Loicia Rehabilitation Specialist

21/07/2025

16/07/2025

📣 New Blog Post.
If you’ve ever wondered what self-carriage really means- or why some horses seem to move with effortless balance while others struggle- this one’s for you.

In this latest blog, we dive into what self-carriage is, why it’s essential for long-term soundness, and how the "German Scales of Training" provide a clear, physiotherapy-friendly path to achieving it.

💡 Whether you're working with a young horse, rehabbing after injury, or aiming to improve performance, understanding these training principles can make a world of difference.

👉 https://www.loiciajohnson.com/post/the-secret-to-sustainable-horse-training-self-carriage-and-the-german-training-pyramid

👇
Can you guess what "Losgelassenheit" means in German?
Comment your answer below.

14/07/2025

🐴✨ Understanding TENS Therapy for Horses with Sacroiliac Dysfunction ✨🐴

Have you noticed your horse showing signs of discomfort or stiffness around the pelvis area? Sacroiliac (SI) dysfunction is a common issue that can affect your horse’s performance and overall well-being.

What is TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It's a non-invasive therapy that uses gentle electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. These impulses help reduce pain and promote healing by blocking pain signals and increasing blood circulation in the affected area.

How can TENS help with SI dysfunction?
- Pain Relief: TENS helps alleviate the discomfort associated with SI joint inflammation or dysfunction.
- Muscle Relaxation: It can reduce muscle tightness and spasms around the pelvis.
- Enhanced Healing: Improved blood flow encourages optimal recovery of tissues.
- Non-Invasive: TENS is drug-free and suitable for horses when administered by a trained veterinarian or equine therapist.

If your horse is struggling with SI issues, we offer free 30mins phone call consultants to help you navigate your horses needs.

Always ensure therapies are applied under professional guidance for safe and effective results.

01/07/2025

🌞🔥 Stay Safe in the Heat! 🔥🌞

With this extreme British heat, it's more important than ever to stay hydrated and replenish those electrolytes! Proper electrolyte balance helps maintain your energy, prevent cramping, and support overall recovery, especially if you're spending time outdoors or being active.

Remember to drink plenty of water (at least 2L a day), include electrolyte-rich foods, and consider supplementation if needed.

If you're feeling exhausted, cramped, or dehydrated, don’t hesitate to visit us for personalised advice and support!

23/06/2025

Lovely time treating horses and people on Saturday 🙌

If you’d like more information on group bookings pop us a message!

21/06/2025

🦴 “Cost of Joint Injections in the UK?” 🐴🐶
You’ve asked – and we’re answering.

Hock arthritis can significantly affect your horse or dog’s mobility and quality of life. But are joint injections worth it? How much do they actually cost in the UK? And what are the risks vs. rewards?

In our latest Staying On Track Blog, we dive deep into:
✅ What hock arthritis really is
✅ How joint injections work (clinically explained)
✅ Cost breakdown in the UK
✅ Pros, cons, and when it’s the right choice

🎯 Whether you're managing a stiff hock or just researching options — this is for you.

📖 Read now: https://www.loiciajohnson.com/post/canine-equine-hock-arthritis-how-joint-injections-help-and-what-they-cost
📩 Share with a friend who needs this!

17/06/2025

Don’t forget we’re mobile and come to you for your appointment!

Even stables 🙌🏼

14/06/2025

We've gained a lot of new followers on here since starting up the blog and sharing case studies so I wanted to re-introduce myself 👋

I’m Loicia Johnson – a UK-based Animal Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Researcher, and Freelance Lecturer.

Qualifications & Training

- Masters (MSc) in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh (awarded 2022)
- BSc (Hons) in Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation (First-Class) from the University of Greenwich with advanced training in aqua-treadmilling, salt-water spas, and equine swimming
- Qualified Animal Physiotherapy from the College of Animal Physiotherapy
- Diploma in Soft Tissue Manipulation - human

Professional Experience

I’ve gained valuable clinical experience at Veterinary Clinic accross the UK and while managing yards both within and beyond the rehab industry sector. I apply evidence-based techniques—including manual therapy, electrotherapy, gait analysis, and tailored rehab plans—for both small animals and horses.

Research & Lecturing

- My research on during my BSc has been recognised, winning a “Dedication to Animal Welfare” award in 2018
- In 2023, I presented at the International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion in Utrecht with research completed with the University of Edinburgh
- I also offer freelance lecturing, sharing the latest rehabilitation techniques and evidence-based practice and have had many lovely experience with universities and college around the UK.

My Approach

Combining manual techniques with scientifically-backed electrotherapy, gait analysis, and targeted exercise programs, I craft rehabilitation, prevention, and performance plans tailored to each animal . I also provide human sports massage, bringing deep-tissue care to wherever it’s needed—even your horse’s stable.

Let’s Work Together

Whether your animal needs post-operative support, chronic condition management, or performance optimisation, I’m here to help them move better, feel stronger, and thrive.

Get in touch via the page or website to discuss how we can support your animal's wellbeing together.

https://www.loiciajohnson.com/about?

Rehabilitation specialist, Loicia Johnson, qualified from the University of Greenwich with a 1st class BSc (hons) degree in Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. In conjunction with this, she’s also a qualified animal physiotherapist from The College of Animal Physiotherapy and human sports ma...

14/06/2025

🐴 "When is it really safe to ride with arthritis?" 🐴
If you’ve ever wondered whether those stiff steps or subtle changes in your horse mean it’s time to ride or rest, this blog is for you.

As a rehabilitation specialist, I break down the signs of arthritis you shouldn’t ignore — and offer guidance on when it’s safe to saddle up.

📖 Read the full blog:
👉 https://www.loiciajohnson.com/post/the-signs-of-arthritis-in-horses-when-to-ride-and-when-to-rest

💬 Got questions about your horse’s mobility? Drop them in the comments or give me a call — I’m here to help keep your horse comfortable and moving.

06/06/2025

UK GRASS GROWTH HAS RECOVERED!

⚠️Laminitis, Colic, Obesity⚠️

As I predicted, we have seen a massive turnaround in average UK grass growth back to the expected rates for this time of year following the recent rain and sun and warmish weather.

So if you have horses or ponies that are prone to laminitis or colic or who you have trouble managing weight then now is the time to manage pasture access to avoid increased risk!

Some areas are still on the low side, including Cornwall, Denbigshire, Dundee, Hampshire and Leicestershire.

Cheshire reported a massive 106 kg DM/ha/day getting on for double the UK average of 59 kg DM/ha/day. For 2017-2023 the average growth rate for this week has been 62 kg DM/ha/day.

If you want to dig deeper into this topic and see how you can reduce the risk of colic or laminitis for your horse or pony, then check out the resources below from some of our experts including equine practitioner with over 25 years experience in practice Dr Kieran O'Brien and Dr Kirstie Pickles who is a European specialist in equine medicine and has spent over 20 years working in private equine practice and academia in the UK, the USA and New Zealand. All this for £8 for all the resources below AND everything on our website – articles, top tips, reviews, surveys, product tests, competitions, etc. https://askanimalweb.com/join-now/

I think its colic – What do I do next? by Dr Kieran O’Brien
https://askanimalweb.com/i-think-its-colic-what-do-i-do-next/

Why is Spring a Peak Time for Equine Colic? by Dr David Marlin
https://askanimalweb.com/why-is-spring-a-peak-time-for-equine-colic/

Feeding your horse after colic by Dr Kirstie Pickles
https://askanimalweb.com/feeding-post-colic/

Forage management to reduce the risk of health problems including colic and laminitis by Dr David Marlin
https://askanimalweb.com/feed-materials-in-focus-forage-management-to-reduce-the-risk-of-health-problems/

Laminitis – A Vets Perspective by Dr Kirstie Pickles
https://askanimalweb.com/laminitis-from-a-vets-perspective-by-dr-kirstie-pickles/

Avoiding spring laminitis by Dr Kirstie Pickles
https://askanimalweb.com/avoiding-spring-laminitis-by-dr-kirstie-pickles/

Horse owners experiences of grazing muzzles – which ones are the best? Including Guidance on the use of grazing muzzles By Dr David Marlin
https://askanimalweb.com/owners-experiences-of-grazing-muzzles-the-survey-results-april-2023/

05/06/2025

Front feet up

Standing with the front feet up on a mound or platform is a great lenghtening stretch and one of Jelly's favourite positions!

🧐However in the top photo he is standing in a much better balance with weight distributed more evenly on the front and back feet meaning there is more of a true lengthening in the iliopsoas. Jelly loves this position and will close his eyes and stay there. We also do mobilisations in this position - chin between knees, spinal extensions and lateral flexions. Often he will just do them himself.

From this position with the forelimbs staying in a balanced position I could create more lengthening by asking him to take his back legs further out behind him without tipping the weight forward.

🧐In the bottom photo the mound is too high and he is leaning on the forehand standing, not fully loading the back legs (heels are slightly off the ground) and there is tension and brace both in the front end and the hind indicated by his tail.
He is also not as happy to stay in this position and would fidget and shift his weight indicating that it is too much.

The key is to listen to the horse and stay under the brace with periods of rest in between. I find doing it this way there is an improvement with each attempt. The rest is very important for new neural pathways to occur and for the system to process the input of information from the exercise.