Feeling very lucky to be out treating in the sunshine! It’s the perfect time to get an MOT in for your horse!
Cervical Release
CASE STUDY: Cervical Tension & A reminder to keep appointments routine.
This particular case I have been treating for well over a year with routine 8 -10 week sessions. He is an older horse with a varied but demanding lifestyle. I would refer to this case as ‘Conservative Maintenance’ he has had some but minimal Veterinary Intervention and his owners like to manage with regular physio, saddle fitters and treadmill session.
Due to the time of year he missed a session, when I returned last week his Groom/Rider said she felt like he was making her seat pitch forward and that he was blocked in the base of his neck.
I proceeded my session with a Cervical Spine and Forelimb Range of Motion assessment, not something commonly done with horses as it doesn’t really give much away - horses are very good at exceeding physiological boundaries when asked!
❗️Fun Fact: The horses forelimb, is not attached to the rest of the skeletal system through bone, but through musculature❗️
As expected cervical ROM was normal, however he showed moderate restriction in forelimb ROM. I proceeded treatment with a slow and steady approach to opening up the superficial muscles of the neck and surrounding the shoulders with the aim of allowing these muscles to encourage the deeper - unpalpable muscles to open, stretch and release.
One particular technique used, known as Subclavical release even gave an audible release. The patient was definitely grateful of some help to relieve his tension and hopefully will work more comfortably now. Definitely a reminder to keep sessions regular.
Get in touch if you can relate to the above.
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Big releases from one of last weeks patient. Sometimes it takes a while for them to realise it feels good. But when it does, it really good!
Forming an orderly queue? ‼️Did you know we offer physiotherapy to dogs. So why not treat all your four legged team at the same time‼️
How facinating is it to what how the horses back works from the cranial view. Horses can benefit from hydrotherapy in many forms, with the underwater treadmill being the most common for helping long and low postures, stride length and core stability.
How facinating is it to what how the horses back works without the influence of a rider.
Horses can benefit from hydrotherapy in many forms, with the underwater treadmill being the most common for helping long and low postures, stride length and core stability.
This is my own horse, dj who naturally is not a people horse and likes his own space. He has lots of little niggles going on which I quite often work away with a less is more approach. I have learnt to look for the subtle signs as he is not a horse to display a big reaction, equally with discomfort it all comes very subtle with him. He goes from a turning his head away to leaning into me. I will work the target area until he displays either a positive or negative reaction, move away and then come back to it until I’m happy with the condition of the tissue I’m treating. For him, the ending is a big relief.
Please Note: This is a speed up and cropped video. The original was 10 minutes with lots of stopping and starting. And please excuse my atire, this was a very peaceful and warm Friday evening.
I cropped this video down from about 10 minutes into 30 seconds, to share the subtle signs of a successful treatment.
This is my own horse, dj who naturally is not a people horse and likes his own space. He has lots of little niggles going on which I quite often work away with a less is more approach. I have learnt to look for the subtle signs as he is not a horse to display a big reaction, equally with discomfort it all comes very subtle with him. He goes from a turning his head away to leaning into me. I will work the target area until he displays either a positive or negative reaction, move away and then come back to it until I’m happy with the condition of the tissue I’m treating. For him, the ending is a big relief.
Please Note: This is a speed up and cropped video. The original was 10 minutes with lots of stopping and starting. And please excuse my atire, this was a very peaceful and warm Friday evening.
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💥Trigger spots and reactivity in the Subclavius m. followed by Subclavical release💥
Interestingly this case has a chronic injury in the contralateral distal limb with resultant guarding thoroughout the contralateral shoulder.
Whilst the patient is sound and performing at his optimum these ‘little niggles’ soon present as lameness and severe shoulder restrictions if not looked after by the treating Vet Physio.
A remedial exercise plan (REP) can be formulated between the physio and the owner to encourage owner participation between regular sessions - it’s a team effort!
#physiotherapy #equine #veterinary #sporthorses #equestrian #equineanatomy
Muscle Fasiculations!
Let’s talk Muscle fasculations!
You may have noticed small twitches within a muscle, these fasculations are an involuntary response to stress, trauma or fatigue. A muscle fasculation may not always be present in the obvious muscle, but maybe displayed in the next or opposite muscle group, likely in response to a compensation.
As a physiotherapist, we will work sympathetically to try and indentify the primary cause of the fasculations aswell as treat many compensatory response to ensure your horse can work at their optimal.
BSc (Hons) NAVP Registered
