The vertebral column is formed by a joined sequence of individual barrel shaped vertebrae which are somewhat distant from the skin surface. The structure which can be felt under the skin surface is in fact the spinous process which is a length of bone attached to the body of the vertebrae. The spinal cord passes through the center of each vertebrae as it travels from the brain down through the spinal column. Branching nerves from the spinal cord carry information from the brain to all the organs, muscles, tissues and cells of the body. All body cells require nervous energy to function properly.

Each vertebrae is flexibly connected with the one both behind and in front on several different levels or articular facets, forming an intricate joint. Muscle fibers, ligaments and dense connective tissue bind each vertebrae to its immediate and distant neighbours in a complex structure. This allows flexibility in the spine.

Misalignment or subluxation, which is defined as a vertebrae that is unable to move (articulate) correctly, causes irritation to the nerves and muscles which affect movement and mobility. Subluxation interferes with flexibility of the back and neck and disrupts the functioning of the nervous system. This can lead to stiffness, discomfort, resistance, decreased performance, muscle spasms and pain. Horses will show compensatory changes in posture, symmetry and movement, most often due to referral of weight and overuse of the supporting limb or muscles.

Horse chiropractics is the manual manoeuvring of the vertebral structure to ensure nervous system control and complete muscle coordination. It is a drugless, non invasive treatment that can help you to realize your horses full potential and relieve it’s pain.

Stress Point therapy is an effect tool which allows for an overall view or “map” of tension patterns and soreness. There are 26 stress points on each side of the horses body. The stress points are where ligaments and tendons come together in that muscle group (origin or insertion point). Nerve irritation due to misalignment, stress, fatigue or injury can cause these stress points and muscle groups to become tight and begin to shut down. When this happens the muscle groups do not get the oxygen they require and they become very susceptible to minor or major rips and tears.

When one area of a horse is stressed, the entire system compensates and supports the affected area to continue providing for function. Stress contributes to muscle tension, and such tension either acute or chronic, may even lead to injury because of inhibited range of motion. Muscle tension is contagious, beginning with a few muscle fibers and spreading to surrounding fibers until an entire muscle or muscle group is compromised. Muscle tension and structural weaknesses are rarely symmetrical from side to side. This leads to distorted movement, asymmetrical movement and limited range of motion, reducing a horse’s ability to perform.

In the majority of cases muscle disorders can be traced to a particular incident. They may become troublesome as a result of events such as a sharp blow or they may result from fatigue, overstretching (where they may tear), cooling down too quickly (especially after overheating), incorrect posture or improper hoof function and development, a fever or disease, a structural or systematic imbalance or even poor nourishment.

After the stress points and muscle groups are examined, manual pressure is applied to the stress point, then the muscle group is massaged. Massage therapy increases circulation bringing a fresh supply of blood and oxygen, removes toxins from the area such as lactic acid and can alleviate spasms. This is an effective form of treatment providing relief of muscle tension, thereby promoting relaxation and initiating the body’s own innate healing.