching in horses involves controlled, active movements that gently lengthen muscles and improve flexibility through motion. Often used during warm-up or rehabilitation, it helps enhance range of motion, coordination, and muscle activation, preparing the horse’s body for exercise while reducing the risk of injury.

In-hand Exercise

In-hand exercises for horses are ground-based movements led by the handler to improve balance, suppleness, coordination, and engagement without the weight of a rider. These exercises may include lateral work, pole work, or transitions and are often used in rehabilitation or conditioning to develop correct posture, strengthen key muscle groups, and encourage relaxed, responsive movement.

Ridden Exercise

Ridden exercises in veterinary physiotherapy are carefully planned sessions designed to support rehabilitation, improve posture, and develop strength under saddle. They focus on encouraging correct movement patterns, balance, and engagement, often incorporating transitions, lateral work, and pole work. These exercises help bridge the gap between groundwork and full return to work, ensuring the horse builds fitness safely and symmetrically.