Equine Injury, Therapy and Rehabilitation

Mary Bromiley is a Chartered Physiotherapist. In 1984 she built Downs House Equine Rehabilitation Centre, now located on Exmoor, a world first for the treatment and rehabilitation of both horse and rider. She has written six books, and has been published internationally in six languages. She lectures world wide and for 18 years travelled as therapist to the medal winning New Zealand 3 day event team.

“This is still the original work on equine physical therapy and rehabilitation … .The many therapies are well described.” Doody's Book Reviews

• Foreword by Martin Pipe CBEB   ixPreface xAcknowledgements xii1 The Musculoskeletal System Explained 1Introduction 1Members of the team 5Interdependence of the body systems 9Cells 9Bones 11Joints 11Ligaments 12Muscle 13Tendons 14The respiratory system 15The heart 15Circulation 16The lymphatic system 18The nervous system 19The skeleton 19The hind limbs 21The forelimbs 22Skeletal muscle 23Reflex movement patterns 242 Injury – Effects, Repair and Causes 26Common musculoskeletal injuries 26Injury and repair 31Possible causes of injury 35Stable injuries 37All-weather surfaces and gallops 38Tooth problems as a cause of injury 39The foot and shoe as a possible cause of injury 41Saddles as a cause of injury 443 Problem Assessment 47Soft tissue examination 48Imaging as an aid to diagnosis 59Ultrasonic scanning 60Heart rate computers 614 Common Sites of Injury in the Horse 645 Therapy 76First aid 80Treatment 82Massage 82Hand massage 83Mechanical massagers 86Cold and heat 88Cold and its uses 89Methods of employing ice/water therapy 92Heat 93Cellular effects in response to varied stimulation 95Magnetic field therapy, PMF (pulsed magnetic flow) and static magnet fields 96Ultrasound 100Light therapy 106Laser therapy 109Light emitting diodes 115Electrical stimulation of muscle 115Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) 128Manipulation 1296 Rehabilitation 130Reflex action 130Muscle re-education 132Passive movements 133Rehabilitation aids 134Hydrotherapy 137Thalassotherapy 143Long reining 149Ridden work 158Summary 1597 The Back – Horse and Human 160The horse 160The human back 1688 Common Rider Injuries 175Rider injuries 175Types of injury 180General rehabilitation 184Appendix I The Veterinary Act 185Veterinary surgeons, guide to professional conduct 185Treatment of animals by non veterinary surgeons 185Appendix II Bandaging 187Types of bandage 188Appendix III Cupping 190Appendix Iv Points for Those Treating Horses 191Machines 192General points 192The owner 193Appendix V Use of Anti-Concussion Pads 194Appendix Vi Suppliers of Machines Suitable for Animal Physiotherapy 196General suppliers UK 196Bibliography 199Glossary 202Index 211