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Neck position influences Equine Biomechanics
Posted in Blog, Musculoskeletal Therapy
Tagged Alignment of Vertebrae, Equine biomechanics, equine spinal therapy, Muscular development, Muscular Spasms, Riding Lessons, Saddle problems, Therapeutic exercises
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Canine Spinal Therapy gives new lease of life
Posted in Case Studies, Musculoskeletal Therapy
Tagged acupuncture, canine spinal therapist, canine spinal therapy, equine spinal therapist, myofascial release, spinal therapy, therapeutic stretches, trigger point therapy
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Equine Spinal Therapy works wonders
Equine Spinal Therapy has been helping racehorse performances in Shropshire.
Pauline has been treating racehorses at a yard in Shropshire for nearly a year now. Racehorses are atheletes, and often develop musculoskeletal problems due to the nature of their work. Spinal Therapy or Musculoskeletal Therapy provides a vital maintenance tool along with correct farriery and dentistry to keep the horses performing at their optimum level.
Here`s what their trainer had to say.
“We have been trying out a new horse physio on the racehorses over the winter and she has worked wonders. Pauline Hughes. She is very patient with the horses and after a thorough session there is a marked improvement. Pauline manipulated two horses for me recently that were 1/2 brother and sister both suffering from similar ailments. And the difference in the horses afterwards was very noticable. I would recommend her to any one.”
Ben furnival – Severn Equus
For further details of Equine Spinal Therapy, or Musculoskeletal Therapy, contact Pauline on 07791 423772
Posted in Blog, Case Studies
Tagged Equine Sinal Therapy, horse back check, Horse Physiotherapist, Horse Physiotherapy, Poor performance, racehorse performance, racehorse therapy
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Therapeutic stretches stabilise spinal muscles
Therapeutic stretches are often used to help with the flexibility of the horses spine.
Do therapeutic stretches improve flexibility in horses and dogs?
- In a recent study performed by The McPhail Equine Performance centre, the following conclusions were made.
- The angles of the neck vertebrae at the extremities are primarily responsible for lateral orientation of the head and neck. i.e, correct alignment of cervical vertabrae is vital for achiving flexion and bend .
- Horse stretches or mobilization exercises have a direct effect on motion of the equine spine.
- Therapeutic stretches on the neck also have a positive flexing effect on the joints between the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
- Therapeutic stretches may have useful applications in horse and dog rehabilitation.
- The stretches have also been shown to increase muscle cross sectional area in the deepest paravertebral stabilizer muscle, the multifidus which is associated with spinal problems.
- These types of stretches have been shown to be beneficial in both equine and canine patients.
How do I stretch my horse or dog?
- The following neck stretches should be performed after exercise when the muscles are warm.
- Using treats encourage your horse or dog to flex as shown in the diagrams.
- Only go as far as is comfortable for your horse or dog.
- Encourage them to hold the stretch for a few seconds.
- Build up the time to approximately 15 seconds.
- Praise
- Always ensure that you perform the stretches very slowly, and to the ability of your animal.
For further information about horse stretches, dog stretches, equine or canine spinal therapy, please contact Pauline on 07791 423772.
Ref: Clayton, H et al ( 2011) Dynamic mobilizations in cervical flexion. Effect on intervertebral angulations. Equine Vet Journal (supp)
Posted in Blog, Stretches for horses
Tagged canine spinal therapy, carrot stretches, dog stretches, equine spinal therapy, horse stretches, therapeutic stretches
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Equine Therapy Endorsed by Study
Why Does my Horse Require Equine Therapy?
Just by riding, or driving our horses, we are asking them to perform for us, rather like an athlete would. As with human athletes , there are always physical problems surrounding any form of activity, this is a given. Human athletes require regular physiotherapy, therefore it follows that our equine athletes require some form of equine therapy.
Due to their nature, horses can and often do, create problems via trauma or injury. This can lead to a malfunction, or shortening of muscle fibres, or muscle spasm, and spinal misalignments. This tightening does not remain in an isolated area, it transmits from one muscle group to another, i.e the muscle spasm becomes larger, and unable to release by itself. This is when some form of equine therapy is required to release the spasm, and to help restore normal range of motion and function.
Why do Muscle Spasms Require Treatment?
A spasm is a group of muscle fibres held in tetanic contraction, unable to secure its own release. It is a rigid knot of malfunctioning muscle, and can be felt on palpation. Continue reading
Stretches for Horses
When Therapeutic Stretches/ Carrot Stretches for Horses can be Useful
Stretching your horse after exercise can be helpful in maintaining correct muscle tone as well as elasticity and flexibility in the muscles. This is important in allowing the horse to move freely without restriction, and to help prevent muscle spasms and spinal misalignments from occurring. Pauline often stretches the horse`s limbs and back following equine spinal therapy to help re educate the muscles and re establish correct muscle tone. Continue reading
Zigzags successful Equine Therapy story
These are the before and after photos of Zigzag, a 20 year old Thoroughbred cross gelding.
The photo on the left is on the day of treatment. This was Zigzags normal stance, with his hindlimbs out behind him, and the right forelimbs always in front of the left. Continue reading
Posted in Case Studies
Tagged equine spinal therapy, Equine Therapy, hypertonicity in muscles, muscle releases, therapeutic stretches
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Bad Behaviour or Problem??
Bad behaviour or Musculoskeletal Problem??
Horses can suffer back and muscle pain as well as humans. We often misinterpret this as bad behaviour.
So what are the possible signs that your horse may be suffering back or muscle discomfort?
The signs can be very subtle, as often our horses continue to perform for us despite their back ,neck, pelvic or muscle pain. For example; swishing of the tail; teeth grinding; sensitivity on grooming; or general grumpiness when being tacked up or ridden could be a sign of musculoskeletal pain. Other signs may be more obvious, such as bucking; napping; rearing; refusing; taking poles out; or general poor performance. It is important to note any SUDDEN changes in behaviour, as this can be particularly indicative of a muscle or spinal problem. Working as an Equine Therapist, Pauline can establish whether there are any muscular problems or spinal misalignments which may require treatment. Continue reading
Posted in Musculoskeletal Therapy
Tagged back pain, Equine Therapist, Equine Therapy, Equine Therapy Centre, Horse Back Therapy, McTimoney Therapy, McTimoney-Corley Therapy, muscle pain
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Recent Client Feedback
Connie
Connie, a 7 year old cob was exhibiting some behavioural issues, and showing signs of discomfort when being ridden, especially down hill. Pauline noticed that Connie had croup high conformation which was probably contributing somewhat to her discomfort, and possible pressure points behind the scapula . Connie was treated with targetted spinal therapy, and trigger point therapy to release muscle spasms. Pauline then helped Zoe with a schooling programme to help Connie build the correct musculature, and improve her balance.
“Pauline has really helped me with my 7 year old Irish Cross mare, Connie. When we bought her she had not had much schooling at all and was very imbalanced. I asked Pauline to check her back to make sure that her imbalance was not due to pain. Pauline was great with her. She has a really lovely manner with horses and was able to sort out a few problem areas in her back with one treatment.
As well as being a Spinal Therapist, Pauline is also a riding instructor, so was able to confirm that her imbalance was mainly due to lack of schooling. I now have weekly lessons with Pauline who is very patient with us both. We have both improved a lot since Pauline first came, and I am so excited about the progress we are making together. I would recommend Pauline to anyone she has been a massive help.”
Posted in Case Studies
Tagged back problem, equine spinal therapy, muscle imbalance, schooling, spinal therapy
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Recent Client Comments
“I just wanted to say a huge thanks for all you have done for Summer, we are so pleased that Judy recommended you and will be doing our best to spread the word!
Summer thoroughly enjoys her treatment and the results of your patient work are self evident, her back has been transformed from rock solid to soft and comfortable and her outline work has improved dramatically.
Alex and I have learnt a lot from listening and watching and just wish you treated humans!”