Equine back rehabilitation

This article introduces the importance of considering all related physical findings, evaluating the whole horse and determining the root cause in orde r to achieve the best treatment results, prevent recurrence, and return the patient to full function. The roles of shoeing, turnout, teeth, training a ids and devices, compensatory lameness, working surface (footing), longeing , ponying, hot walkers, and swimming are discussed in relationship to back dysfunction and rehabilitation. Postural analysis and measures for muscle a nd postural corrections are also presented. Ground and under saddle rehabil itative exercises are explained as to value, concept, and methodology. Reha bilitative modalities including stretching, massage, magnetic therapy, heat , and cold are explored as adjunctive therapy.