EQUINE OSTEOPATHY

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What is Equine Osteopathy?

Equine Osteopathy is a holistic approach to equine wellness that focuses on determining the root cause of a symptom. Osteopathy is a manual therapy that utilizes gait and postural analysis, palpating, stretching, and manipulative techniques with the goal of releasing tension, decreasing pain, realigning the structure of the body, and optimizing the horse's ability to heal itself.

BENEFITS OF EQUINE OSTEOPATHY

• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Reduced muscular tension
• Decrease in anxiety or nervousness
• Improved circulation
• Improved neuromuscular control
• Pain relief
• Improved joint range of motion
• Enhanced performance
• Injury prevention
• Improved recovery from injury
• Improvement in behavior 
• Better balance 

WHAT CAN THE OWNER EXPECT DURING AN OSTEOPATHY SESSION?

During an equine osteopathy session, the osteopath will begin by assessing the horse's gait and posture. A handler must be present during the session. The osteopath will then palpate the horse with the aim of assessing the horse's tissues. After palpating the horse, the osteopath will then manipulate and/or mobilize joints and soft tissues to help restore optimal functioning of the targeted tissues. 

The osteopath may make recommendations to have the horse assessed by a veterinarian, farrier, saddle fitter, physiotherapist, dentist, or other equine professional. The osteopath is always willing to work with other professionals involved in your horse's care to ensure the best outcome for your horse. 

IS MY HORSE A CANDIDATE FOR EQUINE OSTEOPATHY?

Most horses can benefit from osteopathy. Horses that are experiencing the following are candidates for osteopathy:

• Reduced performance
• Unexplained behaviors (bucking, rearing, biting, irritability during saddling)
• Problems under saddle (disconnected gait, leaning on one rein, inability to bend, head tossing, refusals to perform, etc.)
• Gait problems (cross-cantering, short strides, tripping, uneven movement)
• Stiffness and pain (muscle spasms, back pain, general stiffness)
• Joint issues (arthritis, rehab from tendon or ligament injuries)
• Postural disfunction (uneven muscle development)
• Preventative care 

IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF YOUR HORSE IS A CANDIDATE PLEASE CALL KAYLA AT 970-596-7443.