Osteopath
Laura Lieknina
Services
When does your horse need osteopathy?
​Osteopathic reasoning is largely based on careful observation and manual examination. The difference is that animals cannot tell us about their pain, but they can give signs to us. For example, a horse will communicate their discomfort or pain by displaying changes in personality, behavior or performance.
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Poor performance
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Stiffness, loss of suppleness
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Reluctance to move - Lack of concentration
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Behavioral issues - Maintain mobility in competition horses, also older horses
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Tacking up issues: girth sensitive, unable to stand still or relax, trouble when touching the ears
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Bucking, bolting, rearing, kicking and refusing to jump
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Hypersensitive to touch or brushing
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Problems after castration
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Fertility problems
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Headshaking
Osteopathy
Osteopathic treatment - the aim is to remove the tension, restrictions and pain in order to encourage self healing in the animals musculoskeletal system. The result is pain relief, improved movement, improved performance and prevention. It can therefore act as a preventive and/or curative measure with the animal.
Osteopathic treatment can be used on all kinds of horses - starting from Shetland ponies till high level performance horses. And it is also good for different ages like foals as they might have issues such as overbite (parrot mouth), angular limb deformities (crooked legs), or older horses to maintain their mobility and metabolic balance. An osteopathic treatment will not only improve your horse’s physical health, but also its behavior.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping, originally used for human athletes, has proven successful in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and training. Its effectiveness has led to its widespread adoption in the equestrian community, with equine kinesiology taping now being a popular modality among riders and equine healthcare professionals globally.
The physiological benefits of equine kinesiology taping stem from its interaction with the skin and associated sensory and mechanical receptors. The design of kinesiology tape and its application techniques decompress tissue, promoting increased circulation. This lifting action also affects how sensory receptors respond to the tape's application on the skin.
Benefits of using kinesiology tape
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Ability to relieve pain and fatigue
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Reduces swelling and inflammation
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Facilitate quicker recovery
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Allows horse to heal naturally
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Encourage muscles to relax
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Increases blood and lymph flow, decreases toxines and metabolic waste products
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Supports the joint without restricting movement
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Communicates with proprioception
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Improves gait
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Ability to prevent injury
Equine Craniosacral Therapy
Equine Craniosacral therapy is a gentle and holistic healing practice that utilizes light finger pressure to optimize body movement in horses. Developed over 100 years ago by Dr. William Sutherland, it focuses on the subtle movement of the skull bones and related tissues to restore balance and alleviate symptoms such as cribbing, head shaking, and TMJ issues. By freeing restricted motion in the skull, spine, and pelvis, and influencing the central nervous system, this therapy can realign the skeletal structure, release trauma, and enhance the body's self-healing abilities. It has been found effective in treating a range of conditions including facial nerve paralysis, lameness, emotional problems, and unexplained behaviors.
Soft Tissue Techniques and Masterson Method
At our equine osteopathy practice, we prioritize the well-being of your horse through advanced soft tissue techniques and the renowned Masterson Method. These therapies focus on alleviating tension, improving mobility, and enhancing overall health.
Our Soft Tissue Techniques Include:
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Massage Therapy: Reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation.
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Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Enhancing range of motion and preventing injuries.
Masterson Method (Coming Soon):
- Interactive Bodywork: Working with your horse’s responses to find and release tension in key areas.
- Gentle, Effective Techniques: Using light touch and movement to relieve discomfort and improve performance.
- Enhancing Communication: Building trust and a deeper connection between you and your horse through interactive techniques.
These therapies, including the upcoming Masterson Method, are designed to keep your horse in peak condition, ensuring they remain comfortable, agile, and ready to perform at their best.
Holistic Nutrition
At our equine osteopathy practice, we believe in a holistic approach to horse care, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition. Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a horse’s overall health, performance, and well-being.
Our Holistic Nutrition Services Include:
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Nutrient Balance: Ensuring the right mix of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients to support physical and mental well-being.
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Natural Supplements: Integrating natural supplements to enhance diet and address specific health issues.
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Digestive Health: Focusing on gut health to improve nutrient absorption and prevent common digestive problems.
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Preventative Care: Using nutrition to prevent illnesses and promote long-term health and vitality.
With our holistic nutrition services, we aim to provide your horse with the best possible dietary foundation for a healthy, happy, and high-performing life.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is a scientifically validated and highly efficient treatment, to optimize nerve, muscles, blood circulation and connective tissues. It applies electrical impulses through the skin of the horse, activating its nerves and muscles. It is not painful for the horse; it feels like a deep tissue massage. The electrical signal mimics the motor neuron signal normally sent by the brain to the muscles to cause muscle contraction.
Electrotherapy has been widely used in both human sport and medicine for decades, not only to treat injuries but also to optimize performance.
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When can you use it?
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Manage pain
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Improve range of motion
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Stimulate and strengthen the muscles
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Optimize muscles after intense trainings and shows
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After long transportation
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Reverse atrophy (wastage) in muscles
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Decrease oedema (swelling)
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Improve motor control
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Stimulate blood flow
