Biomechanics is the study of movement and how the tissues (muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments) of the body work together.
The goal of the biomechanical examination is to:
Obtain detailed information about the horse's posture and movement,
Assess areas of dysfunction and asymmetry,
Identify which structures are involved, and
Develop a management plan to reduce discomfort and normalize movement patterns, ultimately reducing the risk of injury and improving performance.
For movement to be efficient and injury-free, muscles must create coordinated and precise movements.
Muscular contraction involves both large and small muscle groups. Large muscles propel the horse forward, while smaller muscles provide stability to joints during stance (postural stability) and locomotion (dynamic stability).
For muscles to work synchronously, appropriate messaging throughout the nervous system (neuromotor control) is essential. A chiropractic assessment, combined with a physical and dynamic examination, can provide detailed insights into the horse's neuromuscular function.
What is involved in the Biomechanical Assessment:
1. In-Depth Physical Examination
We assess postural strength and stability, the health of the muscles and joints, the range of motion of the skeleton, and the function of vital organs.
2. Gait Assessment
We use an objective gait analysis tool called SLEIP, alongside our extensive experience in assessing equine movement. SLEIP is advanced, markerless AI technology that provides detailed insights into your horse's movement patterns.
Early detection of asymmetries is possible with objective gait analysis, as it samples gait at a much higher rate than the human eye. Detecting asymmetries early allows for proactive management.
Objective gait analysis is also highly useful for visibly lame horses. It facilitates interpretation of multi-limb lameness and provides objectivity when assessing the response to nerve blocks.
Evaluating movement is not just about identifying a lame leg. Coupling technology with experience is essential. Pairing an understanding of equine locomotion with data from objective technology forms a key part of interpreting the horse’s clinical picture.
3. Chiropractic and Myofascial Assessment
Chiropractic assessments provide valuable information about the health of the spine and the nervous system. The spinal cord acts as an information highway: sensory information is sent to the brain, which then interprets it and sends out motor responses.
When dysfunction arises due to nerve impingement, the brain may not have a clear map of the body’s function and can send incorrect messages in response.
Myofascial assessments identify restrictions within tissues and fascia. Stress and strain in one part of the body can create tension elsewhere—it is all connected!
When these two processes are combined, we gain a detailed understanding of where dysfunctions may be occurring or how the horse may be compensating for asymmetrical movement patterns.
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