Melody

Melody – Initial assessment and exercises 19/9/22 Melody was found to have a shortened forelimb stride bilaterally, left hip hike and reduced tarsal movement bilaterally. Turning was reluctant and showed reduced movement in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine, the left turn was better than the right in terms of flight, timing and placement of limbs. Range of motion of C3-5 was restricted to the right, prescapula musculature was hypertonic and restricted scapula glide bilaterally. Forelimb range of motion was good, carpal joints had some crepitus on complete flexion. Left scapula trigger points around deltoid, intercostals space, shelf of ribs and middle gluteal. Left side trigger points were middle gluteal and longissimus lumborum. On medication 2x danilon per day with turnout. Considerations:  Neck movement restricted  Back mobility restricted and tense  Hind-limb asymmetry In hand – 3x a week (10 minutes) Week 1 – £.5 heel to toe steps apart. Walk over the poles and use transitions to shift the weight onto the back legs, walk through the channel of poles and turn at the end (turn on the forehand) Week 3 – Square of poles – walk over in each direction, can try to halt in the centre horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162 Week 2 – Bending and circles in walk. Place poles out and weave between then with big loops. Use transitions and nice slow legs over the poles Week 4 – Repeat exercise 1 – to assess if there has been any improvements ! Other Exercises  Stretches using treats to chin, knees and fetlocks, once reached hold for 10 seconds and slowly bring back up to centre. Repeat 5 times each side. – 3x a week only after exercise (field, walking/exercises) – DO NOT stretch cold muscles.  Wither and hindquarter rocking – place your hand over the rump or withers and gently rock from one side to the other to gently shift the weight over, this activates the smaller stabilising muscles and encourages better weight distribution from left to right  Move haynets – alternate one day left the other right to help Melodys neck build up evenly and help with her neck bending.  Hot water bottles, place each side of Melodys back for 10 minutes to soften the muscle and relieve the knots that were found throughout. – 3x a week (can do before stretches) horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162