Page 619 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

The patient will be palpated all over. The osteopath or chiropractor will be looking and
•
feeling for changes in tissue texture, areas of increased sensitivity to touch and areas of
VetBooks.ir muscle spasm or discomfort. The range of motion of individual joints is tested to identify
the problem areas.

Treatment

The aim of osteopathic and chiropractic treatments is to restore symmetry and freedom of

movement to areas affected by injury, thereby improving flow of body fluids and modifying
the activity of the nervous system. In this way, the body is allowed to restore itself to a
healthy state.

Manipulative techniques

Once the musculoskeletal system of the horse has been thoroughly evaluated, a treatment

plan is made. This may include a variety of manipulative techniques to mobilize the joints,
stretch the skin, fascia and muscles and ease the pain.

HIGH-VELOCITY, LOW-AMPLITUDE THRUSTS

The aim of this treatment is to restore the lost range of motion or at least to improve it. The
restricted joint is taken to the point where it resists further movement and then subjected to a
quick, low-amplitude thrust along the plane of the joint. This is known as an adjustment; it

may be accompanied by an audible ‘click’ or ‘pop’ but this occurs less commonly in horses
than in people. If the adjustment is successful it will relieve muscle tension by activating

reflexes in the muscles leading to an increased range of movement and reduction of pain. The
treatment takes place within the normal physiological range of the joint.