Dougie

Re: Dougie W – Physiotherapy Notes - 29/12/25 Subjective Dougie was seen for an initial consult. He has previous injury to his suspensory ligaments bilaterally and has received Indiba therapy and hoofmag to aid with healing. He is showing signs of reluctance when ridden and lacks impulsion. He is in light work currently which is predominantly hacking. Static & Dynamic Observations: • • • • • Static conformation is good, straight forelimbs and hindlimbs, a little too upright in the hindlimbs but may be due to postural alteration following bil.sus inj, Slightly extended pelvic angle. Croup high currently but again may be postural oppose to conformation When initially walking out, there was a right pelvic drop and asymmetry – this improved mildly with motion but more so following adjustment. Both hock/stifle joints looked to have reduced flexion – this will limit hindlimb impulsion. There was a lowered flight arc in the hindlimbs with increased fetlock extension bilaterally in the hindlimbs. Close moving in walk, wide tracking in trot. Palpation Findings: • • • • • • Restricted right hindlimb when stretching forward and backward Lumbar tension and spasming – moderate spasming, substantial bracing bilaterally Would lift through sternal lifts so does have access to spinal ROM, just limited by tension Left neck bend is restricted C2-5 – naturally holds head in elevation and restricts mobility. Pectorals overused. Lacking hindlimb musculature globally except gluteals Overall: The reluctance to go forwards may be partly due to strain from the previous suspensory injury travelling up the hamstrings and the gluteals into the back, this line will limit the mobility of the hindlimbs and cause them to be pulled straighter – limiting flexion. The lack of ability to retract the hindlimbs (more so the right) will be due to the large amounts of tension in the lower back round the the hip. The neck and chest tension is due to overloading compensations. The exercises below are designed to target these areas.