Veterinary Physiotherapy
What a Veterinary Physiotherapist Can Offer
Veterinary Physiotherapy plays a vital role in supporting the health, performance, and recovery of animals; whether they’re pets, athletes, or companions. At the heart of this service is a deep understanding of how movement, muscle function, and posture impact overall well-being.
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As a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist, Ruby Milne offers a range of services tailored to each individual animal. Whether your horse is recovering from injury, returning to work, or simply in need of a performance boost, physiotherapy provides targeted, evidence-based care to improve both physical and mental health.
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What Does a Veterinary Physiotherapist Do?
A Veterinary Physiotherapist works alongside your vet to assess and treat musculoskeletal and neurological issues. The goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, improve strength, and prevent future injuries. For horses, this means not only addressing specific problems but also supporting long-term soundness and performance.
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Ruby offers a thorough, whole-horse approach, taking into account physical symptoms, underlying causes, environment, and daily routine to create a bespoke rehabilitation or maintenance plan.
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Assessment
Each session begins with a detailed discussion of your horse’s medical history, workload, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. This is followed by a static and dynamic assessment, observing posture, conformation, and movement in walk and trot, both in-hand and on the lunge/ridden, where appropriate. A thorough hands-on evaluation is then carried out, including palpation of muscles, joints, and soft tissues to assess for areas of tension, pain, or asymmetry. Together, these steps help build a complete picture of your horse’s physical condition and functional ability.
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Therapeutic Aims
From the assessment, a unique and targeted problem list is developed. This forms the foundation for a personalised treatment approach. Based on clinical findings and your goals for your horse, I’ll evaluate initial treatment using appropriate manual techniques, electrotherapies, and/or therapeutic exercises. A tailored therapeutic plan is then created to support ongoing progress and long-term outcomes.
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Treatment
Each treatment session is designed to address your horse’s specific needs, combining hands-on techniques, electrotherapies, and tailored exercises to support recovery, improve performance, and enhance overall well-being. The approach is always evidence-based and individualised, ensuring the most effective outcomes for your horse.
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Prescribed Exercise
Therapeutic exercise is a vital part of the rehabilitation and conditioning process. These exercises are individually prescribed to support your horse’s therapeutic plan and on-going aims. tailored to meet their specific stage of healing and functional goals.
Each exercise is demonstrated and explained clearly, with guidance on frequency, surfaces, and progression. Owners are given structured home programs to follow, with regular reassessment to adjust as needed.
