Francesca Page Veterinary Physiotherapy

08/12/2025

Equine TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial joint that connects the mandible to the temporal bone. Its function is to open and close the mouth and move the jaw in an elliptical fashion, facilitating chewing.

The main muscles involved are the masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoideus. There is a cartilaginous meniscus disc within the joint as shown in picture 3, this is to provide cushioning when chewing.

The TMJ can be influenced by a number of things including bridle fit, padded headpieces and short enough cheek pieces, ensuring buckles are adjacent to the eye are paramount in maximising comfort and performance.

TMJ dysfunction has different severities ranging from trouble chewing and opening of mouth, to mild swelling around the joint, resistance to take a consistent contact and head shaking. These are all valid reasons to consult with your vet. Common conditions include osteoarthritis, trauma and fracture (Jasinski et al).

A gentle stretch is a lovely way of relieving tension in this area by carefully encouraging your horse to open and close their mouth, please see attached video, you can see how much she enjoys the release afterwords 😍

Stay tuned for the canine version! 📷 from Horses inside out head anatomy

25/11/2025

A little bit of morning reading! I am too quiet on here so I will be picking an anatomical part of the equine and canine body once a week to do some research and learning around to deliver to everyone…..stay tuned for the first one on the TMJ joint 💪

19/08/2025

As we are coming into winter we will be able to offer rug washing and reproofing! We have a big 18kg machine, clean space outside to dry naturally but also a heated indoor rug drier. Please WhatsApp me to book 07878944567. Payment will be due upon collection.

08/08/2025

Top job Freddie!

Really starting to feel the partnership coming together with MBF Vital Finesse
He is going from strength to strength in the dressage and I’m finally learning to sit still…

07/08/2025

Good start 🙌🥰

05/08/2025

Pony Club Ponies…..probably one of the hardest worked little things out there, and probably the ones that NEED physio the most!! This lovely guy came to me with a problem getting left canter. These photos are of his first session, pre and post-treatment. His posture has greatly improved and his owner has exercises to help with maintaining this! Looking forward to hearing how he is with his canter leads 🙌💪

31/07/2025

Fabulous results!!

27/07/2025

Another little exciting project that’s been in the background. I am now a proud member!! Always striving to be the best for your animals 💪 50 hours of CPD required, insured, and qualifications checked and accepted! 🥰

25/07/2025

Lindyman 😍

12/06/2025

Over the past year or so I have been working very hard to ensure I am registered to the very best to ensure I can keep providing your animals with the best care possible. I am very proud to announce I am now a member of the RAMP register!

RAMP is a register which ensures nothing less than gold standards from your veterinary Physiotherapist! The RAMP register allows vets and owners alike to have a list of qualified professionals throughout the country to work with to ensure they are getting the very best care for their animal. The creation of RAMP is the biggest development in the veterinary musculoskeletal industry in the last 60 years and to be a part of this register is an honour and I am very proud. If you would like to know more about what having a RAMP registered physiotherapist means see the link below.

https://www.rampregister.org/for-owners

09/06/2025

I was lucky enough to go the conference yesterday presented by .clark.physio who is so inspiring! A fabulous chance for networking and learning more about the therapy, so grateful Thankyou Winback!