Physiotherapy for horses: supporting performance and recovery

Equine physiotherapy is no longer seen as a luxury reserved for elite competition horses, it’s now widely recognised as an essential part of maintaining equine health, supporting recovery, and maximising performance. Just as human athletes benefit from physiotherapy to prevent injury and improve function, horses can too. Whether your horse is a hacker, a show jumper, or a racehorse, vet physiotherapy can play a vital role in their overall wellbeing.

Why horses need vet physiotherapy

Horses are powerful, athletic animals, but their musculoskeletal systems are also under constant strain. Daily training, repetitive movements, or even simply carrying a rider can lead to muscular tension, joint stiffness, or soft tissue injuries. Physiotherapy helps to address these issues, reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing problems from becoming long-term conditions.

Common reasons horses benefit from vet physiotherapy include:

• Performance support- ensuring muscles are supple and joints are functioning optimally.

• Injury rehabilitation- aiding recovery from tendon and ligament injuries, fractures, or wounds.

• Post-surgical recovery- helping regain strength and range of motion safely.

• Age-related care- easing stiffness and discomfort in older horses.
  

Techniques used in equine physiotherapy

A veterinary physiotherapist may use a combination of techniques depending on your horse’s needs. These might include:

• Manual therapy, such as massage, stretching, or joint mobilisation to relieve tension and improve flexibility.

• Electrotherapy- including ultrasound, laser, or magnetic therapy to promote healing and reduce pain.

• Exercise programmes- tailored rehabilitation exercises to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and restore correct movement patterns.

• Postural and movement assessment: identifying subtle imbalances that could affect performance or increase the risk of injury.
  

Every treatment plan is bespoke, ensuring your horse receives the right care for their specific condition, workload, and goals.

How a vet physio supports your horse’s performance

For performance horses, physiotherapy can make a significant difference. By keeping the musculoskeletal system in top condition, physiotherapy not only helps prevent injury but also enhances suppleness, stride length, and overall efficiency of movement. This can translate into improved performance in disciplines such as dressage, eventing, or racing.

Regular physiotherapy sessions, alongside good training practices and veterinary care, can also help spot issues early, before they develop into something more serious.

Aiding recovery with vet physio for horses

If your horse has suffered an injury or undergone surgery, physiotherapy is an important part of the recovery journey. Gentle, progressive rehabilitation helps tissues heal correctly, builds strength gradually, and reduces the risk of re-injury. With the right support, many horses are able to return to full work safely and successfully.

Vet physiotherapy for horses- how we can help

Physiotherapy for horses is about much more than injury treatment. It’s a proactive way to support your horse’s health, wellbeing, and athletic potential at every stage of life. From easing the strain of daily exercise to helping older horses stay comfortable, physiotherapy offers benefits for all.

We are an experienced equine physiotherapist in Poynton, Cheshire. If you’d like to know more about how equine physiotherapy could help your horse, get in touch with us to discuss an assessment and tailored treatment plan.