Spinal Therapy for Horses

Every equine discipline requires the horse to use athletic ability to a greater or lesser degree and its performance is always going to be better if its spine is free of misalignments or subluxation. In the event of an injury or strain the muscles contract in order to protect the spinal cord, this can result in pulling an adjacent vertebra out of line. The resulting tension and muscle spasm is the body’s way of protecting itself from further injury but this causes asymmetry along the spine. If untreated, over time this will affect the straightness of the paces, length of stride, balance and other associated sites of pain will develop along the neck and back.

The power source in the equine comes from the hind limbs propelling the body forward. If there is pain within that area the animal will use less power – and therefore go slower, or be unable to clear fences – than if it felt no pain.

Some injuries are more common place in horses doing a particular job.

Racehorses

The training of thoroughbreds is stressful on their immature frames and musculo-skeletal pain can develop, which may mean that they never reach their full potential on the racecourse. Nerves can become trapped due to fatigue, trauma or repetitive strain. The neck, chest and shoulders are of paramount importance to the action of the forelimbs. If a horse is unable to flex and stretch its neck, shows stiffness or pain reactions this will cause restricted limb action, reduced ability to gallop, reduced speed and reduced stamina. Inflammation, soreness and pain in the lumbar and sacral region can and cause the horse to take a shorter hind stride or unequal hind strides. The result of this will be a reduction in power leading to slower galloping speed and/or reduced stamina and failing to stay the distance.

The joints are designed to absorb shock, permit frictionless movement, and bear the weight of the body and they are thus subjected to greater concussive effects when the horse is moving at speed. The concussive force on the front legs is much increased when the horse gallops, leaps over a large fence and lands on its front feet especially onto hard ground. Sound and supple horses are easier to train, more willing to work and have greater speed and stamina.

Event Horses / Show Jumpers / Hunters

Even with perfect conformation the performance horse and its joints are subjected to daily wear and tear. The joints are designed to absorb shock, permit frictionless movement, and bear the weight of the body. In a jumping horse there is great stress on the hind limbs on take off and on the entire front limb suspensory apparatus on landing. Additionally, it is often asked to turn sharply after a jump in order to line up for the next, placing severe stress on the hocks. The concussive force on the front legs is much increased when the horse gallops, leaps over a large fence and lands on its front feet especially onto hard ground. Repeated exertion puts a great deal of stress on all parts of the musculoskeletal system. Each bone, joint, ligament and tendon of the leg right through to the spine is part of a chain, each has its part to play, and as with any chain it is only as strong as its weakest link. Every part is susceptible to impact injury from the force of the limb hitting the ground at speed, supporting and propelling the body forward, or from the take off and landing over obstacles.

Dressage Horses

In dressage, especially at advanced levels, the horse is required to move his centre of gravity backwards, putting more stress on the hind limbs. Some lateral movements can cause high joint stress particularly of the hock. Horses which load more weight on the rear are more prone to hock, rear fetlock and stifle injuries and disease.

All Rounders / Ponies / Aged Horses

A horse used for light hacking is less likely to suffer with the problems generally encountered by performance horses. Ponies and horses used in riding club/pony club level competitions may not be jumping so high or galloping so fast as performance animals but they often work long hours, deal with hard or heavy ground, and are turned out in fields where they can quite easily injury themselves. However they can just as easily develop stiffness/injury/pain or strain via trauma, or as old age sets in, or due to exertion when not fit.

The Treatment

Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy is a method of restoring health by gentle corrective manipulation of the bones of the head, spinal column, pelvis and limbs thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the nerves and endocrine systems which control the natural self-healing capability of the body.

Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy does not just relieve pain, but it can, and often does, remove the cause of other disease. No cell or organ of the body can function properly without its correct supply of nerve impulses.

When used regularly it can also be a preventative therapy. For horses working at a high level of performance it is recommended that they have twice yearly maintenance treatments.

I use a fast reflex manipulation technique which works with the body, not against it, and does not damage it. Any misaligned bones or impinged nerves are not forced back into place but are coaxed into position by adjustments which also encourage soft tissue release.

I will ask a wide range of questions regarding any history of the horse. I will also ask about its age, feeding, fitness program, type and amount of exercise, temperament, any past treatments and future plans.

It is likely that I would need to see the animal at a walk and/or faster paces to identify lameness or gait abnormalities.

There is an initial thorough examination followed by a palpation of the spine to feel for muscle tension, spasms, pain and skeletal misalignments which may indicate trapped nerves. Joints will also be checked for the appropriate range of movement. After assessment appropriate manipulation adjustments will be applied.

Treatment can create inflammation and it is recommended that the horse is rested for 2 days. There is generally no restriction on turn out time. Alternative exercises may be suggested.

Signs and Symptoms

Horses regularly exhibit behaviours and problems as a result of back pain:

• Intermittent lameness
• Jumping fast or flat over fences
• Refusing to jump
• Hollowing, refusal to bend or work on the bit
• Inability to strike off on the correct canter lead
• Reduced impulsion from the hind quarters
• Dragging of toes and tripping
• Bucking, rearing, napping, kicking and biting
• Showing a reluctance to be saddled or mounted
• Displaying signs of sourness and depression
• Failing to stay the distance in a race
• Generally a reduced level of performance

Common causes of back pain:

• Trauma ie fall or getting cast
• Slip or half-fall and twist
• Badly fitting tack
• Sore mouth or dental problems
• Repetitive concussion and compression
• Hard ground
• Over-exertion and fatigue
• Foot imbalance
• As a site of secondary lameness

Your vet should be made aware of any treatments on your animal.

Manipulation adjustments relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscle tension and enable realignment of the spine.

If the horse has suffered a serious trauma, or is obviously and acutely lame then you are advised to call out your vet.

Manipulation Therapy is effective for the treatment of more chronic conditions and is indicated once recovery from a trauma is underway.

Manipulation Therapy is indicated for the treatment of aged horses to assist with the maintenance of joint mobility and comfort into old age.