Performance Animal Physiotherapy

19/03/2026

Wise words

12/03/2026

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: flexion tests don’t diagnose anything.

They provoke.

As rehabilitation therapists, movement assessment is central to what we do. Lameness assessment is part of that - but lameness itself is not a diagnosis. It’s a sign of pain and altered biomechanics.

And pain in horses rarely travels alone.

One primary issue shifts load. That shift creates muscular tension. Over time, that tension can progress into secondary joint or ligament irritation. If we miss it, structural change follows. Concurrent and compensatory lameness isn’t the exception - it’s common.

So when we apply a flexion test, what are we actually seeing?

We’re seeing a limb that is irritably load-sensitive today. Not a specific structure. Not a confirmed localisation.

Without a clear baseline at walk and trot - before manipulation - interpretation becomes guesswork.

And if we forget that approximately 95% of primary forelimb pain is at or below the carpus (with the hoof structures first suspect), or that around 80% of hindlimb lameness cases involve concurrent lumbosacral or sacroiliac pain, we risk building the wrong narrative from a single positive response.

Flexion tests are useful. But only in context.

Baseline first.
Pattern recognition second.
Collaboration always.

In this blog, we explore what flexion tests truly reveal - and what they don’t - including their limited sensitivity and specificity, the risk of false positives, and how to standardise them if you use them pre-referral.

Have you ever seen a flexion test over-interpreted without enough baseline evidence?

Comment BLOG below and we’ll send you the link.

03/02/2026

05/01/2026

📢 Important Updates for PAP Clients – 2026

As we head into 2026, there are a few updates to how we work at Performance Animal Physiotherapy.

✨ Our prices are not increasing — but some processes are changing to keep things fair, consistent, and sustainable.

What’s new:

1️⃣ Client Registration & Continuation Form
All clients will be asked to complete an updated form so details, consent, and records remain up to date.

2️⃣ Updated Payment Terms
New payment terms apply to all bookings. Please ensure these are read and accepted before your next appointment.

3️⃣ Online Bookings
Appointments are requested via the PAP Members Portal, where you can also view and manage bookings, treatment plans, and payments.

4️⃣ Single Sessions vs Annual Treatment Plans
• Single Sessions (PAYG) remain available at full price (no discounts).
• Annual Treatment Plans (Gold, Silver & Bronze) continue to offer excellent value, rewarding loyalty and supporting your horse’s long-term care.

5️⃣ Deposits
A £20 deposit is required to secure bookings for clients not enrolled in an Annual Treatment Plan or paid-in-advance INDIBA package.

6️⃣ Payments
Card details will be held securely on file for all new clients. Payment is due at the time of treatment by card or bank transfer. Tap to Pay is now available.

7️⃣ Travel fee added according to your zone and tier
Additional charges to any Treatment Plan such as extra services, products and travel fee payable at time of each appointment.

8️⃣ Cancellation Policy Reminder
Please be mindful of our cancellation notice periods (48 hours) and applicable fees so we can manage the diary fairly for all clients.

Thank you for continuing to trust us with your horses — it’s a privilege to support you on your journey 🐴
If you have any questions, just drop us a message.

28/12/2025

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Performance Animal Physiotherapy 🎄

Mr Fuddles (aka The Cotswold Party Pony), our smallest client, would like to join me in wishing all our wonderful clients a very Merry Christmas 🐴🎅

Thank you for trusting us with your horses and allowing us to be part of your journey. It’s a privilege to support them through their training, competition, rehabilitation, and everyday care.

We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to working with you and your horses in the year ahead ✨

Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year for both you and your four-legged friends.

📸 Snaps by Jo Colson

25/11/2025

Two recent papers in the EVE Journal were punlished on the effects of corticosteroid injection sin joints. They were meta-analysis, meaning they took information from over 600 papers about this topic into account. This means the outcome of a meta-analysis is more reliable as an "overall opinion of scientists" than a single paper. Both papers show clearly that 1 injection in a joint (when needed, because acute joint inflammation is present) might be beneficial, but that more than 1 injection in the same joint will cause cartilage damage and degeneration of the joint. Think about that when you do "regular joint maintainance" or inject multiple joints without a clear indication.

Your vet should know this information!

21/11/2025

Another inspiring CPD day this time with and some brilliant speakers. Thank you

11/11/2025

Ok please tell me I’m not the only one who had a terrible start to the week 😂

08/11/2025

Solid day of learning from the fabulous 💪

06/11/2025

Looking forward to this! 👀