First examination

At the first examination of the horse, I discuss the performance and possible problems with the rider. I observe the horse in standing position and in motion. After this, I examine the joints, muscles and ligaments of the horse. Because of my chiropractic background, my specialty is examination of the equine spine. This contains the skull, the neck, the back, the ribs and the pelvis. After my examination, I explain my diagnosis and my plan to treat this.

Treatment

Chiropractic
Spineous problems or complaints at the limbs, can occur when joints don’t move properly. This can be named a “limitation” or a “blockade”. During the treatment, the jointcapsule will be stretched to restore jointmotion. This treatment is completely safe and most of the time not very painfull.

Massage
When muscles are tight, massage can be the solution. Effects are increased bloodflow, decreased musclespasms and decreased swelling. There is also a special technique to treat scarrtissue.
Combination of chiropractic- and massagetreatment has large effect on motionrestore.

Fysical technique
This type of therapy, like thermotherapy, is additional to the chiropractic- and/or massage treatment.
The next types of therapy can be applied:
- Ultrasound. Indications: soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, ligaments and jointcapsule)
- Magnetic field therapy. Indications: fractures, arthrosis
- Electrotherapy, Tens. Indications: muscle strentghtening after surgery, pain reduction
- Ultraviolet (UV) Indication: woundhealing
- Laser. Indication: woundhealing
 
Active rehabilitation
Exercise therapy or recoverytraining is also an addition to the treatments mentioned before.
The importance is not only to restore motion, but also restore strength, endurance, speed and coordination. The only way to achieve this is by training.
Different ways to train during rehabililtation period are:
o Aquatraining
o Walk at a treadway or –mill.
o Lunging work
o Training at long reins
o Training under sadlle

Advise
Sometimes I show the rider or grooms some exercises to do theirselves with the horses to support the treatment. If it’s required, I will give the rider an adivise about the management of the horse. This also contains saddlefitting and posture of the rider.