Healing HANDS

Stall rest. It’s one of the most dreaded terms in the horse world, and yet it’s been the go-to solution for healing horse injuries for years. However, thanks to a new field known as equine sports medicine and rehabilitation, stall rest is finally becoming a thing of the past. Drawing on knowledge and techniques from human physical therapy as well as a deeper understanding of equine physiology and biomechanics, this growing profession, often referred to as equine rehab (not to be confused with the general rehabilitation services rescue facilities provide for neglected and abandoned equines), provides evidence-based treatments for horses suffering from musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. In layman’s terms, that means it offers scientifically proven ways to help horses heal from physical injuries and conditions that inhibit their comfort and performance.

Equine rehab complements veterinary medicine much the way that human physical therapy complements human medicine. Its methods are used to diagnose and treat both chronic conditions, like back pain, and acute injuries and lamenesses. They also help to speed up surgical recoveries. Certified equine rehab professionals can address anything from tendon and ligament injuries to restricted joint mobility, bone and tissue healing, inflammation, neurological conditions, injury prevention and even the effects of aging.

Andy Kaneps, DVM, diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, believes this new field is filling a