Equine Manual Therapies in Sport Horse Practice

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2018 Aug;34(2):375-389. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.005. Epub 2018 May 29.

Abstract

Manual therapies involve the application of the hands to the body, with a diagnostic or therapeutic intent. Touch therapies, massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation are all critical components in the management of muscular, articular, and neurologic components of select injuries in performance horses. Musculoskeletal conditions that are chronic or recurring, not readily diagnosed, or are not responding to conventional veterinary care may be indicators that manual therapy evaluation and treatment is needed.

Keywords: Chiropractic care; Joint mobilization; Manual therapy; Massage therapy; Neuromuscular control; Osteopathy; Proprioception; Stretching exercises.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / therapy*
  • Horses
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / veterinary*