Animal Rehabilitation - What to Expect
Before Sarah can visit your animal she requires veterinary consent which she will apply for once the owner had discussed this with their vet or from a veterinary referral.
A full case history of the animal is taken including previous injuries, medication, behavioural changes, environmental changes, also injuries to
the rider or past complaints as well as checking routine checks are up to date e.g. farriery, saddle fitting, dentistry etc. These questions are to assess if there is a cause to the problem as well as checking for contra-indications to assess if the animal is suitable for a treatment or should be seen by a
vet first.
Sarah will then assess the animal’s conformation and gait at the walk and trot to look for any gait abnormalities or lameness, this may be required to do on hard and soft ground. If necessary Sarah may request to see horse’s worked on the lunge on hard or soft ground. If a problem is occurring only when the horse is ridden it maybe necessary for Sarah to see the horse being ridden by its usual rider. Sarah will then palpate the animal for muscle dysfunction, nerve irritation and joint immobility. The treatment uses specific adjustments using bare-hands to help restore movement to the joint and relieve pressure exerted on the nerves allowing nerve impulses to flow freely enabling the body to work efficiently, restoring muscle function and joint mobility.
Sarah will provide the owner with post treatment instructions and advise of any necessary exercises and if required develop a rehabilitation program. Sarah will also advise when the animal should be treated again.
