What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of healing which was discovered in the late-nineteenth century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. He founded the first school of human osteopathy, in 1892, in Kirksville, Missouri. He developed the therapy to avoid unnecessary surgery often performed following the complications of infection. His therapy enhanced the body’s own defense and repair systems, encouraging it to heal naturally.
The fundamental foundation of osteopathy is based on the following philosophy: Tissue that has a sufficient blood supply, nerve supply, and lymphatic drainage will be healthy. Without these essential elements, disease and poor health will ensue. In other words, the osteopathic way to deal with a problem is holistic and causal.
The basic principles of osteopathy are based on the logic of the applied knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology: the body functions as an integral whole; structure and function are inextricably bound up with each other; the body possesses self-regulating mechanisms (i.e. it’s able to cure itself). Osteopathy is a science and system of healing that uses physical techniques to remove tension and restrictions in the body in order to encourage structural and physiological harmony.
Osteopaths consider each person individually. Utilizing a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilizing techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process. Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
How can it be used to treat horses?
In the 1970s the principles of human osteopathy started to be applied to horses. A good grounding in equine osteopathy is based on three main pillars:
1. a high degree of sensitivity (i.e. good palpation skills)
2. specialist knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology
3. manual techniques (i.e. manipulation of joints—especially the spine)
Osteopathy isn't just about bad backs, in horses it has proved to be particularly useful in helping to improve the following:
- Reduced performance
- Gait problems: tracking-up/short stride
- Stiffness in different areas of the body
- Reluctance to trot/canter on certain reins
- Problems with head carriage
- Changes in behavior: bucking, rearing, kicking, and bolting
- Stiffness in the older horse
- Maintaining mobility in competition horses
- Aiding rehabilitation after injury and in diagnosed conditions such as arthritis
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is a manual therapy, which can be used for many health and performance problems. Chiropractic focuses on the biomechanical dysfunction of the spine and its effect on the entire nervous system throughout the body. Chiropractic treatment does not replace traditional veterinary medicine, however, it can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal problems, as well as biomechanical-related musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic can often eliminate the source of acute or chronic pain syndromes.
Uses of Chiropractic Treatment:
- Chronic musculoskeletal problems
- Acute problems such as tension or stiffness
- Prophylactic treatment to maintain fitness
- Maintain soundness in older horses
- Enhance performance ability of sport horses
- As a complementary treatment for chronic lameness
When a chiropractor or veterinarian, professionally trained in animal chiropractic, identifies a subluxations, he or she aims to correct the misalignment of the spine and restore mobility to the facet joints.
Realignment is made via a quick, short thrust along the plane of the joint. This is called an adjustment. The adjustment is a very specific, high speed, low force maneuver that moves the affected joint beyond the normal physiological articular range of movement, without exceeding the boundaries of anatomical integrity. It is done by placing the hands directly on the affected vertebra (previously identified in the examination). Only subluxated vertebrae are adjusted. Even though horses have a very large, thick muscle mass over the spine, the vertebral joints are flexible and relatively easy to manipulate with minimal force. If the correct technique is used the ligaments are not adversely affected.
“Straightening” the spine by pulling on the legs or tail is “non-specific” as it affects a number of joints before reaching the vertebra (i.e. when using the leg as a lever the fetlock, hock, stifle and hip joints will all be affected). Non-specific techniques, if not done properly, can damage the ligaments and joints, so it is important to avoid unspecific procedures in favor of safe methods of treatment.
A complete chiropractic treatment also includes the examination (and if necessary treatment) of limb joints and the temporomandibular joint.
If you think your horse would benefit from chiropractic treatment, please contact a chiropractor or veterinarian who has completed additional training in animal chiropractic.
What is Physiotherapy?
Equine physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in horses. It combines movement analysis with knowledge of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system in order to identify potential problems.
Chartered physiotherapists, or physical therapists, are highly trained in the skilled use of their hands to detect and assess soft tissue injuries that may cause lameness or poor performance. They are also extensively trained in rehabilitation techniques and are able to offer guidance on the best way to successfully rehabilitate your horse.
A variety of soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilization techniques and electrotherapy treatments are incorporated into veterinary physiotherapy treatments as appropriate. This helps your horse to be in the best physical condition, enabling him to perform to his best.
Choosing the Right Professional
Equine osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy are interlinked with each other. The three disciplines are based on a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Palpation skills are used to assess musculoskeletal conditions and manual techniques are applied to restore normal function of the musculoskeletal system.
However, the difference lies in the fact that a physiotherapist will use soft tissue techniques to release tension in the muscles prior to manipulating the joints, whereas a chiropractor works directly on the joints (aiming to release muscle tension as a result of the treatment). The main difference and advantage of using a physiotherapist is that physiotherapists are extensively trained in treating muscles and in offering guidance on the best way to successfully rehabilitate your horse by creating individually tailored rehabilitation programs and exercises. It does not matter how well your horse responds to veterinary treatment or surgery if the rehabilitation program is not specifically tailored to his needs. Too much work to soon can make or break the recovery of an injury.
Equine osteopathy and chiropractic does not involve specific rehabilitation as much. But regardless what medical discipline you choose, most important of all is that your chosen therapist is qualified!
A qualification in human osteopathy, chiropractic, or physiotherapy is necessary prior to specialize in a postgraduate equine qualification. This initial human training is invaluable as it is here that skills in biomechanical assessment and treatment techniques are developed. A reputable trainer or rider that has followed some course in chiropractic or massage is definitely not a proper qualification! Also check that any postgraduate qualifications have been awarded by an officially recognized institution. Official institutions will only accept students with a human or veterinary degree. Make sure that your chosen therapist is a member of a reputable professional body with a professional insurance.
Joëlle Steyt is a Chartered Physiotherapist, Veterinary Physiotherapist, and Master Saddle Fitting Consultant. Combining her expert knowledge and skills enables her to supply a unique and highly specialized service.
Read more about Joelle on her website: http://www.equiphys.com/