COURSE DESCRIPTION

Back and sacroiliac problems are amongst the most debilitating conditions affecting equine athletes.  Local injections of medications do not usually resolve the problems long-term unless combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation program and the introduction of management changes.  

This 2-day practical course was developed for equine practitioners with a good working knowledge of back and sacroiliac conditions and covers how to use therapeutic modalities effectively in combination with comprehensive exercise protocols aimed at strengthening the back/gluteal musculature.  The world-renowned specialists will be discussing the following topics interactively with the attendees:

• The Physical Therapist’s Approach to Back & Sacroiliac Conditions

• Physical Therapist’s Evaluation of the Equine Back & Pelvis

• Therapeutic Modalities for Back & SI Conditions – Therapeutic Laser, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Electrical Stimulation, Rapid Release Technology & Radiofrequency Therapy

• Rider & Horse Interaction

• Therapeutic Exercise for Back & Sacroiliac Problems

• Development of Treatment Plans for Back & SI Conditions

• Underwater Treadmill

• Therapeutic Monitoring of Back & SI Conditions

• Return to Sport – The Progression incl. Management Changes

• Home Exercise Programs for your Clients

• Injury Prevention & Maintenance

• Conditioning & Performance Enhancement

• How to charge for Rehabilitation Services

In the afternoons, 7 hours of case-based and practical small-groups sessions on live horses will allow attendees to become familiar with therapeutic modalities and physical therapy exercises that can be passed on to horse owners.   Each attendee will rotate through the following stations:

• Physical Therapist’s Evaluation of Back & Sacroiliac Problems

• Therapeutic Exercises for Back & SI Problems – Improving Proprioception & Core Stability

• Physical Therapy – Manual Treatment Techniques

• Biomechanical Interplay of Horse, Saddle & Rider

• Development of Home Exercise Programs for your Clients

• Therapeutic Modalities for Back & SI Problems – Aquatic Therapy & Other Modalities

The course fee includes lunches, coffee/tea breaks, extensive electronic course notes, a wine & cheese reception and a certificate of attendance. Attendees can choose to only attend the lectures (= Lectures Only) on this course or can register for the entire course (= Lectures & Practical Sessions).  Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available due to the practical nature of this course.