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Purpose
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Equine physical therapy treatments can aid in the alleviation of pain, swelling or edema as well as encourage increased joint and muscle function. Fit horses who receive physical therapy may be less susceptible to injuries due to the increased range of motion and flexibility obtained from the different treatments. Equine physical therapy facilities foster an atmosphere of comfort and convenience by catering to the needs of a recovering horse.
Benefits
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Equine athletes who have sustained muscle, tendon or joint injuries or suffer from nerve damage, arthritis and other physical conditions can all benefit from equine physical therapy. The basic underlying theory behind equine physical therapy is that stimulation of blood flow through the muscles encourages healing, explains Midway College's Director of Equine Therapy, Mimi Porter, in the Horse.com article. This is why massage therapy, a long accepted healing method for reducing swelling and muscle soreness in people, is also part of the equine physical therapy regimen.
Interventions
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Equine physical therapists enlist several interventions when treating an injured horse. Manual therapies include the massage, stretching and manipulation of the muscles and joints of the horse; thermal therapies enlist the use of hot and cold applications to an injured area; electrotherapeutic techniques induce muscle and nerve stimulation; mechanical therapies rely upon ultrasound technology and other devices and therapeutic exercises increase mobility. Some equine physical therapists use acupuncture as well.
Treatment
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According to animal physiotherapist Victoria Spalding, MSc, a close relationship between the equine physical therapist and the attending veterinarian is important, as she brings out in the Horse.com article. According to Spalding, an equine physical therapist cannot treat an injured horse until a medical diagnosis has been made. Using this diagnosis, along with a general evaluation of the horse's history, movement style, body conformation and discipline of riding, the physical therapist designs a treatment program.
Significance
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Equine physical therapy provides the opportunity to reach full health potential. The interventions chosen by the equine physical therapist largely depend upon the type of condition needing treatment. A horse presenting a traumatic injury will be treated differently than one in need of competitive conditioning. Equine physical therapy treatments may not completely resolve a chronic problem or congenital defect, or restore soundness. The purpose of equine physical therapy is to provide an opportunity for the horse to reach its full health potential.
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Horse Physical Therapy Information
Successful equine athletes must be in excellent physical condition. Just as the human athlete risks physical injury from the strain of training and competition, so too does the equine athlete. Physical therapy treatments can play an important role in the maintenance of a fit horse or recovery of an injured one. The following information is based upon the Horse.com article, "Physical Therapy for Healing and Health."