Case Study

Shoulder Extension
This horse began to exhibit a shortened stride in the right front leg after recovery from a jumping fall on course two years ago. He did not refuse to work in any manner. The owner reported normal behavior in turn out, riding preparation as well as in the ring. There were no episodes of refusing or running out over fences. However, even after a year of rest and recovery, the horse failed to extend his right front foot trotting stride as well as resistance in his right canter lead or a jump landing. Turns were also compromised, but the owner reported that turns in both directions were not as good as they had been before. Was there anything she could do to help this aging horse return to his normal work patterns or was she just stuck with the recovery as it stood?
Evaluation:
A stance analysis proved to be the most helpful in identifying some old issues with this horse. Though his range of motion testing proved his ability to reach into extension as well as into flexion, there was a consistent shortening of the muscles all along the right side. The tissue damage on his right shoulder had inhibited the ability of those muscles to work properly, and over a period of time the lack of work during his rest period as well as the lack of attention to stretching in his recovery period, created an imbalance of muscle modeling. The more the owner worked him the more out of balance he became. The shortened right side stayed tight, in essence lifting that shoulder higher, dropping more than its fair share of weight onto the left shoulder. That shoulder tried to carry the excessive weight, but under constant increased work load and no ability to shift it to the right front, he compensated heavily on his right hind, causing it to tighten and shorten. His balancing muscles of the neck have their origin within the scapula (shoulder) so they were also inhibited by the tightness of the muscles there, the result being the horse felt less confident shifting his weight to the right side in lead changes or landing from a jump on the right lead. As we watch the workload changing and the horse shifting to accommodate, we can easily see how in a period of time, this horse might choose to shut down entirely.
Treatment:
After some time was spent with the horse to acquaint him with the therapist, and preparing him to receive his treatment, attention was directed to the right side of the horse. Though the entire body was treated, the emphasis was strongly worked in the right half. Numerous massage techniques were utilized, as well as trigger point therapy. The horse had also become accustomed to holding his breath during his workouts to protect himself from the discomfort of the tightness, so work was also done around areas to relieve breathing. His hind quarters were worked in the same manner as his right shoulder, additional care being given to his tail. After the first treatment, the owner was shown numerous stretching exercises that will assist the muscles from tightening as well as increase the blood flow for better health. The horse showed his approval by softening and licking his lips, hanging his head sleepily and taking big cleansing breaths during his stretches. Subsequent treatments will include the therapist giving the owner riding exercises that will promote the groundwork of recovery. It will take several months to change muscle performance, but this consistent, non-invasive, non-drug therapy will benefit them both for years to come.