Equine Physiotherapy and Functional Recovery: Advances in Diagnostics and Therapeutic Approaches

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2027 | Viewed by 1168

Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Husbandry and Breeding, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: infrared thermography; equine welfare; rehabilitation; training overloads; exercise physiology; musculoskeletal disorders

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Guest Editor
Department of Vehicle Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: equine biomechanics; racehorse performance analysis; equine gait analysis; equine microbiome; thermography in horses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Husbandry and Breeding, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: equine diagnostic; physiotherapy; rehabilitation; thermography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physiotherapy and functional recovery have become essential components of equine healthcare, enabling the transition from injury to rehabilitation and then return to performance. As equine athletes are increasingly required to perform at high physical and mental levels, the demand for evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches continues to grow. Scientific progress in these areas is providing new insights into how we can optimize recovery, improve welfare, and prevent the recurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.

This Special Issue will showcase high-quality research, clinical reports, and reviews that advance our understanding of equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We welcome contributions exploring novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic methods supporting functional recovery, and interdisciplinary approaches integrating veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, and biomechanics. Studies on both sport and working horses, as well as those addressing welfare in different management contexts, are particularly encouraged.

By promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and practical experience, this Special Issue will enhance the standards of equine physiotherapy, contributing to improved health, welfare, and sustainable athletic performance in horses.

Prof. Dr. Maria Soroko-Dubrovina
Dr. Wanda Górniak
Dr. Karolina Śniegucka
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • equine physiotherapy
  • functional recovery
  • rehabilitation
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • performance optimization
  • equine welfare
  • diagnostic techniques
  • therapeutic approaches
  • biomechanics
  • veterinary medicine

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 2101 KB  
Article
Effects of TECAR Therapy on Body Surface Temperature and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Tone in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Pilot Study
by Weronika Grzegorczyk, Maria Soroko-Dubrovina, Maciej Dobrowolski, Dobrosława Grabska and Krzysztof D. Dudek
Animals 2026, 16(15), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16152300 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 663
Abstract
Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (TECAR) therapy is increasingly used in equine physiotherapy; however, objective evidence regarding its immediate effects on equine back muscles remains limited. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of TECAR therapy on body surface temperature and muscle [...] Read more.
Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (TECAR) therapy is increasingly used in equine physiotherapy; however, objective evidence regarding its immediate effects on equine back muscles remains limited. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of TECAR therapy on body surface temperature and muscle tone of the longissimus dorsi muscle in Thoroughbred racehorses. A randomized, single-blinded experimental study was conducted in 20 clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses aged 2–3 years. Horses were randomly assigned to either a TECAR treatment group (n = 10) or a sham-treatment control group (n = 10). Thermographic imaging and palpation-based muscle tone assessment were performed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 10 min post-treatment in the thoracolumbar region (Th15–L6). Differences between groups and changes over time were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA for temperature data and Friedman’s test with post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for palpation scores. TECAR therapy was associated with a significant increase in body surface temperature, with mean values rising from 25.3 ± 1.5 °C before treatment to 28.9 ± 1.3 °C immediately after treatment (p < 0.001) and remaining elevated after 10 min (27.6 ± 1.3 °C; p = 0.002). In contrast, only minor temperature changes were observed in the sham group. Palpation assessment demonstrated a significant reduction in muscle tone following TECAR therapy, with median scores decreasing from 3 [2–3] before treatment to 0 [0–1] immediately afterward (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that TECAR therapy induces an immediate thermal response, which persists for at least 10 min, and is associated with reduced longissimus dorsi muscle tone in racing horses. Further studies are warranted to investigate its clinical applications and long-term effects in equine rehabilitation. Full article
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