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Horses to Hounds Physiotherapy
Becky Black BSc (Hons) AdvCertVPhys MIRVAP
Signalment
Name of
Animal
Mini
Breed/Type
Arab
Age
21
Gender
Mare
Use
Retired
Medical History
Previous
injury
Kick to left carpus resulting in very arthritic joint and lack of extension
Treatment
and Referral
n/a
Medications
On pain relief daily
Subjective
Owner would like Mini to feel more comfortable and to gain more range of motion. Mini is retired so
will no longer be ridden.
Objective- Gait and Palpation
Walk
Ribcage movement was equal, Undertracked by 2 hoof lengths and had a wide gait in
the hindlimbs. Bilaterally in the forelimbs Mini moved toe in and on the left forelimb
extension of the limb in stance and swing phase was restricted. Reduction in hock
flexion bilaterally.
Trot
n/a
Palpation
Trigger points were seen along caudal rib insertion on the left side and tight fascia
was also palpated in the lumbar region bilaterally and was reactive. Hypertrophy of
the left common digital extensor muscle was seen and the tendon associated was
shifted laterally. The left subscapular musculature was hypertonic and restricted
some shoulder movement.
Other
Not shod, struggled with circling either way, large circles were done. Left hindlimb
was reluctant to step through.
Objective-Range Of Motion
On protraction of either forelimb Mini would shift to the hindlimbs to prevent loading the contra
lateral forelimb. The hindlimbs had restricted retraction. The range of movement in the back was
good despite a weak core musculature from not being in work.
Problem list
• Trigger points
• Hypertrophic left shoulder
• Tight fascia
•Tension in the lumbar region
Goals
To maintain range of motion in the back, to resolve some trigger points and tension, and to relax the
compensations in the shoulder.
Physiotherapy Treatment Plan
Mini received a massage, pulsating magnetic therapy on vasodilation setting to encourage warming
of the muscles, LASER for the trigger points and passive range of motion to circulate joint fluid and
aid balance and flexibility.
Mini reacted extremely well to the massage and enjoyed the session. Most trigger points were
resolved, however the lumbar tension and spasming was not fully resolved. For this, Mini was
advised to do carrot stretches to the chest, carpus and between the forelimbs 5 times a day in the
hope of recruiting the abdominals and elevating the spine. This stretch will also maintain some of
the release from the massage giving longer lasting effects.
Also, it was advised Mini does forelimb raises when her hooves are cleaned (suspend the limb and
slowly lower it) this will allow some relief to occur in the shoulders and keep the fascia supple.
Myofascial release and massage were not able to fully resolve the tension and tight fascia around
the ribs, however a massage sheet has been attached to continue this until a resolution occurs.
After the session minis gait had improved slightly by half a hoof with her over track.
It is advised that Mini may be sore the day after treatment, but if any issues occur for more than 3
days, to get in touch.