Horses are naturally athletic animals. They need to be fit, strong, and healthy in order to perform well in the show ring or on the track. At the same time, they must be conditioned for the stresses placed on their bodies by training and competition. The key to preventing injury is to make sure we are providing our horses with an appropriate exercise program and equine physical therapy program that keeps them moving well.
Prevention is better than cure
You have probably heard the saying, "Prevention is better than cure." This is especially true in regard to an animal's physical health. All animals need exercise and movement to stay healthy, including horses.
Horses are physically active and rely heavily on their muscles and joints for everyday tasks such as walking, running, jumping, and turning their heads. Regular exercise helps them maintain muscle tone as well as heal any injuries that may happen during training or competition.
If a horse gets injured, physical therapy can help prevent further damage by strengthening surrounding tissues to support themselves properly once healed.
Just like humans who go through surgery or injury recovery periods where they need to use crutches or wear casts for several weeks at a time before returning back home safely without assistance from others around them - each case needs individualised treatment based upon what type of injury occurred; how severe it was; whether there were other underlying medical conditions present before surgery took place etc...
Prevention of injuries in horses.
When it comes to the prevention of injuries in horses, we can't change the stresses placed on the horse by training or competition. We can, however, help the horse prepare for these stresses with the appropriate exercise and physical therapy program.
Equine physical therapy is a treatment to restore and maintain the mobility of the equine musculoskeletal system. Therapists use many different methods and treatments to help heal the horse's body following injury or surgery; they also work with horses suffering from degenerative joint disease (arthritis) or developmental orthopedic disease (DOD). The goal is to restore fitness, reduce pain, prevent further damage and improve performance.
Defining the Profession: Physical Therapy and Bodywork
Physical therapy is a field of health care that studies the effects of physical illness on mobility and works to improve it. While physical therapists are trained in the science of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology, they also use therapeutic exercises to restore flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination. They may also work on maintaining proper posture and gait.
This differs from bodywork which is more concerned with the relationship between structure and function. Bodywork treatments often focus on soft tissue manipulation through massage therapy or myofascial release techniques used by massage therapists or sports medicine professionals like chiropractors or physical therapists (who sometimes incorporate these into their practices). Bodyworkers also commonly use stretching exercises as part of their treatment plan; however, they tend not to prescribe specific exercise programs as part of their practice because they do not have formal education in this area.
Types of Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It's helpful for treating pain and injuries that cause muscle tightness or spasms (referred to as "trigger points"), as well as for releasing chronic tension in the muscles.
Myofascial release involves using gentle sustained pressure to break up scar tissue and adhesions within the soft tissues, which can help reduce pain and improve flexibility in certain areas.
Trigger point therapy involves applying direct pressure with your fingers or thumb to specific trigger points—small knots or areas of tenderness in the muscles that cause pain when pressed upon. This can be effective at reducing inflammation and helping muscles relax after an injury or strain has occurred.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be performed in many ways and has a wide range of benefits. Massage promotes circulation, which helps to release the tension in your horse's muscles and relieve pain. It also increases the range of motion in joints, making it easier for your horse to move around freely.
Muscle massage is particularly effective at helping horses recover from soft tissue injuries like muscle strains or ligament sprains that are a common cause of lameness. The pressure applied during massage encourages blood flow to the injured area, which speeds healing time by reducing inflammation and swelling. Addressing these issues early on can prevent serious complications such as arthritis later in life!
Equine physical therapy is used to restore and maintain the mobility of the equine musculoskeletal system.
Equine physical therapy is a treatment to restore and maintain the mobility of the equine musculoskeletal system.
Therapists use many different methods and treatments to help heal the horse's body, including massage, joint manipulation, manual stretching, therapeutic exercise, taping and bandaging techniques, Red light therapy, and hydrotherapy (water or underwater treadmill).
Conclusion
With equine physical therapy, we can help horses live longer and healthier lives. The benefits of this treatment are numerous, including improved mobility and comfort levels. It's important to note that all of these treatments are completely non-invasive, meaning there is no need for surgery or drugs! If you have any questions about the process or how it works, message us today on Hannah Egan- Equine Therapy!
Hannah
Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. We work closely with you, your vet, & farrier to fully benefit the whole horse. We are happy to answer any questions you may have or book an appointment, email Hannah at hannahegan.eq@gmail.com
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