Katiephillips.ESMT

Katiephillips.ESMT Certified Equine Sports Massage & Rehabilitation Therapist | BSc Equine Science | North East

There’s a lot of debate around photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy), but research is increasingly showing its va...
19/06/2026

There’s a lot of debate around photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy), but research is increasingly showing its value in supporting soft tissue healing when used correctly.

LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity within damaged tissue influencing how cells repair, reduce inflammation and regenerate.

What the research suggests:

🔹Increased ATP production
Laser light is absorbed by mitochondria, helping increase cellular energy needed for repair.

🔹 Reduced inflammation
Studies show modulation of inflammatory mediators, helping control swelling and pain response in soft tissue injuries.

🔹 Improved tissue repair
Evidence supports increased fibroblast activity, which plays a key role in collagen production and tendon/ligament healing.

🔹 Pain modulation
LLLT influences nerve signalling, helping reduce pain perception during recovery.

In equine practice it can be used for:
Tendon and ligament injuries
Muscle soreness & strains
Soft tissue inflammation
Superficial wounds
Post surgery wounds

LLLT is not a standalone cure. It works best as part of a wider rehabilitation programme including correct loading, movement and management.

therapevo.co.uk

17/06/2026

In this case, kinesiology tape was applied to the thoracic trapezius, an area commonly associated with saddle pressure and tension.

This horse has recently retired from racing and is currently enjoying some well earned downtime in the field before beginning the next chapter of their career.

The thoracic trapezius plays an important role in shoulder movement and stability, and discomfort here can influence how a horse carries itself through the forehand.

This horse was very sensitive with manual soft tissue massage so I opted for kinesiology taping with a split strip application, no stretch. This provides gentle sensory input to the area, as seen with the lifting of the hair. I like to describe it as me leaving my hands on your horse for a few more days ☺️

Kinesiology tape is one of many tools I use to help support comfort and body awareness ❤️

16/06/2026

🌟Why I Use Equicantis🌟

As an equine therapist, I believe in providing owners with clear and detailed information about their horse’s treatment and progress. That’s why I use Equicantis as part of my service.

Equicantis is a specialist software designed for equine professionals, allowing me to create comprehensive digital assessments, treatment records, and rehabilitation plans tailored to each horse.

💡 What does this mean for you?

✅ Detailed written reports following each assessment
✅ Clear anatomical diagrams to highlight areas of tension, discomfort, or concern
✅ Images and visual references to help you understand your horse’s condition
✅ Personalised exercise and rehabilitation plans to support recovery and performance
✅ Progress tracking over time, allowing us to monitor improvements and identify patterns
✅ Appointment reminders so you never miss a scheduled session
✅ Secure digital records that can be easily shared when required

My goal is not just to treat your horse, but to give you the knowledge and tools to support them between sessions 🤗

15/06/2026

While I love seeing a yawn as much as my clients, it is not what makes or breaks a good session. While some horses yawn to show a release of tension, others can process this differently. You may see, us therapists are always watching the horses relaxations, licking & chewing, heavy or soft blinking, lowering the head and neck, sighing or shaking.

A good session is based of many things:
✨ Softer muscle tone
✨Improved posture and balance
✨ Improved ROM
✨More relaxed body language or facial expressions
✨Improved movement (inhand or under saddle)

13/06/2026
⚠️Graphic image warning⚠️Jeffs story 🤎  During training, Jeff managed to overreach, pulling off a front shoe and catchin...
12/06/2026

⚠️Graphic image warning⚠️

Jeffs story 🤎

During training, Jeff managed to overreach, pulling off a front shoe and catching it in his hind hoof. This resulted in a deep laceration to the coronet band.

Injuries to this area are particularly concerning as healthy tissue within the coronet band is essential for normal hoof growth. As the saying goes ‘no hoof no horse’

Jeff was on box rest for 12 weeks and was an absolute angel throughout his rehabilitation. Alongside veterinary care, I used Class 3B Low Level Laser Therapy to support the healing process by increasing cellular activity, encouraging quicker tissue repair and therapeutic ultrasound to help organised and neater tissue repair.

Treatment was carried out twice weekly for most of his rehabilitation period, and Jeff was a perfect patient every step of the way.

Fast forward 12 weeks and Jeff is looking fantastic, has his full set of shoes back on, and has even enjoyed his first hack around the block.

Swipe through to see his wound healing progression. I couldn’t be happier ❤️

therapevo.co.uk

JULY DIARY IS OPEN ☀️Summer is in full swing, and our horses are working hard!If your horse is stepping up their workloa...
02/06/2026

JULY DIARY IS OPEN ☀️

Summer is in full swing, and our horses are working hard!

If your horse is stepping up their workload, competing regularly or just needs a maintenance check, now is the perfect time to get booked in.

June is filling up quickly with my regular clients, with only a few evening appointments remaining for new clients.

✨ Maintenance sessions
✨ Performance support
✨ Rehabilitation cases
✨ Pre & post competition

📍 North East
📩 Message to book (07473758270)

02/06/2026

We always talk about how your horse may feel when you ride them but how often do you actually look down at what is infront of you? Next time you ride, pay attention to what you see in front.

Scapula freedom: Watch how freely each shoulder blade moves as the foreleg comes forward and back. It should glide without restriction.

Evenness in shoulder reach: Look at whether both front legs step forward with the same length and openness.

Consistency in the stride: Look for a steady, repeatable rhythm.

Is their head and neck straight on a long rein: On a relaxed rein, check if the head and neck sit centered between the shoulders. Look for any consistent tilt, bend or drift to one side.

Pt. 2 of how I keep learning engaging and fun, always continuing to train my eye to make connections with client history...
01/06/2026

Pt. 2 of how I keep learning engaging and fun, always continuing to train my eye to make connections with client history, what I see and what I feel 🌟🌟🌟

16/05/2026

The correct technique is all it takes… and consistency!

Address

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Telephone

+447473758270

Website

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