Equine Osteo/Physio

About me

EQUINE OSTEOPATH / HUMAN PHYSIOTHERAPIST

My passion for horses started when I was 10 years old in Germany at the German/French border. After gaining riding qualifications in France up to level 7, I was involved in schooling young horses and soon after, owning my own.

First participating in show jumping I then explored dressage and developed an interest in equine anatomy. Given my first horse’s health battle, I was exposed to a broad variety of animal healthcare professions, not only veterinary science, but also chiropractic, homeopathy, physiotherapy, magnetic field therapy, natural hoof care and dietary specialists. It was this experience that made me realize there was a more holistic approach to horse healthcare and sparked my interest in equine osteopathy.

After gaining my qualification as a human physiotherapist in 2010 I extended my knowledge and studied for 2.5 years at the German Institute for Horse Osteopathy (DIPO); one of Germany’s leading educational institutes for horse and canine osteopathy/physiotherapy. Established in 1997, it provides education on the highest standards with nationally and internationally recognized experts in the industry. I successfully qualified as a Horse Osteopath in 2012 from DIPO.

In addition to manual osteopathic techniques, I have also gained experience in horsemanship, different training systems and the matrix rhythm therapy by Dr. Randol, which I still include in my treatment options.   

 

Holistic Equine Therapy

Take every behavior the horse displays as valuable information, not as personal insult.

Osteo- / Physiotherapy

Equine Osteopathy is a drug free and gentle manual therapy that aims to improve the mobility and function of the horse’s skeleton, muscles, ligaments and joints, – collectively known as the musculoskeletal system. It is a holistic approach involving an understanding of the problem and it’s causes.

The healthiness of every organism depends on the balance of all its motions. This is true for the human being as well as the animal. Based on the doctrine and insights of human osteopathy by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, this kind of therapy was researched and successfully transferred to the horse. According to the basic concept that anatomical disorganizations provoke congestion of lymph nodes or nerves, the equine osteopathy works follwing the principle:

"Find the dysfunction, fix it and leave it alone." (Dr. Andrew Taylor Still)

Physiotherapy includes a wide range of evidence based treatments to restore problems with range of movement, posture, balance or muscular conditioning.

Common Indications:

  • inflexibility/stiffness in general or resistance against any aids of the rider

  • all forms of lameness

  • after an illness, especially if changes in mobility remain

  • if the horse doesn't willingly lift hooves

  • on onesided posture of the head and/or tail

  • neck inflexibility or stiffness, inability to set or bend the horse

  • if complications occured when foaling

  • after an accident, to treat complications that may not necessarily be obvious

  • during times of low performance

  • after refusing on obstacles

  • in case of lack of responsiveness including tail striking

  • signs of pain in general

  • if chewing seldomly occurs during work

Matrix Rhythm Therapy

Matrix Rhythm Therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach based on fundamental research studies into cell biology conducted at Erlangen University in Germany.

Matrix Rhythm Therapy with its resonator (Matrixmobil®) creates mechanical and magnetic vibrations in the affected region and restores the rhythms back to normal and initiates self-healing process. The result is that the affected tissue (muscles, skin, tendons, etc.) becomes relaxed and flexible for pain-free and improved mobility.

In competitively performing horses, muscle functionality often determines between victory and defeat. Muscles therapeutically treated with the Matrixmobil® cannot be considered a doping violation. Treated horses are optimally prepared (exchange of liquids and metabolism) for high performance so that they can temporize with each stride.

Apart from that, Matrix-Rhythm Therapy also improves, promotes and maintains inner balance, the willingness to perform and the overall health of horses. Competitive horses as well as leisure horses have been successfully treated with the MaRhyThe system. In general, horses feel very comfortable during this sensitive kind of massage.

Treatment Service

Every treatment is getting conducted in a quiet and for the horse known and comfortable environment. The duration varies between 40-60min which involves techniques tailored to the horse’s needs. The Goal of every session is to increase the horses flexibility, reduce blockages and initiate the body’s own self restoration.

 

Despite hands on techniques, equipment check and training suggestions will be provided. I‘m glad to be able offering the German engineered Matrix Rhythm device which allows me to connect with deeper soft tissue and has proven to be an effective non medical / non invasive treatment.

Before, during and after:
- Horse should be groomed and hoofs being free of dirt.
- The horse should wear a flat and well fitting halter and will be held by a handler (ideally the owner) and for some techniques by myself.  
- After the treatment, please allow the horse 1-2 days off from work, with plenty of opportunities to move freely in the field. Servicing south/east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. All other locations upon request.

Fee schedule:
Standard consultation - $140
  

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