Physiotherapy
Treatment of the tissues through pressure and movement stimulation.
Osteopathy
The basic principles of osteopathy were established by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874 in America. These principles were later applied to horses, and since around 1950, they have been integral to equine therapy.
As A.T. Still once said:
The way is shown by the bones.
It should be mentioned here that osteopathy also includes the chiropractic treatment spectrum. However, I also want to warn against “bone breakers”. If too much abrupt force is used together with the physical laws of leverage, irreversible damage can very easily occur in the joints, ligaments and tendons.
To be able to perform osteopathic work, a strict knowledge of equine anatomy is a basic requirement.
Laser therapy/Laser acupuncture
This is a method which activates the metabolism. During treatment, a light impulse is absorbed by the cells and converted into energy. The cells can thus maintain their vital functions or, if their function has already been damaged or pathologically altered, they can return to their normal physiological function. In human medicine, this method has been in use for many years with great effect!
Indications
- Wounds, impaired wound healing, follow-up treatment for surgical wounds
- All types of inflammation and oedema
- Muscle tension, spasms
- Arthrosis, bone fractures
- Muscle strengthening
- Increase in performance
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
During TENS therapy, electrical impulses pass through the skin to the nerves, in order to alleviate or prevent pain. This activates the horse’s own naturally-produced pain inhibitors, which can lead to long-lasting pain relief, improved blood circulation and accelerated healing, even in the case of chronic pain.
Indications
- Pain caused by circulatory problems
- Pain caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as stress, irritation, abrasion
- Pain due to rheumatic diseases
Magnetic field therapy
In this form of therapy, magnetic fields are produced which allow the cellular metabolism to be positively influenced by the rhythm of magnetic pulsations passing through it. When applied over a specified time period, the energy metabolism of the cells can be increased.
Indications
- Delayed wound and bone healing
- Sports injuries
- Metabolic disorders
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound, with a frequency between 1MHz and 3MHz, is applied to the treatment area via a contact gel. This can be viewed as a kind of “micromassage” of the body’s cells, whereby the metabolic and healing processes can be improved.
Indications
- Wound healing
- Pain and muscle spasms
- Haematomas
- Ruptures and lesions of the ligaments and tendon calcification
- Loss of elasticity in the joint capsule
Other therapy methods
Kinesitherapy
Therapeutic training and therapeutic lunging. The ‘patients’ are treated in their home stables.