Riders often carry old injuries which can over time negatively affect their posture and subsequently their riding performance.
A rider assessment involves taking a detailed clinical history, a thorough physiotherapy assessment on the ground and then the observation of the rider on the horse. A problem plan is established and then an appropriate treatment plan is discussed. Treatment may involve a number of physiotherapy modalities and techniques, soft tissue mobilisation, dry needling, joint mobilisations and or manipulation, neuromuscular techniques, electrotherapy, strengthening and stabilising exercises, stretches and often includes taping or theraband – for example postural or facilatatory taping using either rigid sports or elastic tape (kinesiotape or dynamic tape) to assist correct posture on the horse, switch off overactive muscles or activate weak muscles, theraband and rehabilitation technique. Common rider faults are actually caused by asymmetries, abnormal movement patterns, weaknesses and restrictions that when dealt with can correct these faults and enable the rider to further their progress in their training. Many riders have chronic issues with posture, pain, poor core stability and one-sidedness. Physiotherapy can help overcome these in order to achieve optimum performance from each horse and rider combination. |