Multi-Modality Equine Therapies
A fresh approach to equine physical therapeutics
Equines are unique and "one size does not fit all " It is for this reason that we offer a multi-faceted approach to equine treatments, delivering what the horse needs rather than just one style. From physiotherapy to osteopathic techniques, sports massage to mobilisation, treatments are bespoke based on our physical assessment of your horse.
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For those horses needing a extra set of hands, we are able to offer a full rehabilitation livery, with bespoke rehab plans and treatments.
About Our Modalities
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Osteopathic Articular Balancing " OAB" studies the ‘biomechanics’ – how each part of the musculoskeletal system works with and influences every other part.
When the horses musculoskeletal system is not properly aligned, it inhibits circulatory, lymphatic or nervous system function and therefore reduces the body’s ability to heal itself.
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Based on Dr Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician in the 19th century, his osteopathic philosophy gave a holistic approach to health and stresses the importance of the musculoskeletal system in a person’s health and well-being.
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Our treatment focuses on the whole equine body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system, and may use a variety of different hands-on methods, including:
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Spinal manipulation
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Palpation
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Soft tissue massage techniques
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Articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements
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Stretching muscles and joint capsules
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Muscle energy techniques – encouraging muscles to work against resistance
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Visceral manipulation
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Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in horses.
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Sports Massage uses a variety of techiqnues inc
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Sweating– to relax the horse and affects the central nervous system.
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Effleurage – to opens the tissue/muscle
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Petrissage – to increase the circulation to the tissue and to soften the muscle tissue, preparing for deeper therapy.
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Compression – for the muscle to soften.
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Vibration – to stimulate and soothe your horse, to break up restrictions and adhesions within the tissue.
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Friction – to break up adhesions and scar tissue.
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Shaking – to increase circulation
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Tapotement – to stimulate ,increase circulation.
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Thermography also known as thermal imaging or infra red, is a noninvasive, safe, and cost-effective diagnostic imaging modality that is a valuable complementary tool in equine health care. As thermography gains popularity and interest, it is tremendously important that veterinarians, technicians, and horse owners understand the advantages this physiologic imaging tool offers, as well as its limitations.
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The first step in understanding what thermography can and can’t do is learning the difference between anatomic and physiologic imaging. Anatomic imaging, which includes radiographs, CT scans, and MRI, reveals to the practitioner a specific affected area. These techniques show one static moment in time of a body part and are not sensitive to metabolic changes in blood flow or nerve conduction.
Physiologic imaging is dynamic and sensitive and includes nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) and infrared thermography. The latter might detect metabolic changes related to active inflammation, blood flow, or nerve conduction.
The thermographic camera detects infrared waves on the body surface that are invisible to the human eye and converts them to an image we can see.
In brief, areas which present as " hotter" may directly correlate with inflammation, due to increase circulation. Whereas areas chronic disease, scarring, atrophy (muscle wasting/loss), nerve damage, or disuse, areas might become cooler.
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A Trained Thermographer is able to apply their understanding of the equine body and its structure and systems, with ability to differentiate between what the expected area should be temperature wise, against what it presents as under investigation.
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Combined with bodywork treatments, we often use other modalities to support our work.
These may include:
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Kinesiology Taping
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Proprioceptive balancing
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Myo-fascial Release
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Acupressure
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Phototherapy
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Laser
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H-Wave
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PEMF
About Equionics
Welcome to Equionics.
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Horse owners are always looking for ways to ensure that their equine partner remains in the very best of health. Whether your horse is young, ridden or retired, we owe it to the horse to ensure they remain as physically active as they can be.
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Owned, managed and run by fellow equestrians, Equionics delivers connective equine therapies to the equine community.
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But what do we mean by connective therapies?
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Well one thing we know is that one size does not fit all and horses are no different. The equine often requires and responds to a variety of therapies and therefore that is what we offer.
Whether your horse is retired or in rehabilitation, in full competition work or just ridden for pleasure, we can help you to not only treat any issue but look to prevent it occurring again in the future.
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The fully qualified and insured Equionics team work throughout the UK, Europe and the World delivering our connective therapies to horses just like yours:
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- Performance Horses ( Dressage, Show jumping, Eventing)
- Trot racing
- Riding School
- Rehabiliation
- Riding Club
- Special performance ( Jousting, Skill at Arms)
- Polo teams
- Retired
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As Equine Therapists, we work very closely with other equine professionals such as Farriers, Saddlers, Trainers and Vets. Equionics is not an alternative for Veterinary medicine but can complement and work with current advisements. In Accordance with the Veterinary Act 1966, Veterinary consent must be sought prior to any treatment
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All of our Therapists are experienced equestrians and hold current first aid certificates in both Human and Equine. They attend regular CPD and "think tank" seminars to revisit current methods and learn and adopt new procedures from their peers as well as training other therapy professionals.
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Our Founder is an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist & Testing Technician and is lucky enough to work with the FEI at events throughout the world including The Olympic Games, The World Equestrian Games and European Championships.
From Our Clients
Training and Education
We are as passionate about training and education as we are about the delivery of equine care.
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Whether you are a horse owner wishing to learn how you can also assist in your horses care or a professional looking to train in a new modality or undertake a CPD course, we have something for everyone to enjoy
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Rehabilitation Livery
Sometimes everyone needs a helping hand and the ability to care for and rehabilitate a sick horse is just not viable for an owner on a day to day basis.
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We are able to offer full rehabilitation livery bespoked to your horses needs. With small pen surfaced and grass turnout, we are able to assist with post surgery care, controlled exercise ( in hand and ridden), 24 hr medicine and physical care.
We also offer an out patient livery service for those unable to travel from surrounding Vet Practices back to home, including the Channel Islands, Isle of Wight and further afield.
"The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable, and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back."
Amber Marshall
