Chiropractic of the horse

To achieve the full performance level in our horses the basic requirements we need are unrestricted flexibility of the spine, full functional capability of the extremities and musculature and analgesia in movement.

 

The chiropractor examines the flexibility of each vertebra of the spinal column. With restricted movement in an intervertebral joint the diagnosis "vertebral subluxation complex" (VSC) is made, better known as stuck or locked vertebra. This means a functional misalignment of the vertebra or the locked joint, which causes a restriction of the normal range of motion of this joint.

VSC will lead to increased muscular tension, stiffness, pain and to a reduced performance.
If the mobility of certain areas of the spine is restricted, the horse will compensate the lack of flexibility of the spine through changes in posture. Due to this compensation other areas of the spine or extremities will be heavily used, which will lead to more vertebral subluxation complexes, strained ligaments and tendons and stressed joints of the extremities.
The restricted range of motion of the intervertebral joints can also effect the spinal nerves which emerge between those vertebras.

 

A chiropractic treatment can not "magically" remove already existing joint deformations or chronic disorders, but it can remove compensation mechanisms, secondary locked vertebras and muscular tenseness and improve the well-being.
Especially in young horses, before or during the braking in and in foals after birth, a chiropractic treatment as a prevention of problems of the musculoskeletal system is very useful.