Do I need a Soft Tissue bodyworker or a Chiropractor for my horse?
Soft tissue bodywork and chiropractic are two different modalities that can help horses with various musculoskeletal issues. Soft tissue bodywork involves manipulating the muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments to relieve tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Chiropractic focuses on adjusting the joints, especially the spine, to restore alignment, mobility and nerve function.
Both modalities can benefit horses by enhancing their performance, comfort and well-being.
How do you know what your horse needs? There is no definitive answer, as each horse is unique and may respond differently to different treatments. However, some general guidelines are:
– If your horse has signs of muscle soreness, stiffness, spasms, knots or trigger points, muscle wastage in saddle area soft tissue bodywork may be more suitable.
– If your horse has signs of joint misalignment, reduced range of motion, nerve impingement or subluxation, chiropractic may be more suitable (along with soft tissues bodywork to enhance results).
– If your horse has a combination of both muscle and joint issues, a combination of both modalities may be beneficial.
– If your horse has a chronic or acute injury, consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment.
Use the modality that gets your horse the best long term results, you should not have to have your horse chiro adjusted regularly if the soft tissue is address as well, when your horse is kept supple in the muscles – as soft tissue controls where the bones/skeletal system sit.
Questions to ask yourself after a consult are; did I see an improvement during and after the session? Am I getting long term results after 2-3 sessions?
The best way to determine what your horse needs is to have a thorough assessment by a qualified practitioner who can tailor the treatment to your horse’s specific condition and goals.
