Equine Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is useful in helping the following conditions in the horse:

Back, neck or pelvic pain
Muscle strains or tears
Tendon or ligament injuries
Compensatory problems due to underlying lameness
Degenerative joint conditions
Poor performance – inconsistency, poor propulsion, one sidedness
Maintenance of high performance in all equine disciplines
Return to performance following injury
Nerve injuries
Rehabilitation following surgery
Saddle related problems

Testimonials

“Maeve's knowledge and understanding of horse anatomy, physiology and function is excellent. She uses this in the practical setting to carefully and thoroughly evaluate and treat the horse in front of her. Maeve and I work closely together on several competition yards. This involves regular examinations, gait assessments, targeted treatments and discussions between all members of the support team and the trainers. Working together as a team, we can help our clients and their horses perform to the best of their abilities. I personally value Maeve's opinion on difficult cases, and being able to discuss in depth our concerns together only helps our patients.“

- Hugh Somerville, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Surgery - Orthopaedics.

“Maeve Sheridan is a true professional dedicated to a team approach working with vets and trainers to get the absolute best from horses performing poorly.”

- Sarah Taylor BVM&S, MSc, PhD, Cert ES (Orth), Dipl ECVS, MRCVS, RCVS and ECVS Specialist in Equine Surgery

“Maeve has been a part of my team for many years and I have noticed a marked improvement in myself and all my horses after they are checked and treated. Maeve works closely with my vet and farrier to ensure all my horses are comfortable and working at their optimal performance levels, she is an essential part of the team.”

- Wills Oakden Eventing

“Brilliant service from Maeve. Hugely knowledgeable about horse anatomy and physiology. My horse loved her treatment and going better than ever afterwards.”

- Pauline Corio and Mini

“So incredibly grateful for Maeve’s professionalism, knowledge and kindness with me and my horses. I trust her implicitly and couldn’t keep my girls sound and supple without her invaluable support. Would recommend Maeve for horses and riders of all levels, even though the hip flexor exercises are challenging!”

- Jodie Neill

“I got in contact with Maeve after my fell pony became unable to ride due to bucking and bolting. Maeve had a calm friendly approach, explaining exactly what was happening during assessment and treatment. After one treatment session my pony was back to normal; no bucking, no bolting just her being totally relaxed in her ridden work.”

- Shelley George

“Maeve has been treating my horses for around ten years and I have always found her visits to be hugely beneficial. She will say if she does not think the horse requires regular treatment, if it needs the vet to check it out before she treats it, or give regular maintenance treatment to a horse that needs it. She is utterly professional and conscientious in the service she provides and I have complete faith in her."

- Fiona Laing

“After career threatening surgery and the future in sport uncertain for my top horse Adventure, I was recommended Maeve by my vets. She has been a fundamental part of getting Adventure back on the road, competing at Grand Prix level, and is now a vital part of the team to keep all my horses feeling as best as they can. I cannot recommend Maeve highly enough!”

- Catrina Leckie, dressage rider and trainer.

“In dressage horses need to be both supple and strong to perform precise movements. If they have any restriction, stiffness or weakness it can drastically affect their performance. I have found physiotherapy to be extremely beneficial in optimising and maintaining performance in my competition horses and to help those recovering from injury.”

- Joy MacLean, Dressage Rider, Trainer and Judge.

Performance Problems

From high level eventer to pony club games, horses can present with performance problems that physiotherapy can help such as:

lack of suppleness
inability to maintain a good outline
temperament changes such as bucking or napping
inconsistency in performance
one sidedness
favouring one canter lead

The Equine Athlete

Physiotherapy can help with all equine disciplines. Pre-screening appointments can assess and treat potential problems such as back stiffness, hamstring tightness or scapular immobility. Physiotherapy is useful before competition to enhance mobility and flexibility and after competition to enhance tissue recovery. Physiotherapy is well recognised in helping achieve and maintain optimal performance in the human athlete and can do the same for animals.

The Injured Horse

Following initial veterinary diagnosis, physiotherapy helps to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal function following injury or lameness.

Physiotherapy can provide pain relief and muscle re-education following disuse or trauma.

Injury Prevention

Early detection of movement abnormalities, which may indicate an underlying orthopaedic or musculoskeletal problem, is important to prevent development or worsening of pain and reduction in performance.

The Older Horse

Physiotherapy can help relieve aches, pains and stiffness in the older animal. It can help with flexibility and improve muscle function and quality of life in the older horse.

After Surgery

Physiotherapy can encourage healthy repair of tissues and minimise scar tissue. It can prevent muscle atrophy and maximise return to normal function.

Prices

Horse assessment and treatment £70, session takes approximately 1 hour.

Travel charged at 50p per mile round trip outside Edinburgh bypass area.

Areas covered - central Scotland, Mid Lothian, East Lothian, West Lothian, Borders, Stirlingshire, Fife.

FAQs

The equine assessment involves discussion with the owner regarding the horse's history, routine and any specific issues. Then Maeve will assess the horse's posture, comformation and muscle tone before moving onto a movement assessment. Movement assessment will involve walk and trot in a straight line and tight circles at walk. On occasion it will be neccessary to see the horse lunged and/or ridden. Then Maeve will carry out a full palpatory assessment looking for changes in muscle tone, pain reactions, joint range of movement, etc. Problem areas are then identified, a treatment plan is made, treatment will be carried out, and appropriate exercises and advice will be given.

Maeve is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the Heath and Care Professions Council (HCPC), is a Category A member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) and is a member of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practicioners (RAMP). These member bodies ensure regulated practice and up to date continued professional development. Maeve has full insurance coverage to assess and treat horses and riders and to take students for placement days.

This is a standard legal requirement for all veterinary physiotherapists and musculoskeletal practicioners and anyone treating your horse without veterinary consent is breaking the law. Maeve has a close working relationship with all equine vets and farriers in her area, and this collaborative multidisciplinary approach benefits the horse and the owner.

Physiotherapy can help your horse by relieving pain, increasing mobility and promoting healing.