Physio Focus - Celia Cohen - cont.

Can you tell us more about your practice/business?

I still work part time for the NHS in Bridport for 2 days a week in musculoskeletal outpatients.

My private work involves covering Dorset / part of Devon and Somerset (so a lot of driving). My work is very varied. I treat ponies to racehorses with anything from a tendon injury to a sore neck/back.

I work with riders on their horse as their postures have a large impact. I also do lecture/demonstrations on working your horse in hand for ‘the supple horse’ – they are lots of fun. I really enjoy this interactive work with horses and owners, people always want to know more.

 
My dog work is mainly based at a local veterinary hospital where I always have very mixed cases. A lot of my work is dogs with knee injuries and back pain and some require hydrotherapy. It is never dull!    

What other animal related/ACPAT activities are you involved in?

I am part of the PR team for ACPAT and have recently been to The British Equine Veterinary Association Conference in Edinburgh, flying our flag and networking with vets. It was long but enjoyable few days in an amazing city. The ACPAT Committee has quarterly meetings and in between, the whole ACPAT team work very hard to promote and improve the treatment of animals by Chartered Physiotherapists.

I also have been involved in writing a chapter of a book about the riders influence on the horse; the book is called ‘Ride from the heart’ by Jenny Rolfe, a Classical dressage trainer. We spent days photographing the horses moving free and ridden and somehow some pictures of me riding are in the book!

I own 3 horses aged 3 to 21. I am training one, advancing one and maintaining and looking after my old lady, Mary (21) who I had as a 4 year old. I had to sell her when I went to university and bought her back in 2003. She is still bouncing around and helps me in training the 3 year old (baby Violet).

Tinks is my other horse, he is my teacher. I had him as a neurotic, frightened and sore project 3 years ago. He is my best friend and my angel - he has helped me pioneer a lot of the loose and in hand work over poles, he has worn every kind of conceivable physio tool/ kit and he had never complained. He reminds me every day how special horses are and he is a talented dressage horse. We are involved in classical dressage training and a member of the society but mostly we just have fun hacking or riding club events.

I also have a mad German Shepherd Dog who I rescued 2 years ago and so am involved in his training and rehabilitation. Every day involves something to do with animals and physio. There is often little distinction between work and animals, but I like it that way.