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Rider Physiotherapy

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Rider posture, symmetry and fitness play a vital role in your horse’s performance

CLG Physiotherapy can tailor assessment and treatment for specific rider asymmetries, imbalances and injuries to improve your horse’s performance.

The rider requires strength and stability in order to accommodate the horse’s movement. This also requires flexibility through the rider’s spine, pelvis and hips so as to absorb, without blocking or impeding the horse’s movement. All equestrian disciplines require this balanced combination that enables horse and rider to work in harmony.

CLG Physiotherapy can help with:

  • Asymmetry or muscle imbalance e.g. finding it easier to ride on one particular rein or when one stirrup feels longer than the other
  • Joint stiffness or pain that limits movement
  • Specific weakness
  • Finding that your horse has recurrent back problems, uneven wear on tack or straightness issues
  • Injuries post falls

Ridden Assessment

  • Assessment of posture, symmetry and biomechanics whilst riding your horse in all three gaits, on the straight, circles, lateral work or jumping (or anything you find problematic)
  • Looking at the horse’s ‘way of going’ and the partnership between horse and rider
  • Video analysis can be used to provide visual feedback for discussion (trainer or saddle fitter can join this discussion)

Off Horse Assessment

  • Taking a detailed history
  • Assessment of joint range of movement
  • Assessment of muscle strength/length
  • Pelvic stability, ankle stability and core control
  • Any other specific injuries affecting the rider

Treatments

  • Joint mobilisation / manipulation
  • Soft tissue techniques
  • Postural on/off horse exercises or using gym equipment
  • Strengthening programmes
  • Taping techniques
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrotherapy modalities
  • Rehabilitation programme – specifically tailored exercises
  • Rider Pilates 1:1 or in small groups

Rider Pilates

CLG Physiotherapy can offer either one-to-one or group sessions of up to 6 people working through specific exercises to help symmetry, balance, strength and flexibility for the rider. Please enquire for further details on group sessions.

Rider posture, symmetry and fitness play a vital role in your horse’s performance

CLG Physiotherapy can also offer a domiciliary service to assist in assessment, management and treatment of any musculoskeletal or sports injuries. This can include:

  • Neck pain and headaches
  • Back pain and sciatic pain
  • Joint problems and stiffness
  • Soft tissue strains, sprains and tendinopathies
  • Post-operative orthopaedic problems including joint replacements
  • Sports performance related problems