- we use a unique holistic patient-centered care approach, aiming to relieve pain, enhance and restore functional ability, and improve quality of life, which give rise to optimal performance and health.
- we work to accurately diagnose muscle, nerve, joint, tendon, ligament and fascial problems, discuss treatment options and educate the client on these.
- We provide, refer to, and give guidance and oversight to a large range of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of the medical condition.
- We help clients to evaluate options to avoid surgery if appropriate or help them after surgery to regain mobility, strength, balance, coordination and decrease pain.
- we work closely with your primary veterinary care provider and equine rehabilitation centers to optimise the rehabilitation program of your horse.
sports physiatry
What is sports physiatry
The term Physiatry derives from the Greek words physikos (physical) and iatreia (art of healing).
Equine sports physiatry is a branch of equine veterinary medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia in the equine athlete. Equine sports physiatry is unique among veterinary medicine in that its area of expertise is the functioning of the whole patient aiming to relieve pain, enhance and restore functional ability, and improve quality of life.
A specialist in physiatry is called an physiatrist. The equine physiatrist will use his knowledge, especially in relation to functional neurology, biomechanics and fasciology, to personalize the method of treatment, one that involves a comprehensive approach to expand the framework of resources at a patient/client’s disposal. As a result, a patient’s recuperation involves every aspect of their lives (physical, emotional, psychosocial). Treatment modalities used to maximize outcome include: nutrition, medication, spinal manipulative therapy and other manual therapies, acupuncture, exercise therapy, and a multitude of other rehabilitation/therapeutic modalities (laser, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave, electrostimulation, heat and cold, vibration, taping, …). The equine physiatrist is responsible for coordinating care/treatment of the equine patient using a network of interdisciplinary and allied equine professionals (team approach) and plays a huge role in educating and empowering the client.
