About

Photo Courtesy of Phillip Johnson

About us 

Strides Veterinary Physiotherapy is run by Emily Culpeck and covers a 50 mile radius from their base (SY7 8HG), other areas can be arranged on request so please ask.

Emily has ridden and had pets (of all descriptions) all of her life and has a real passion for animals, every free minute was spent at the local riding school as a child.  The aim has always been to work with animals in one way or another leading to studying a ND, HND and topping up to a BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies.  Whilst studying part-time, jobs included working with competition horses and schooling many leisure horses in different shapes and sizes for their owners as well as gaining her BHS Stages 1-4. 

After her degree Emily worked as a Livery Yard Manager at Glebe Farm Equestrian for 12 years where she had extensive experience looking after many different horses and ponies ranging from Fell Ponies to Competition Horses.  In this role Emily also backed and rode away young horses, retrained racehorses as well as schooling all sorts of horses and ponies.  During this time Emily also worked under Veterinary advice to help rehabilitate injured horses including fractures, tendon/ligament injuries and following Kissing Spine surgery.  This aspect of horse health and seeing the improvement post veterinary and physiotherapy treatment first hand has always been a keen interest hence the progression to Veterinary Physiotherapy. 

Strides VP will be based at Glebe Farm so 10 stables, an all-weather arena and 32 acres are available if in-house treatment and rehabilitation are more convenient!

The route taken to becoming a Veterinary Physiotherapist was a 2 year Postgraduate Diploma qualification at Harper Adams University.  This will be followed by a 1 year MSc research project which will be completed alongside offering treatment to horses and dogs (other animals are also welcome).  The PgD involves anatomy, physiology and disease modules as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques plus practical teaching and placements with NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists) or ACPAT (Association of Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists) Veterinary Physiotherapists to enhance learning and develop skills under expert supervision.  Emily was fortunate to have placements with some of the best Veterinary Physiotherapists in the country and gained valuable experience from them.  Exams are heavily practical giving an all round education prior to qualification.   

Alongside studying and working Emily has 2 horses and 2 dogs who are very much part of the family.  Cornell is an ex-racehorse who is mostly a pampered pet nowadays and Chump a WB who does dressage and eventing.  Mr Tickles the Jack Russell Terrier will be seen out and about and Jones may also make a guest appearance. 


Why Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy provides a number of benefits to all animals whatever their job, breed or age.  

Physiotherapy can be prescribed post-surgery to enhance healing, improve mobility and reduce healing time.  It can also be used to improve and maintain performance in competition animals. 

Benefits include:
  • pain relief/management (alongside Veterinary treatment)
  • increased circulation 
  • enhanced healing post injury/surgery 
  • improved range of movement 
  • reduced muscle spasm 
  • improved muscle symmetry 
  • improved strength and movement 
Physiotherapy is not just for competition animals, pets can benefit too!

Treatments start with obtaining Veterinary permission, it is a legal requirement under Sections 19 and 20 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to gain this permission prior to physiotherapy treatment and this will be done for you. 

On arrival, a full history will be taken followed by a static, dynamic and a thorough palpation assessment which identifies any areas of tension/soreness, weaknesses and asymmetries and provides a baseline for any future visits.   

Following assessment a logical and thorough treatment plan will be devised including manual, electrotherapies and an individual remedial exercise plan devised to target any movement issues. 

You will receive an emailed/posted report within 2 days of treatment containing details on any findings, treatment and exercises prescribed. Your Vet will also be kept informed to enable a holistic approach.
Share by: