Kinetic Equine Medicine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

A thorough equine sports medicine exam will take place. Horses are evaluated at rest, while standing relaxed, on the lunge line, and if able under saddle and competition. The horse will be evaluated for limb, muscular, and movement pattern asymmetry. Equipment will be evaluated with the body lameness if possible. 

The body of the horse is what is ridden and is responsible for the movement of the limbs. Treatment of the body, can often relieve distal limb issues. After a horse is evaluated, a thorough treatment plan will be developed to relieve pain, nerve compression and impingement, and facilitate muscular relaxation. Goal of the treatment is to restore the horse's body to a neutral state to allow for rehabilitation and restoration of correct  biomechanical movement patterns so the horse can progress into a conditioning program and return to its intended activity without re-injury. Horses with body lameness will often require multiple treatments and time to recovery properly. Patience and dedication are imperative for a successful treatment. 

Body lameness is not cured over night or in one treatment. All treated horses will be given a rehabilitation plan tailored to each individual horse's needs and requirements. These plans are intended to restore normal biomechanical movement patterns and restore appropriate neuromuscular pathways. These plans are expected to be followed as prescribed in order to give the horse the best opportunity to recover in a timely and safe manner.  Successful treatment requires a dedicated team that is patient and willing to give the horse the appropriate amount of time for the body to heal.

Horses that are being treated will require follow-up appointments about every 3-4 weeks during the course of treatment to ensure the horse is progressing as expected and to address any new concerns. Many horses by the time they make it to us have chronic body lameness issues that they have lived with. These conditions did not occur overnight and they will not be resolved overnight. During the course of treatment one area of the horse may improve which uncovers other issues that were not apparent before. Owner's commitment and patience is vital to a successful outcome. 

Prehabilitation (Prehab) is a proactive approach to addressing and correcting improper biomechanic movement patterns before they cause injury and lameness. Prehabilitation can also be an important component of any training program if the horse has a prior injury. 

The aim of Prehabilitation is to increase the range of motion, improve elasticity and flexibility through the neck, trunk and pelvis, improve proprioception, and improve muscular symmetry, strength, and endurance. 

Often times early changes to the biomechanics of the horse starts with myofascial tension in the form of trigger points leading to Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). If these trigger points are not addressed and treated, then this can lead to weakness in one area which results in compensation elsewhere. Trigger points require regular treatment (at least once a week) until normal tissue is appreciated and pain and abnormal movement patterns are resolved. 

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to treat pain and injuries: 

How it works: ESWT sends shockwaves through the body to break down tissue and promote healing. The shockwaves can help with pain relief, tissue regeneration, and improving the function of injured tissue.

Shockwave therapy may be coupled with other treatments or used on its own. Shockwave is used to treat various conditions including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Shoulder-Girdle Injuries
• Kissing Spine
• Nuchal Ligament Injuries
• Sternum/Rib Pain
• Fascial Tears/Scars
• Trigger Points

Kinetic Equine Medicine does not offer primary care appointments or first line care to include emergency or on-call services. All clients are required to have a primary care veterinarian. Please contact us if you feel your horse is suffering from body lameness. You will receive a consultation to ensure we are a good fit for your needs.