wendy@equine-physio.co.uk

Manual Therapies are hands-on techniques.  These allow us to fully palpate and assess each individual case, to really get to know a horse and understand the state of the overall musculoskeletal sysytem, alerting us to any areas of concern or specifc issues, informing our overall treatment plans.

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Manual therapies include:

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Massage 

Massage is a great way to introduce touch, warm the muscles and to palpate and assess the whole body. 

Massage has a range of benefits:

• Pain relief

• Relaxation and stress relief

• Improved circulation, nutrition to the tissues and waste removal

• Stimulation of the lymphatic system

• Joint mobility andflexibility

• Warm up and cool down pre ans post event

• Reduced muscle tension, release from spasm

• Improved muscle function and recovery

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Myofascial Release

The fascia system in the body is truely remarkable.  Every part of our bodies, every cell, muscle and organ are surrounded by facscia in an enourmous, interconnected web.  Working with facsia allows us to influence entire systems within the musculoskeletal system, helping to resolve pain, restore function and improve capability.

Myofascial techniques also encompass what is often decsribes as 'cranial-sacral' techniques.

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Stretching and other Range of Motion techniques

Stretching can help imporve range of motion, flexibility and posture.  It can help reduce muscle tension and decrease soreness.  Stretching can also help to prevent injury, or be a key part in rehabilitation post-injury.

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Mobilisation

Joint mobilisation involved applying targeted pressure to joints in specifc ways to help imporve the function of that joint.  Mobilisation can improve mobility and range of motion, and can help to reduce pain and stiffness.

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Manipulation (animal chiropractic)

Adjustments are applied to specific articulations or anatomic regions to induce a therapeutic response by causing changes in joint structures, muscle function or nerve reflexes, with the aim of:

• Correcting dysfunctions in the musculo-skeletal system

• Decreasing muscle tension and improving flexibility

• Increasing mobility and flexibility 

• Improving symmetry in pelvic motion patters 

• Increasing mechanical pain thresholds   

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Acupreessure

Acupressure is an alternative to acupuncture, using either laser

or fingertips to stimulate acupuncture points