Performance Evaluations and Rehabilitation Therapy

The Competitive Advantage You Didn’t Know You Needed

In equestrian sports the difference between winning and losing is often marginal. It is a half-second in the jumper ring. The two points that separate the top dressage scores. The difference between a +1 and +1.5 sliding stop. Similar to human athletes, we often employ a team of experts in pursuit of a competitive advantage that will traverse that gap between first and second place. For our elite equine athletes that team often includes veterinarians, trainers, riders, farriers and grooms. Many may not think of adding a physical therapist to the team until an injury has occurred. However, as movement specialists with extensive training in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and pathology, physical therapists can play an integral role preventing injuries and cultivating success.  With a unique patho-biomechanical approach and a comprehensive clinical reasoning process, PTs strive to optimize quality, pain free movement not only to enhance performance, but also to prevent future injuries. Through the use of manual therapy, modalities and strength + conditioning programs, physical therapist can:

• Decrease pain
• Reduce muscle tightness and stiffness
• Increase flexibility
• Improve core stability
• Strengthen sport-specific muscle groups
• Increase joint mobility
• Improve suppleness and symmetry
• Aid in development of power and speed
• Develop proper cardiovascular conditioning
• Improve proprioception and coordination

At Evans Equine, we use a truly integrative team approach to tailor treatments to meet each horse’s specific needs. As with humans, horses may compensate for pain by altering their way of moving.  A comprehensive performance examination is conducted to assess both primary and secondary impairments. It is often the secondary impairments that result from compensatory movements patterns that go unnoticed and cause performance issues. 

Evans Equine is excited to Welcome Laura Loman, DPT, CERP to the team.  Call us to schedule a performance examination for your horse.  Laura is also available for rider evaluations through her practice Elevate Physical Therapy.