Treatment Options
I generally use myofascial release techniques with all clients but I can customize treatments to suit individual needs and have a range of options available to get the best results for your horse
Myofasical Release Techniques
This type of therapy treats the horse as a whole focusing on relieving tightness and sensitivity by allowing the fascia to function correctly and improving flexibility and freedom of movement.
Encourages movement of lymph
Induces relaxation in hyper toned muscles.
Stimulates autonomic system.
Increases uptake of fluids.
Used to create a greatly increased circulation in a very local area.
Breaks up adhesions in muscle fibres/spasms.
Frees laterally bonded muscle fibres
Spinal Freedom
Not a chiropractic technique but referred to as a mobilisation technique, this is achieved by working on the soft tissue around the vertebrae to improve symmetry and movement. I will use a series of careful movements to relieve pressure on the nerves, help relieve muscle spasm and pain and realign the vertebrae in the spine. I never force a misaligned bone into place but gently coax the mobilisation that encourage soft tissue release and natural healing.
Acupressure
Performed using specific points on the horse to treat a range of ailments, these points lie on the meridians. The Meridians are the energetic reflection and distribution system of the organ system for which they’re named, acupressure is known to
Strengthen the musculoskeletal system
Enhance mental clarity
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Release endorphins
Balance energy to optimise the horse’s ability to perform
Acupressure can be used to treat both physical and mental problems.
Trigger Point / Stress Point Therapy
Used in conjunction with the myofascial release therapy it relieves hypertonia and increases circulation at a specific point, it can show local pain or pain referred to another area, direct pressure is used to encourage healing of torn fibres.
Kinesiotaping
A method of sports taping which can be used therapeutically or in training
Relieves pain
Supports muscles in movement
Removes lymphatic fluid congestion
Corrects joint mis-alignment
Assists in positioning a muscle or joint into proper position for rehabilitation
Assists a weak muscle by placing it in a normal position
Improves kinaesthetic awareness of posture and alignment
Stretching
To lengthen the muscles, this can be great to finish a session, there are several different stretches that are great for improving flexibility and balance including neck stretches, front and hind limb stretches and tail stretches.
I have also completed the following CPD courses which can be adapted into my sessions when required
Craniosacral Therapy
Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage