Equine osteopathy

Equine osteopathy combined with Jack Meagher sportsmassage

Equine osteopathy

Osteopathy for horses is based on the same principals as human osteopathy. It’s a manual method, based on principals from anatomy, embryology, neurology and physiology. Due to the holistic approach, the equine osteopath looks at the complete horse. In practice this means that the equine osteopath does not look at a problem in his local context, but he considers that each structure can cause at distance another problem. So he reasons in cause/consequence chains.

A nerve departs from each vertebra (to the left and right). When a vertebra is blocked, the corresponding nerve gives disturbed information to the muscle and causes tension in this muscle. By relaxing the tensed muscle or set free a joint or manipulate a vertebra, the nerve stimulation is restored and the muscle can relax. The body of the horse is again able to recuperate his balance and to cure himself. The performance of the horse will become better.

Jack Meagher sports massage

Jack Meagher, sports massage is a massage in which special attention is given to triggerpoints in the muscles of the whole body of the horse. Trauma, stress or heavy exercise can cause spasm in the muscles which can lead to overload to the joints and tendons. This enhances the chance to pain and injury. It can arise suddenly by trauma, but mostly this process happens very slowly. The horse will compensate by using other muscles, by moving less or by resisting to the requested movement. If nothing is done, this will not remain an isolated spot. Via compensation, the problem will expand from one muscle group to another.

Deep pressure at the right spot

The key to succes in JM sportsmassage lies in the accuracy to find the right rigid knot or triggerpoint. Deep pressure on the correct spot, is what makes JM massage so unique. This massage gives a better blood circulation, Better transport of different tissue fluids, Better metabolism, Better functioning of the muscle and broader movements and so an Amelioration in the general wellbeing of your horse.