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Freedom Farm Equine Therapy

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Chiropractic, Stress Point, & Massage Therapies

~ CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY ~

Horse chiropractic therapy is the manual maneuvering of the vertebral structure to ensure nervous system control and complete muscle coordination.  

Misalignments within a horses body can cause pain, tight muscles, reduced flexibility, weakness and other performance robbing symptoms.  The horse will show changes in posture and gait as they compensate for the tightness and pain.  These changes will stress other joints and muscles.  

Some common signs of possible misalignments are...

  •      inverted frame
  •      failure to pick up lead
  •      cinchy
  •      recent attitude change 
  •      bucking, rearing or tail swishing
  •      refusal to jump 
  •      holds tail off to one side
  •      uneasiness going up/down hills
  •      grinding teeth
  •      head tilted to one side
  •      unable to hold or gain weight
  •      uneasy when saddling
  •      won't bend or flex
  •      dog tracking
  •      short striding
  •      difficulty holding leg up for farrier
  •      stumbling
  •      scuffs or drags toes
  •      refusal to back up
  •      sweat spots on neck or withers
  •      muscle atrophy

 

Like a human's, a horse's spine consists of a number of vertebrae, which are connected to support movement.  If the spine becomes misaligned, the joints will not move how they were intended, leading to stiffness, pain and other performance robbing symptoms. 

There can be many causes of misalignments within a horses body, continuously being ridden with an improperly fitted saddle is a very common cause.  An accident such as a slip or fall, being cast in a stall, or improper shoeing or trimming are also known causes of misalignments.

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Equine therapy does not replace veterinary care.   However, a good equine therapist is an essential part of your horses health care team.  Many horse owners now realize that these and other performance-related troubles sometimes cannot be diagnosed through standard physical examinations. There are times when, as a horse owner, you have tried everything with no results.  It has been found that equine therapy has been successful in...
  • detecting and treating gait abnormalities and other performance problems
  • alleviating pain in the horses back and neck
  • reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve
  • identifying horses that have chronic back and neck problems
  • treating attitude problems that have either suddenly appeared or have always been

Combining proper chiropractic care along with stress point therapy and massage, greatly improves your horses mobility, attitude and overall health.  Imagine how irritable and lethargic you can be when there is pain in your body.  Horses can't 'tell' us what hurts, they each have their own way of trying to make us aware.  

When a treatment is successful, many horses will show signs of relaxation. Horses may lower their heads, lick and chew, yawn, sigh, and sometimes seem so relaxed you think they are asleep!



"Joe"

~ STRESS POINT THERAPY ~

Stress points are normally found at the origin of a muscle.  This area of the muscle has less pliability due to the infusion of tendinous fibres for the purpose of attaching it to bone.  These areas, due to their lack of blood vessels, in comparison to the belly of the muscle, are prone to injury (trauma), and therefore, spasm.

Muscle trauma may be caused by overuse, overstretching, or a hit or blow (eg. kick from another horse).  Trauma causes the muscle to tighten, therefore developing a spasm or rigid knot within the affected muscle. 

Working the affected stress point(s), promotes circulation and massaging the surrounding muscle is necessary in order to achieve and maintain the muscles relaxation.  Tight muscles produce spasms and spasms cause restricted movement and pain. 

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~ MASSAGE THERAPY ~

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles and connective tissues in order to promote circulation, freedom of movement, relaxation and to ease pain.

Increasing blood flow to the muscle helps to rid it of toxins that can decrease flexibility, which in turn, impedes performance.

Massage may also reduce swelling and scar tissue, relieve tension and aid in increasing tone in atrophied muscles.  


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Alternative health care for your horse can be extremely beneficial.  It is always important to explore your options and provide the best care possible for your horse.

Both recreational and performance horses can benefit greatly from these three therapeutic modalities.   Freedom Farm Equine Therapy provides equal care to all horses whether they're your backyard pet or a show champion.  The comfort of your horse is more important to me than his resume.

Working together with your Veterinarian, Farrier and Equine Dentist to ensure your horse is performing at his/her best. 

As always, it is your decision.
 

 

"Pocket"




Melissa Nadurak, CECT, CEMT
Freedom Farm Equine Therapy
Box 113  Myrnam, Alberta  T0B 3K0

780.646.2351

email:   melissa@freedomfarmequinetherapy.ca





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