Call it what you will–equine physical therapy, equine therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation therapy, equine sports therapy, or even alternative therapy. The treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of movement dysfunctions, orthopedic ailments (soft tissue, joint, and bone problems), and neurologic disorders through manual therapies, electrical therapies, and exercise has become increasingly utilized and recognized as a valuable, non-invasive means of promoting healing and maintaining soundness in the horse.

Still, many don’t understand what equine physiotherapy is, what it does, or the various modalities it includes.

Name Game

First, let’s start with those various names and what they mean. In England where this whole thing began, professionals who wish to be chartered (accredited) in human physiotherapy can complete a three- or four-year university course to earn a diploma or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in physiotherapy. Explains animal physiotherapist Victoria Spalding, MSc (Veterinary Physiotherapy), member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ACPAT) in Animal Therapy, of Leeds, England, “Chartered physiotherapists who wish to specialize in animal therapy must then complete two years of general practice before embarking on postgraduate training in animal therapy. All treatment given by ACPAT members is done so with veterinary approval