Mary Bromlley, a licensed human physical therapist in Great Britain was recently listed as a recipient of the Queens Honors for 2011 and is to be rewarded with the prestigious title of Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth for her services to equine sports.
Mary Bromley was an early pioneer who began applying her knowledge of muscle rehabilitation learned with humans as therapy on sport and race horses with excellent results. Her work with Olympic teams brought her international attention.
She has been a frequent guest lecturer at equine sports medicine conferences and is credited with the formation of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), a sub-group of CSP
The field of animal physiotherapy is rapidly advancing worldwide. The United Kingdom, the United States Australia and Africa are involved in ongoing research and development in animal physiotherapy. South Africa was one of the first countries to establish an official special interest group of qualified physiotherapists who were interested in treating animals.
The titles “physiotherapist”, “physical therapist” and “physio” are protected by law and can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physiotherapy and are therefore qualified and registered to practice.
Physiotherapy includes various forms of manual manipulation, electrotherapy, exercise prescription and other treatments that can benefit both equine athletes and weekend warriors affected by minor lameness issues or undergoing major recoveries.
The key area of physiotherapy, applicable to horses, is the study of the musculoskeletal system. This involves assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
Functional biomechanics, neuromotor control and exercise physiology are the prime sciences supporting the profession. Most common problems are those associated with loss of quality of movement or unresolved lameness issues.
Many forms of physiotherapy as applied to equines are being researched and studied including electrotherapies and stimulation, tissue healing using ultra sound, laser or light energy stimulation, acupuncture and other therapies that address conformational faults, hoof problems, prolonged stall rest and any situations that cause problems with the musculoskeletal system of the horse.