Rehabilitation: Proprioception, Incoordination, and Paresis

Physiotherapeutic exercises aimed at stimulating motor control, flexibility, and stability are regularly employed in human physical therapy programs. Specifically, the use of such exercises has been shown to reduce both pain and reinjury. Pursuant to the equine patient, several core strengthening exercises and their role in activating deep epaxial musculature to subsequently improve postural motor control and alter thoracolumbar kinematics have been investigated. Both baited and passive exercises offer opportunities to facilitate stretching during dynamic phases and strengthening during static phases of exercise. Blanket recommendations regarding prescription of exercises is not advised, individual patient prescription should be considered in context of handler safety, specific rehabilitation goals, and patient ability to effectively complete the exercise.