Equine Physical Therapy

Equine physical therapy is considered a "developing field" by practicing physical therapist Jennifer Brooks. According to Brooks's article "What Can Physical Therapy Do For My Horse?" it is more correct to call equine physical therapy "equine rehabilitation," and the practitioner of equine rehabilitation should be called a "certified equine rehabilitation practitioner," or a CERP. The point of all rehabilitation practices is to help your horse heal faster from injuries.

  1. Therapies

    • Brooks asserts that a CERP utilizes therapies such as "laser, therapeutic ultrasound, heat and cold." Other therapies are the use of magnets, and whirlpools or underwater treadmills. An everyday example of these therapies horse owners use on a regular basis is applying ice to a horse's legs after a strenuous workout. While alternative therapies such as equine massage, acupuncture and chiropractics can be complementary to equine rehabilitation practices, these are not considered a part of equine rehabilitation. According to the article "Equine Physical Therapy" written by Les Sellnaw, the therapies your CERP uses should not be invasive (where a physical tool is inserted in the horse's body).

    Getting Treatment for Your Horse

    • All sources agreed that a CERP should only work with you after being referred to you by your horse's veterinarian. According to Brooks, this is even a law in her area. Start your search by asking your veterinarian to refer a CERP to work with you. If your veterinarian is leery of or unfamiliar with equine rehabilitation therapies, request that your veterinarian do some research on the field. The CERP you end up working with should be certified as a physical therapist and have completed continuing education in equine therapies.