Is My Horse in Pain?

CHAPTER 2

The Benefits of Musculoskeletal 'Manual' Therapy

The terms musculoskeletal therapist, manual therapist, bodyworker, physiotherapist and massage therapist can refer to the professionals who offer this therapy to horses. While they provide similar therapy, their methods and skill sets may differ depending on their level of training. When horse owners administer therapy to their horses, I typically refer to it as manual therapy.

Musculoskeletal therapists address the relationship between muscles, fascia, connective tissue, joints and bones and how these elements work in conjunction to maintain the horse's health and athletic ability. The fundamental principle is that if any of these components are impaired due to overuse, tension, inflexibility, immune deficiency or toxicity, the entire musculoskeletal system is adversely affected.

Expert therapists can also provide targeted exercises that prioritise biomechanical and structural training or rehabilitation of the horse, which is covered in Chapter 8. This targeted approach optimises the horse's functional movement, allowing it to excel in its career and cope with any earlier improper training, conformation weaknesses, and other conditions that can result in chronic injury or degeneration. Furthermore, this specialised therapy has a positive impact on the emotional and physical wellbeing of the horse, rendering it invaluable for its wellbeing.

This chapter will cover the primary factors that necessitate a horse needing therapy and the advantages it provides to the entire horse.

Benefits to the Horse as an Athlete

An equine athlete is characterised by their proficiency and skill in the exercises and unique demands of a particular equestrian discipline or sport, which necessitates strength, agility and stamina. To excel in any undertaking, a horse must have unrestricted mobility, flexibility and be free from discomfort. Even if a horse does not compete, it can still be regarded as an athlete by executing manoeuvres while bearing the weight of a rider, which is a remarkable athletic achievement.

The competitive demand for horses appears to be increasing rapidly. Unfortunately, this also means that horses are subjected to considerable loading and stress, which can compromise their musculoskeletal system. For most horse owners, the prospect of their horse getting injured is their worst nightmare. Injuries not only cause pain to the horse but also delay training and competition schedules, can be expensive to treat, and in the long run, can lead to a decrease in performance and the likelihood of further injury.

While damaged tissues may eventually heal, they can take a toll on the horse's body. When muscles are pushed to their limits through athletic tasks, the chances of re-injury and the development of permanent conditions increase. Furthermore, dealing with injuries can be extremely frustrating and exhausting for owners, especially if they require ongoing management.

Benefits to Body Systems

For competitive equestrians, implementing a comprehensive horse care plan that includes regular manual therapy can provide a competitive edge and reduce the risk of injuries. Even recreational horses can benefit from regular manual therapy, which can increase their flexibility and overall health, leading to a longer and healthier life with fewer ailments. For these reasons, we highly recommend that horse owners incorporate manual therapy into their horse's health care regime. By doing so, they can implement a preventative injury protocol, minimising the risk of injuries and the subsequent negative impact on the horse's performance and wellbeing.

As noted in Chapter 1, the various body systems of horses are interconnected, and manual therapy can have a positive impact on all of them. Looking at some systems specifically:

THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Manual therapy has numerous benefits for a horse's musculoskeletal system. It can help to reduce muscle tension and stiffness, which can lead to improved flexibility, range of motion and comfort. Additionally, it can improve muscle tone and condition, promoting overall muscular health and function. Moreover, it can be an effective tool for supporting the healing process after an injury or surgery, promoting increased circulation and nutrient supply and reducing inflammation and waste product accumulation. Many horses have undiagnosed peripheral nerve lesions; these can be assisted by encouraging blood flow to denervated tissues.

Manual therapy can be particularly advantageous for horses involved in high-intensity athletic activities, as it aids in enhancing performance. Addressing compensatory changes, it assists in rebalancing the horse's muscle groups, improving posture, increasing overall flexibility and reducing muscle pain. Notably, a 2010 study demonstrated that manual therapy applied to the muscles of the hindquarters resulted in a significant increase in stride length. Subsequent research has made significant progress, providing more positive findings to support the efficacy of manual therapy for horses.

Lastly, manual therapy effectively reduces muscle tension by promoting an increased parasympathetic response in horses. This relaxation is often evidenced by horses closing their eyes, dropping their lip and exhibiting slow and steady breathing.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The horse's nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells composed of two main parts, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and coordinating sensory information and sending motor commands to various parts of the body. It is the control centre of the entire nervous system. The PNS consists of the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. It is further divided into two branches: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and sensations, such as the horse's ability to move its legs or feel the touch of a rider's leg. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate, breathing and digestion. It is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, which have opposing effects on the body. The sympathetic branch is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, while the parasympathetic is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response.

The horse's nervous system, whereby the CNS and PNS work together to regulate and coordinate the horse's movements and bodily functions. Nerves can become impinged due to various factors, such as incorrect saddle fit or injuries resulting in compression or irritation of the nerves.

Manual therapy can have a number of benefits and positive effects on the body's nervous system. Firstly, a generalised relaxation response occurs that helps reduce strain on the nervous system. Secondly, it can help in the reduction of pain due to stimulating the release of endorphins. Thirdly, it can help to reduce fascial and muscular tension as well as the reduction of joint stiffness, which can release impingement of peripheral nerves. Finally, manual therapy can help reduce the horse's time in 'sympathetic overdrive' or 'fight or flight'.

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The circulatory system of a horse is responsible for the transportation of oxygen, nutrients and hormones throughout its body. It comprises the heart, blood vessels and blood, and serves as the horse's internal transportation network. The heart pumps oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs, where it is oxygenated and returned to the heart; the heart then pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the horse's cells and removing waste products. The circulatory system also plays a crucial role in regulating the horse's body temperature, pH balance, and immune system.

Veins carry blood back to the heart, while arteries carry blood away from the heart. The length and complexity of the circulatory system reflect the high demands placed on a powerful animal, which needs a robust blood supply to fuel its muscles and organs during exercise and other activities.

Manual therapy can have several benefits for a horse's circulatory system. Firstly, it can help to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, which can improve their overall health and performance. This increased blood flow can also aid in the removal of waste products and toxins from the muscles, further promoting their health. It can also help to reduce muscle tension and stiffness, which can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and increase their ability to dilate. This can lead to better circulation and nutrient delivery throughout the body.

The exact number of blood vessels - arteries, veins and capillaries - varies depending on the size and weight of the horse. On average a horse's circulatory system can contain approximately 60,000 to 80,000 miles of blood vessels. This extensive network allows for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste products between the blood and the tissues in the horse's body.

Another essential part of the circulatory system is the lymphatic system, responsible for immune function and waste removal. It is a network of vessels and organs that help to transport lymph, a clear fluid that contains lymphocytes and other immune cells throughout the body. Lymphocytes can be found within the lymph nodes, which are small, beanshaped...