Sky Equine Physio
If you are interested in booking a treatment for your horse please contact us for more information
What is Equine Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can be used in the management of long term conditions and for those conditions associated with old age and to maintain an animal's wellbeing. Rehabilitation using physiotherapy can assist with maintaining and increasing strength, flexibility, restoring normal movement patterns and promoting cardiovascular fitness. Physical rehabilitation can be used to improve quality of life for the animal.
Physiotherapy is the application of manual techniques alongside the use of therapy equipment. Manual techniques have beneficial results when used independently but when combined with therapy equipment, the results can be greatly improved (The College of Animal Physiotherapy). In a nutshell, I can help your horse with not only ‘muscular back’ issues but also tendon and ligament injuries and rehabilitation from certain conditions.
My massage skills will still feature within the work I do and I can of course still treat your horse to a massage treatment alone, which as we know can have great benefits in the wellbeing and the way of going for your horse. I can help to put together treatment plans to help your horse improve in many ways.
My passion is to help you get the best from your equine friend and to ensure that they are in the best condition for you.
Treatments
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Sports Massage Therapy
Massage treatment for your horse has so many benefits and there doesn't need to be a problem before you book a treatment with me.
Maybe you have been feeling your horse becoming resistant to bending, maybe they are not using their hindquarters as they should be, or simply that their workload has increased and a treatment would help them to adjust to this. Whatever the reason, by booking a massage treatment with me, you will be helping your horse to work and rest in comfort.
Benefits include:
* Increased flexibility * Improved circulation * Relaxed muscles * Relaxed mind * Enhanced muscle tone * Reduction in muscle spasms * Improved stride length and gait balance
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Medical Taping - Vetkin
Medical Taping Concept which is a branch of Kinesiology Taping using elasticated tape to enhance the body's musculoskeletal structure.
I use Vetkin Tape which has a pre-stretch in it. It can be used as a non-medicated pain relief which works on a fascia level of the skin and it can also be great for proprioception purposes.
Charges for this are dependant on the amount of tape used and advice can be given at the time.
Other benefits include..
* Aids Joint stabilisation
* Aids muscle function
* Aids blood and lymph circulation
Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
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Epiony Heat Pad Therapy
I am a stockist of the Epiony Heat Pad and they are great for helping to relax tired and aching muscles.
Sometimes, manual massage therapy alone cannot reach the deeper muscles and so by applying heat, the superficial and deeper muscles can be warmed up, relaxed and become more pliable to movement.
It can be placed anywhere on the body, from relieving the poll area, back or even helping with stiff legs.
If needed, I will use the Heat Pad during a treatment but you can also book a Heat Pad Therapy session for 30 mins.
If you are interested in purchasing a Heat Pad yourself, please let me know and I can arrange this on your behalf.
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TENS & NMES Therapy
Electrical Stimulation Therapy has many benefits and when combined with a massage treatment has proven to get results. There is a difference between TENS and NMES.
TENS - this is purely for pain relief as it blocks the pain signals to the brain and has a relaxing effect.
NMES - this is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and can be used to help increase muscle tone and blood flow. I can also use it to help activate and recruit a group of muscles which may be dormant. Muscles lose tone and can atrophy quickly when not used, so this modality is great for 'kick-starting' them again.
Included within Physiotherapy plan or applied separately. Please contact me for more information on this.
Newmarket Equine Salt Therapy System (N.E.S.T.S)
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What is Equine Salt Therapy?
A mobile unit to help improve respiratory, sinus and skin conditions for your horse. Salt has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties and the dry, salt enriched air is inhaled by your horse, deep into the lungs via a secure environment. 'The N.E.S.T.S is the only medically certified controlled device on the market.
100% natural, drug free and medical grade salt is used within the unit so it can be used safely by foals, competition horses/ponies and also the older, retired ones too.
In order to get the maximum benefit from the treatment, a 3 day cleanse will be done on consecutive days, with each day consisting of 20 mins in an enclosed stable. For deep set conditions, 5 consecutive days of treatments may be required, with monitoring of the condition. Follow-up treatments may be required throughout the year. Your horse will probably be quite inquisitive about the unit but it should be a calming and stress free treatment. We have a purpose stable available at our facilities at Sky Equine Rehabilitation if your own facilities are not suitable.
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How does Equine Salt Therapy work?
The N.E.S.T.S helps to loosen mucus and reduce inflammation making it easier for the lungs to function better. The salt removes pathogen agents like airborne pollen and increases the resistance to respiratory tract disease.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and horses can really suffer with conditions like sweet itch. Through the inhalation process, the N.E.S.T.S cleanses from the inside out, helping to reduce inflammation of the skin and improve circulation through the skin surface. Microparticles will also land on the skin where it will permeate through the skin, aiding with relief from irritation.
This therapy does not replace the need for veterinary care in some cases, but it is an excellent complimentary therapy. It is also FEI legal meaning that treatments can be carried out on competition day.
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How does Equine Salt Therapy help?
Respiratory & Cardiovascular improvement with increased oxygen to the lungs and therefore the entire body. Stamina and performance can be improved together with energy levels. Recovery time has also been seen in previous cases. Conditions which have been shown to improve include:
• COPD
• Hayfever
• Asthma
• Sinus problems
Skin & Coat conditions can improve, with your horse showing a glossy coat and can be helped to alleviate symptoms of :
• Sweet-itch
• Ringworm
• Mud fever
• Skin allergies and rashes
• Rain scald
FAQs
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Each treatment is £40 per horse (£120 for the 3 day cleanses, per horse). A 50% deposit is payable at the time of booking for the 3 day cleanse treatment and this will secure your booking.
I cover the Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas but a small fuel charge will be applied for yard visits over 25 miles.
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An enclosed stable is ideal to help keep the salt air concentrated. Some stables can be adapted and covered to help make the environment more suitable. Access to a standard plug is required for the mobile unit and I will have an extension lead available with me. If this is not possible, a static version of the salt room will be available soon for you to bring your horse to. More information on this to follow.
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Over a short period of time, some nasal discharge will occur and this is completely normal, with some horses having more discharge than others.
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This very much depends on the condition which is being treated. Some deep seated conditions will take a little longer to see the full results and may require more frequent top up treatments. The overall wellbeing of your horse should improve and so they may find it beneficial to have a treatment every 12 weeks as a top-up. Monitoring how your horse improves from the initial treatments will help me to advise on the frequency of treatments.
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Your horse can carry on their usual routine, however it is recommended that your horse does not exercise one hour before a treatment and for one hour after. Each treatment is just 20 mins in length.