How can physiotherapy help with the management of back and sacroiliac pain?

Sacroiliac (SI) and back pain are a significant cause of poor performance in sports horses. Physiotherapy has much to offer in the management of these conditions, both in the case of acute injury and in the prevention of dysfunction. Spinal and SI dysfunction can occur as a consequence of trauma, primary pathology or can be associated with a compensatory gait due to chronic pelvic limb lameness causing asymmetric loading through the pelvis and back. Other factors include rider asymmetry, poor saddle fit, persistent poor training techniques or environment, and training at a level greater than the muscular development or fitness of the horse can sustain ...