Professionals trained in Chiropractic, Osteopathic and Physiotherapy techniques are regarded here as one occupation – i.e. animal musculoskeletal practitioners.
Often people think about physio when they already have an issue.. so as a human if we feel uncomfortable or have pain we would go to the physio to check us out.. horses can’t tell us when they feel a niggle, they can certainly show us!. Whether this is subtle signs or some more dramatic ones, physio should be seen as something to be booked in as an ‘MOT’ for your horse. Often during a physio session tightness can be felt and this could paint a picture of something else going on.. e.g. a saddle which is no longer fitting correctly, your horse not quite using him/herself correctly, a lot of potential issues can be found and often remedied through a physio visit.
A physio visit can also lead to needing the ‘osteo’ an osteopath specifically Equine Osteopathy is adrug free, manual therapythat aims to improve the mobility and function of the horse’s skeleton, muscles, ligaments, joints and organs, – collectively known as the musculoskeletal system. It is a holistic approach involving an understanding of the problem and it’s causes.
But .. how do we know the person we are using is qualified? insured? not just someone who has been recommended by the person on the next yards daughter who had horses 10 years ago..
Word of mouth is great but it takes a quick ten minutes of your time to do some research!!
Here are some links to check out your professionals …
RAMP is a voluntary industry regulatory body which maintains a competent national register of professionals who have signed up to take responsibility to attain and maintain gold standards of practice in animal musculoskeletal treatment.
The register is designed to help veterinary surgeons and animal owners choose competent professionals providing Chiropractic, Osteopathic and Physiotherapy techniques for the treatment of their animals.
A dynamic community of qualified professionals working in animal therapy. Our shared belief is every animal deserves the best available treatment and that their owners are fully supported and informed.
The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists | IRVAP
‘Many of our members hold multi professional qualifications and offer an integrated service to the animals in their care, leading to improved lives for animals and owners. IRVAP’s diversity is our community strength, represented by our different membership categories and sub groups.
Our veterinary physiotherapy members use the post nominals MIRVAP (VP). Other categories use specific post nominals, as listed at the bottom of the page. Members who hold multiple qualifications, have the respective bracketed post nominals to clarify their status.
Our membership community includes; veterinary surgeons, veterinary physiotherapists, animal musculoskeletal practitioners, veterinary nurses, equine and canine hydrotherapists, animal massage therapists and TTouch practitioners who hold animal therapy qualifications.
High standards in professionalism and clinical proficiency are assured through our accredited registration process, guided by our specific category and sub group admissions policy. All our members are fully insured and work within the UK legislation’
Our horses work hard for us, they are athletes in their own right so they deserve to be cared for as such.
Musculoskeletal care is a complimentary therapy and will not replace the treatment from a vet but in many ways supports alongside it. Vet consent is likely to be needed from professionals treating your horse, so do not be surprised if you get asked for this prior to treatment.. It should be asked for !.