One of my strongest beliefs in terms of physiotherapy treatment is that manual therapies should always be used in the first instance, supplemented with electrotherapies as appropriate and supported in-between treatments with exercise prescriptions and rehabilitation programmes. During my training, the very first treatment technique we were taught was massage therapy, and I completely understand why. Massage not only becomes a more in-depth assessment of each horse, but also has countless benefits including;
relief of muscular tension and stiffness
reduced pain and spasm
improved joint range of motion
improved muscular flexibility
enhanced athletic performance.
I don’t doubt the strong evidence behind electrotherapies, but massage therapy is also strongly supported with scientific studies and I really do believe in the results it can produce, hence why manual therapies are always a cornerstone of my physiotherapy treatments.
Ellie x