rehabilitation
The greatest results of laser therapy have been reported in muscle and tendon damage and in assisting in healing wounds and sores. Lasers are also thought to promote bone healing.
Therapeutic Exercises
Conditioning Exercises - A horse with an underlying injury will generally compensate by putting more stress on another body part, which may result in further injuries in joint structure, for example muscle tightness. As a result of uneven weight distribution, the horse may place excess burdens on its shoulders, knees, fetlocks and muscles. This imbalanced exertion may lead to asymmetric movement, strains and trauma during activity. Once a physical injury has been properly assessed, exercises such as stretching, lunging and riding may be used to strengthen and balance a horse’s motion. A certified equine rehabilitation practitioner or equine physical therapist should be consulted to determine the most appropriate exercises for the problem the horse is experiencing.
Treadmills - Treadmills provide a standard form of exercise that strengthens muscles and improves fitness and respiratory capacity during rehabilitation. They can be used for initial conditioning and for recording recovery and vital conditions. For example, when a horse is at rest, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose certain conditions and progress in health. However, in the controlled environment provided by a treadmill, trainers and vets can monitor pace, endurance, and gait. Vital signs, including heart rate and breathing patterns, as well as whether the horse is responding as expected, can also be noted. Treadmills allow a low-impact workout on a flat, nonslip, uniform surface, enabling the horse to regain proper cadence and stride lengths without the weight of a rider. When used properly, treadmills provide an environment for exercising the horse at a controlled speed and intensity and for an appropriate distance and time. Therapy using a treadmill reduces the likelihood of overexertion and exacerbation of the injury.
Alternative Specialist Therapies
Chiropractic Therapy - Even the simplest misalignment of any part of the skeletal structure can cause major performance problems. If the horse’s skeletal system is not correctly aligned, there can be a negative effect on organs, nerve paths and other body systems. Chiropractic therapy can alleviate lameness, gait problems, fascial and muscular restrictions, and resolving unexpected changes in
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performance. A chiropractic examination should include a study of posture and gait as well as an assessment of stride and movement. Any abnormal asymmetries in muscle size or tone; uneven hoof or shoe wear; restricted range of movement of the spine; and signs of spasm, pain, weakness, or poor circulation should be recorded during this examination. Many of the horse’s body parts, including knees, shoulders, ribs, pelvis, hocks, tail, neck and head, can be adjusted to produce positive results.
Acupuncture - is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to not only relieve symptoms, but also to balance the energy system of the entire body to ensure that an underlying problem will not recur. Acupuncture is most often used to treat spinal disorders, mainly disc problems and other skeletal problems, such as arthritis, navicular disease and joint inflammation. Treatment involves inserting hair-thin needles into the skin at location points that typically are 1/10- to 4/10-inch deep. Selected points along the meridians — individual channels or pathways through which energy considered vital to health flows throughout the body — can be stimulated to restore normal energy flow and regulate bodily functions. Acupuncture has been reported to stabilise and improve organ function, stimulate the immune and circulatory systems, and relieve neuromuscular pain.
Acupressure - Like acupuncture, acupressure is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, but instead of using needles, pressure is applied with fingers, hands, and elbows. Stimulation of body parts is achieved by direct pressure or by Japanese shiatsu massage, which is more rhythmically applied. Massaging a combination of the body’s 350 meridian points can accelerate recovery from disease, surgery, or injury and correct performance, behavioural or emotional problems. Acupressure can also be used as a pre-performance and post- performance injury preventive measure and helps address the health, flexibility, and overall well-being of the horse. There are acupressure points for treating such conditions as arthritis, colic, heaves, and problems with vision, joint stiffness and soreness.
Magnetic Therapy – is non- invasive and uses static magnets or electromagnets with a pulsed field to affect the natural energy of magnetic fields that exist in the body. The principle behind this therapy is that blood circulation, fluid exchanged and cell function are
The goal of equine rehabilitation is good quality healing and a return to work
improved in the presence of the magnetic field, reducing pain and inflammation associated with injury. Magnetic therapy has been successfully applied in the healing of fractures, wounds, joint problems, sprains and improving blood flow. It is also used to treat degenerative diseases of the legs, circulatory deficiencies, strained ligaments and to relieve muscle soreness, lessen discomfort caused by arthritis, aid in soft tissue and bone repair and relieve chronic back pain. A wide variety of products, including boots and rugs, is available.
Herbal Blends - Mixtures of herbs are blended according to an individual horse’s condition and administered in feed or water. Herbal blends aim to restore balance to the immune system and assist in preventing idiopathic illness, gastric ulcers, chronic colic, respiratory diseases and digestive disorders. Some herbal remedies are used topically to heal cuts, sores, wounds, bruising, inflammation and other skin disorders.
Supplementation
Supplementation involves administering an injectable or oral multivitamin, mineral, protein, or electrolyte supplement. A nutritional specialist or vet can recommend supplements however supplements are not pharmaceuticals, rather they are natural substances that aid in treating diseases and deficiencies. Supplements are able to provide correct fluid balance for the body; improve heart and skeletal muscle, prevent tying up and blood clots and support the
formation of normal bones, joints, tendons, nerves, and skin coat. One type of food supplement, nutraceuticals, is thought to enhance the function and structure of a horse’s body. These supplements are made up of natural substances, such as methylsulfonylmethane, chondroitin, glucosamine and coenzyme Q, which are found in the horse’s body or as a concentrated element in the horse’s natural diet. A wide range of supplements has been specifically designed to improve metabolic function and equine health. Supplements have also been known to correct biochemical imbalances, improve vision, and protect against infections and disease. All supplements should ideally be approved by a vet, because certain supplements can interact with some prescription medications and cause considerable harm.
Conclusion
The main goal of equine rehabilitation is to increase comfort and quality of life. Whether the ailments are chronic or acute, alternative therapies give owners the ability to treat their horse in a variety of ways. Although alternative therapies do not take the place of veterinary care, they can help maintain a healthy lifestyle for horses. It is however essential to take a holistic approach and consider the whole horse or pony, not just the disease or injury. The benefits of complimentary therapies include treating the incidence of ailments along with better outcomes and recovery, and delivering preventative care. As a result, considering all forms of therapy and all treatments is essential to the overall healing process.
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