Treat your horse like the athletes they are
What does an equine physical therapist do?
Horses are athletes and, like humans, they can become stiff or experience pain in their muscles, joints, or tendons. Neurological issues arise that can leave them unable to do their job.
As an equine physical therapist, Catherine works closely under the supervision of your veterinarian and develops a results-focused treatment and exercise program that will bring your horse back to his prior level of function and comfort.
Each treatment lasts 45 minutes to an hour and includes hands-on techniques such as Myofascial Release, Massage, Stretching, and Range of Motion; some in-hand exercises; some riding exercises (if appropriate); and the use of treatment tools, such as the SureFoot Pads, Kinesiotaping, and a BEMER Vet.
Email catherine@kineticbalance.com to schedule an appointment for your horse.
Andy's success story of recovery from mild EPM:
Andy's Arlin is our 25 year old Haflinger pony who has been doing therapeutic driving, riding, hippotherapy and mental health work with us for many years.
He won the prestigious Klinger Award for Honor and Service at the Washington International Horse Show in 2015 , and was inducted in the Equus Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2016.
He has always been healthy, rarely missed a day of work, but in the Spring of 2016, started slowing down, stumbling when ridden downhill and appear really low energy. The vet was called and all tests returned negative results, except for a mild positive for EPM. He was treated with daily medication for 4 weeks and pulled from work.
By the end of his medical treatment, Andy had recovered some of his energy, but showed the following residual symptoms:
-Atrophy of his gluteus medius muscles on both sides, resulting in a camped out position in standing and difficulty
engaging the hind legs and lengthening his back.
-Decreased step length and speed
-Decreased endurance
-Some stumbling when walking downhill
-Stiff right shoulder girdle
-Weak pectoral muscles, which made it difficult for him to confidently hold his riders.
Catherine's Treatment:
Over the course of 5 months, Catherine carefully progressed Andy through a series of hands-on techniques, Bemer Vet, in hand, ridden and finally driving exercises to address his neurological deficits(stumbling and muscle atrophy), his stiffness, and his lack of strength and endurance. She also worked with the farrier to make sure that the shoeing and trimming helped support his muscle development and with Dr Joyce Harman for regular chiropractic and acupuncture treatments as well as supervision of the progress made.
For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please email: catherine@kineticbalance.com
