07/07/2025
Just because someone says they're qualified, doesn't mean they are.
Recently, a friend told me their new therapist claimed their horse had a dislocated joint—and then told her that she will “reduce it.”
Let’s pause right there.
⚠️ That’s not possible.
If a horse had a true dislocation, it would be a medical emergency. The horse would be non-weight bearing, in visible distress, and require immediate veterinary intervention. Not massage. Not bodywork. Not “reductions.”
In this case? I had photos and videos of the horse just days before this supposed “dislocation” and “reduction.” She was moving normally. Now, nearly two weeks post-treatment, she’s lame, in pain, and exhibiting new-onset neurological symptoms.
This is not post-treatment soreness.
This is an injury.
And here’s what horse owners need to understand:
➡️ Terminology matters
Words like “dislocation” and “reduction” are not casual terms. They are medical terms, protected by law, and limited to use by those with specific medical licenses—like doctors or veterinarians. When a practitioner uses them inaccurately, it’s a red flag that they may not understand scope of practice or physiological contraindications.
This isn't just semantics—it's about safety.
Many owners don’t realize that manual therapy is a regulated profession in human healthcare. For example, in BC, Registered Massage Therapy became regulated in 1995. Before that, it was a basic spa course (~800-1000 hours). Today’s programs are approximately 2200-3000 hours, with extensive clinical training. The difference in education is massive—and it shows.
So here’s what to look out for:
🚩 A therapist tells you your horse’s joint is dislocated and they can fix it
🚩 They say it’s “normal” for your horse to be neurologic or lame for more than 48 hours after a session
🚩 They dismiss your concern or tell you to “trust the process” even when your horse is clearly worse
If any of this sounds familiar, walk away.
No treatment should ever cause injury. And if it does—even inadvertently—it is the practitioner’s responsibility to refer to the vet immediately, adjust their approach from that moment onwards, reassess frequently, and ensure the horse is not in pain.
As therapists, we are here to support the body—not damage it.
Please choose your practitioners carefully. Ask about their training. Ask about their scope. And if the language they use sounds like something out of a medical textbook—they better have the credentials to match.