About Us

 

Equine-Librium, founded in 2007 by Ronel van der Sijde, runs a network of veterinary physiotherapy clinics across South Africa. Our team of 18 fully qualified Veterinary Physiotherapists is spread throughout the country, providing essential care for animals.

Veterinary Physiotherapists are key members of the Veterinary Health Team, offering crucial therapy as part of standard veterinary care. At Equine-Librium, our therapists focus on evaluating a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal issues, primarily in horses, dogs, and cats. However, we’re also equipped to assist other companion animals and wildlife.

Our Veterinary Physiotherapy services cover prevention, recovery, and ongoing maintenance for injuries, trauma, and pathology. Our goal is to enhance animals’ quality of life, performance, and overall well-being.

For competition and working animals, our interventions are vital for injury prevention and ongoing maintenance. Likewise, for pets dealing with orthopaedic issues or recovering from surgery, our specialised therapies are essential.

At Equine-Librium, we’re dedicated to improving mobility, strength, and fitness in your animals while reducing pain and stiffness. With our extensive experience, qualifications, and advanced equipment, we ensure that your beloved animals receive the best treatment. 

Veterinary physiotherapists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions in both dogs and horses. Some common conditions they address include:

In Dogs:

  1. Orthopedic Issues: This includes conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, and patellar luxation.
  2. Neurological Disorders: Physiotherapists can help dogs with conditions such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, and nerve injuries.
  3. Osteoarthritis: Physiotherapy techniques can alleviate pain and improve mobility in dogs suffering from arthritis.
  4. Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes strains, sprains, and muscle tears, which are common in active or athletic dogs.
  5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in aiding dogs’ recovery after orthopaedic or soft tissue surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repair or fracture repair.

In Horses:

  1. Lameness: Physiotherapists can help diagnose and treat various causes of lameness, including issues with the feet, legs, or spine.
  2. Back Pain: Many horses experience back pain due to poor saddle fit, muscle imbalances, or underlying conditions. Physiotherapy techniques can alleviate discomfort and improve back function.
  3. Muscle Atrophy: Physiotherapy is used to strengthen and build muscle in horses suffering from muscle wasting due to injury, illness, or lack of exercise.
  4. Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Rehabilitation programs designed by physiotherapists help horses recover from tendon and ligament injuries, such as bowed tendons or suspensory ligament strains.
  5. Performance Enhancement: Physiotherapy can improve a horse’s performance by addressing biomechanical issues, optimizing movement, and enhancing overall fitness.

SOUTH AFRICA​

 
Ronel Van Der Sijde

CEO

Sport Scientist & Animal Physical Rehab Therapist, Equine Craniosacral Therapist

Ronel van der Sijde worked as an equine physical and rehabilitation therapist since 1990.
She studied Sport Science at the University of Pretoria and after that worked on rehabilitation of human sports injuries. She did a variety of post graduate training in animal physiotherapy but very soon focused on equines as her greatest interest. Especially therapy, conditioning and maintenance of sport horses.

Ronel founded Equine-Librium in 2007 and was instrumental in building it up to what it is today. Currently Ronel is the CEO of Equine-Librium and spends her time taking part in all the different facets of Equine-Librium, helping to develop and grow the industry.

Ronel: “It is an honor to be part of a team who not only have phenomenal qualifications and experience, but shares a passion for animals and students!

A team with an insatiable hunger to keep learning as much as possible.

A team fascinated with young minds and committed to teach and shape these minds.

A team committed to make a positive difference by training professionals for the future.”

Ronel lives in Plettenberg Bay with her husband, three rescue dogs and a Border collie, seven rescue cats and four of her own horses plus more or less fifty other horses. All loved and adored to bits!

BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

          GENERAL COURSE INFO

BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

APPLICATION INFORMATION