02/15/2025
Well said!
“Rehabilitation” is one of the most abused words right now in the equine space
Physical therapy is a protected term - you can only say you that are doing “physical therapy” if you are a licensed physical therapist. Just like you can only practice “veterinary medicine” as a veterinarian.
Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is free for anyone to use. This is appropriate, because there are a number or professionals who are key in a rehabilitation program; but it also leaves it open for use by unqualified people.
Other professionals have warned my clients not to pursue “rehabilitation” for horses with conditions like ECVM or EPM because when they think of rehab they think of swimming or the underwater treadmill or generic “poles and hillwork” exercises.
These professionals are right! That kind of “rehab” would not be appropriate for these horses. But to me that is not “rehab” at all.
An exercise program prescribed without a thorough assessment and without modifications and progressions individualized to the patient based on that assessment is not rehabilitation at all...
That is a wellness program.
It’s the difference between you going to a workout class at the gym and coming to see me at the physical therapy clinic.
That class at the gym is likely to be beneficial for the average person, some basic modifications can be made, but the general exercise program is the same for everyone in the class. It’s wellness.
As a physical therapist, when I’m working with a horse on a rehabilitation program, assessment is key. That’s the years of education and training that you are really paying me for. Assessment informs the original exercise program. Assessment informs modifications made throughout the session. Assessment informs when and how quickly we progress. Assessment informs changes we make to the plan as we monitor the horse’s progress.
If the professional you are using is not trained in joint assessment, they are not rehabilitating that joint.
If the professional is not trained in ligament assessment, they are not rehabilitating that ligament.
If the professional is not trained in muscle assessment, they are not rehabilitating that muscle.
If the professional is not trained in hoof assessment, they are not rehabilitating that foot.
We live in a “buyer beware” society when it comes to equine rehabilitation. Make sure the people you are hiring to help you with your horse are really trained to provide the services they are advertising!
Maintenance and wellness are very important pieces of the healthcare system. Professionals providing these services are needed and are a valuable part of the team.
Just don’t call it rehab, please.
