Equine Bio Mechanics
Equine Bio Mechanics is Musculoskeletal work focusing on correct soft tissue function, aiming to keep your horses body as mobile and functional as possible. This helps your horse perform at his best as well as minimising joint overload caused by compensation from postural imbalances. Horses having regular treatments tend to “last longer”. Bio Mechanics also aids in managing and preventing injuries, identifying problem areas and optimising performance.
Working on the principle that soft tissue in spasm can interfere and restrict your horses movement, softness and performance, as well as misalign his posture. Raph works on releasing all soft tissue (muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons) towards allowing your horse to move and function the way his conformation and training suggests.
As well as Bio Mechanics; Wound Healing, Scar Tissue Reduction, Pre Performance, Event Recovery treatments and Injury Rehabilitation is all part of the Equine Angels work. See below for a detailed description of the therapies used.
Increasing the horse's comfort decreases their resistance. The Equine Angel addresses injury prevention, recovery and preventive maintenance using a wide range of therapies including acupressure, McLaren photonic light, myofascial release, Spectravet laser, craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular release, lymphatic drainage and massage therapy.
Raph incorporates client education for prevention and management of soreness issues as well as outside influences such as gear fit, shoeing, diet and working posture. She works extensively with horses recovering from repetitive strain injuries and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. She is skilled at working sensitively with horses who are in pain (including horses under veterinary care) but who need very specific work to recover. Regular clients find that their horse's posture improves, the horse moves more fluidly and builds good-quality muscle more quickly, wounds heal faster, hoof growth improves, skin is healthier and horses become better to handle.
Raph encourages her clients to develop an awareness of their own bodies and teaches self-care techniques, including appropriate stretching and simple exercises.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular Bio Mechanics treatments can help you maintain your horse's good health and reduce stress! Discounts are available for appointments booked less than six weeks apart.
Therapies
- Acupressure
Acupressure is a form of acupuncture without puncturing the body. It is the principle of applying pressure to a nerve ending towards having an effect further down the line. An acupuncture point is an area of skin with increased electrical conductivity, the stimulation of which can change the body's function by releasing neuro-chemicals from the brain. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese Therapy with centuries of history and success in treating all kinds of health, emotional and injury issues. Acupressure uses this same methodology by applying pressure to the necessary points rather than penetrating them with a needle. Acupressure has been used successfully to treat thousands of clinical cases in both animals and people, painlessly and without the risks associated with skin penetration (such as tetanus). (Top)
- McLaren Photonic Therapy
McLaren Photonic Therapy the treatment is totally safe and painless. It utilises broad-band 660nm red light to provide photons that painlessly and safely stimulate tissue. It does not have the risks associated with using lasers. While our eyes are the main organs to receive information from visible light, our skin is a major receptor also. McLaren Photonic Therapy uses light to work with the electrical charges with cells to facilitate desirable chemical exchanges. (Top)
- Myofascial Release (MFR)
This is a safe, gentle and effective technique producing lasting results for clients with chronic pain and postural dysfunction. It speeds recovery from repetitive strain and traumatic injuries and temporal/mandibular joint disorders. Fascia is a tough connective tissue that connects the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot. Trauma, poor posture or inflammation can bind the fascia, resulting in pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones or organs. The fascial system resists suddenly applied force. However, the gentle application of sustained pressure allows the fascia to elongate, producing positive structural changes. Myofascial unwinding helps eliminate subconscious holding or bracing patterns that may be perpetuating structural dysfunction. (Top)
- SpectraVet Laser
SpectraVet Laser is a non-toxic, non-invasive treatment that helps cells heal and metabolise more effectively, reduces inflammation, improves circulation, reduces fibrous-tissue formation (including scar tissue) and stimulates nerve function. (Top)
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
The craniosacral system extends from the skull to the sacrum, and includes the membranes and cerebral fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth — which make up the cranium — down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. Imbalances of the craniosacral system can be caused by fascial pulls from outside the system (such as the trapezius muscle) or by restrictions within. Craniosacral therapy uses very gentle touch to release these restrictions and often results in a significant reduction of chronic pain and improvement of motor coordination. The most powerful effects of craniosacral therapy are considered to be on the function of the central nervous system, the immune system, the endocrine system and the visceral organs via the autonomic nervous system. (Top)
- Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, hands-on technique that promotes proper circulation of the lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system collects, filters and returns extracellular fluid from the tissues of the body to the blood. Surgery, trauma, infections, etc. may damage this system and thereby compromise cell health. Lymph drainage can help restore proper functioning of the lymphatic system, and if necessary, help reroute the lymph to alternate pathways. (Top)
- Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage and neuromuscular therapy are physiologically based styles of massage. These methods are commonly used as complementary care for new and chronic injuries and can help eliminate trigger points, reduce pain, balance muscle tone and increase functional mobility. Massage also increases circulation, which can boost the flow of energy-producing nutrients to cells and speed elimination of waste products that may make your horse feel achy or listless. Increased circulation is especially helpful in repairing tissues that have been stressed. (Top)
Equine Body Work is never a replacement for proper veterinary care.