Hunts Hill Chartered Physiotherapist

16/03/2026

03/03/2026

Come and pack my car with me!

Sorry, it's a long one as I have EVERYTHING in my car.

Things you don't see:

-Kids car seats and all their junk in the back
-human physio couch (goes in the footwell of the back seat)
-Towels/ heated balcket/ normal blanket for people
-Canine Fit Bone - currently out on loan

And. . .I think that's it. 🙈

02/03/2026

Up and coming availability for March and April.

23/02/2026

In all seriousness, I was really missing the alone time I would get with hacking out. Running has become a 'not so good, but still ok' substitute.

Usually a trail of thought starts, but is soon replaced by just getting to the end of the run 🙈

And an added bonus: it's keeping me fit to keep up with you guys!

20/02/2026

Protect your pup’s spine before problems start 🐾🦴

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can be painful and life-changing for dogs, especially long-backed breeds like Dachshunds and Frenchies. The good news? Prevention and early care make a HUGE difference. 💛

Here are simple preventative IVDD measures every dog parent should follow:

✨ Maintain a healthy weight – Extra pounds = extra pressure on the spine.
✨ Limit jumping – No jumping on/off beds, couches, or cars. Use ramps or stairs instead.
✨ Support proper lifting – Always support both the chest and hind end when picking up your dog.
✨ Build core strength – Controlled leash walks and guided exercises help stabilize the spine.
✨ Use a harness, not a collar – Reduce strain on the neck and back.
✨ Non-slip surfaces – Rugs and runners prevent slipping on hardwood or tile.
✨ Routine vet care – Early signs (reluctance to jump, yelping, stiffness) should never be ignored.

Prevention isn’t about restricting their joy — it’s about protecting their future mobility. 🐶💪

If you have a breed prone to IVDD, these small daily habits can add YEARS of comfort and movement.

Save this post for later & share with a fellow dog parent! 💬🐕

18/02/2026

🐎 Why Thoracic Rotation Matters for Horse Riders 🐎

As riders, we often focus on leg position, hands, and core strength — but one of the most overlooked performance tools lives in your mid-back: thoracic rotation.

Your thoracic spine (mid-back) is designed to rotate. When it moves well, you move well. When it’s stiff? Your lower back, shoulders, or hips end up compensating — and that’s when tension, crookedness, and even pain creep in.

✨ Why it’s a game changer in the saddle:

• Improves symmetry – Helps you sit evenly and stop collapsing through one side.
• Refines your aids – Better rotation = clearer, more independent rein and upper body aids.
• Supports straightness – Essential for circles, lateral work, and maintaining true bend.
• Reduces lower back strain – Your lumbar spine isn’t built for rotation — your thoracic spine is!
• Enhances connection – A supple upper body allows you to follow your horse’s movement instead of blocking it.

Think about riding a circle or asking for shoulder-in — if your ribcage can’t rotate smoothly over your pelvis, your horse will feel that restriction immediately.

Strong AND mobile is the goal. Thoracic rotation isn’t about being floppy — it’s about controlled mobility with stability.

If you want a more balanced seat, softer contact, and clearer communication… start with your mid-back.

Your horse will thank you. 🐴💫

09/02/2026

⭐ My passion with horses started at a young age. I grew up in Essex and after years of riding lessons I had a horse on part loan. The owner of the yard she was kept at told me I could keep my horse at the yard for free in exchange for working there at weekends. A comment my parents never really forgive her for🙈

So I got my first horse, a 4 year old Welsh Sec. D. In hindsight not the best first horse 🙈

We had a lot of growing up to do and it was a steep learning curve. But as such we had the best partnership.

At 8 years old she succumbed to her first injury, and annular ligament tear, we rehabbed and got back into full work 🙌

2 years on she had a deep flexer tendon tear on the other side, followed by a superficial flexor tendon tear on the same side 🤦

🐎Once again we rehabbed her back to ridden work, although I never competed in jumping again. The vet who treated advised becoming an ACPAT physio. So that's what I did.

I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2009 and in 2014 qualified as a Vet Physio.

📍We moved to Leicestershire in 2010, to start my first physio job at UHL, the hacking here was far superior to where we were in Essex, so we had some of the best rides up here.

I started the business in 2013, initially to cover my human practice before gradually increasing my animal work.

I retired Tess after the birth of my first son and I sadly lost her just after COVID after the birth of my second son.

I was lucky enough to keep her in a paddock at Hunts Hill near Bradgate Park, where she lived her best life.

She is utterly irreplacable for me, but I will never say never to getting another horse. 🫶

⁉️Questions? Let me know in the comments. ⬇️

08/02/2026

😅 Look how happy everyone is

06/02/2026

🛑 Static stretching isn’t the warm-up hero you might think.

Holding a stretch before riding might feel productive… but it’s not doing what you think.

Here’s why 👇
• Static stretches temporarily reduce muscle strength & power
• They don’t prep your nervous system for movement
• They don’t significantly lower injury risk before training

Translation?
👉 You might actually feel looser but perform worse.

What works better 💡
✅ Dynamic warm-ups (think movement, not holding)
✅ Activating the muscles you’re about to use
✅ Saving static stretching for after massage/trigger point release and muscle energy techniques

Static stretching isn’t bad — it’s just misunderstood.
Use the right tool at the right time 🧠💪

Need help?

Get in contact ⬇️

📞07779003359
🖥️info@huntshillphysio
📍 Leicestershire and surrounding areas

MovementScience

03/02/2026

Poles on a fan 🔄🐎
Small setup, BIG benefits.

Using poles laid out on a fan is a simple but powerful exercise for horses of all levels. The changing distances and height can encourage your horse to think, adjust, and engage with every step.

✨ Benefits include:
• Improved balance and coordination
• Increased joint flexion and strength
• Better proprioception (body awareness)
• Builds strength without drilling or boredom

Because each stride is slightly different, your horse can’t go on autopilot — they have to stay mentally present while using their body correctly. Perfect for flatwork days, rehab work, or adding variety to your routine.

Slow, intentional, and effective. Less miles, more quality. 💪🐴

Proprioception SoundHorse TrainSmarter

03/02/2026

A quick reminder to our lovely clients 🐶🐴
From 1st April 2026, we’ll be making a small price adjustment to our veterinary physiotherapy services.

This ensures we can keep delivering the best possible care and support for your animals.

As always, thank you for trusting us with their wellbeing—it means the world to us 💙

📍New costs are as follows:

🐎Equine initial and routine appointments
Maxine £85
Amie £70

🐎💪Equine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Maxine £199
Amie £180

🐎🦴💪Equine Rehabilitation Package
Maxine £550
Amie £499

🐎🐕Equine/ Canine Day Rate
£475

🐕Canine Home Visits
Maxine £85
Amie £70

Prices are inclusive of travel time and fuel costs 😊

Warm regards,

Maxine and Amie