Case Study 1
QC is a 12 year old ID x TB x Hanovarian
who was competing dressage at Elementary level until going lame in 2012. The vet diagnosed bilateral navicular
disease and fortunately, following remedial shoeing, QC came sound. QC was back in ridden work but not competing, he had lost a significant amount of topline muscle and lacked
willingness in his ridden work.
26/2/14 - Initial assessment and treatment
QC had been compensating for a long time with his foot pain and as a result was very locked up in his body. His topline was very weak, he had muscle spasm down the left and right side of his back and quarters, muscle spasm into his left pectoral muscle, left forearm muscle and rotation/trigger points at his poll.
Treatment consisted of H-wave (electrotherapy), massage and mobilisations.
QC’s owner was left with a TENS machine and instructed on how to use it so that she could continue the treatment for the next fortnight. The TENS machine is a small electrotherapy device used to provide pain relief and reduce muscle spasm. Other homework consisted of daily foreleg stretches to maintain suppleness in the front end and 'carrot stretches' to develop core stability.
Follow ups
A follow up session was done at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Palpation revealed there was no longer tightness / spasm in the left forearm/ pecs and a good reduction in tightness/spasm in his back/quarters. QC’s owner reported a significant improvement in his way of going and attitude towards work. She continues to use the TENS machine on a weekly basis to maintain suppleness in his back/ quarters.
Today
QC continues to have regular physio sessions (every few months) and is looking and working really well. He is back competing at Novice and Elementary level dressage!
26/2/14 - Initial assessment and treatment
QC had been compensating for a long time with his foot pain and as a result was very locked up in his body. His topline was very weak, he had muscle spasm down the left and right side of his back and quarters, muscle spasm into his left pectoral muscle, left forearm muscle and rotation/trigger points at his poll.
Treatment consisted of H-wave (electrotherapy), massage and mobilisations.
QC’s owner was left with a TENS machine and instructed on how to use it so that she could continue the treatment for the next fortnight. The TENS machine is a small electrotherapy device used to provide pain relief and reduce muscle spasm. Other homework consisted of daily foreleg stretches to maintain suppleness in the front end and 'carrot stretches' to develop core stability.
Follow ups
A follow up session was done at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Palpation revealed there was no longer tightness / spasm in the left forearm/ pecs and a good reduction in tightness/spasm in his back/quarters. QC’s owner reported a significant improvement in his way of going and attitude towards work. She continues to use the TENS machine on a weekly basis to maintain suppleness in his back/ quarters.
Today
QC continues to have regular physio sessions (every few months) and is looking and working really well. He is back competing at Novice and Elementary level dressage!
