Frequently Asked Questions
Should I contact my veterinarian first?
Yes. I generally prefer all horses to be medically cleared before I come to your facility. If your horse has had an acute injury, I require medical clearance from your provider to begin treatment. I am happy to communicate directly with your Veterinarian as well to discuss your horse's needs.
Do you only treat riders?
No. I also treat non-riders of any age or gender. I've treated patients as young as 1 month old, and as old as 100. I've helped several athletes in the community return to sport, and have helped the elderly learn to walk again. Some conditions I've treated include Post-COVID syndrome, COPD, post-operative pain, balance impairments, headaches, and more. Don't hesitate to ask if I can help you, too!
Do I need a doctor's referral before I start PT?
Not in Tennessee! I can treat patients via "direct access," which means without a physician's referral. This approach saves you time and money so you can get better faster. Though it's not required, I do prefer to communicate with your physician regularly to keep them informed of your progress.
Will you travel to a show for treatments?
Of course. Horses (and equestrians) are athletes. As such, the pre-competition and post-competition care is extremely important to avoid injury and promote musculoskeletal recovery.
Do you take insurance?
No, but I can provide a "superbill" which you can then pass along to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I accept multiple forms of payment such as cash, check, card, and various applications.
Can I see you via Telehealth?
Absolutely. Telehealth is a great option for those running short on time, or those who are uncomfortable with in-person interaction in today's environment. Telehealth can be equally as effective as in-person visits, and I have a ton of experience in this area.
Are you available on weekends?
Yep! I try to be flexible with my hours as I build this business to help as many people (and ponies) as possible.
What can I expect on the first visit?
Horse: During the first session, I spend most of the time gathering information from you about the horse's personality, work load, and day-to-day lifestyle. As I dive into working with the animal, I observe him move at different gaits and into different positions. I then begin a hands-on assessment to see where I need to focus my efforts in future sessions. I may or may not see the horse move under rider, and will typically evaluate saddle fit if the horse is ridden regularly. With all of the information I gather, you and I will agree upon a plan and schedule follow-ups as needed. The entire process usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
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Human: When you first come in to see me, I want to hear your story of why you're there. The tiny details matter, so tell me everything! My next priority is to rule out any major medical concerns to be sure you are safe for treatment. If all looks good, I will observe your overall functional ability and movement pattern. I also perform hands-on techniques to assess joint mobility, muscle activation, and tissue length. I try to make positive changes on day 1 so we can quickly get started on the road to success, whatever that might look like for you. I typically send you home with just a few specific exercises to address what dysfunction I find. This process usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. We then schedule follow-up appointments as needed.
Do I have to be there when you work with my horse?
On the first visit, YES. The owner gives me a great understanding of where to start, and the information an owner can give is invaluable. Following the first visit, I can usually work with the horse without the owner present.