What is biomechanics?

Biomechanics is the study of movement and how the tissues (muscles, bones, tendons & ligaments) of the body all work together.

 

The goal of the biomechanical examination is to:

• obtain detailed information about the horses posture and movement, 

• assess for areas of dysfunction and asymmetry, 

• identify which structures are involved and,

• make a management plan reduce discomfort and normalise movement patterns in order to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.

 

For movement to be efficient and injury free our muscles need to create co-ordinated and precise movements.

 

Muscular contraction can be achieved through large and small muscle groups. Large muscles create movement that propels the horse forward whilst smaller muscles provide stability to joints both at a stance (postural stability) and during locomotion (dynamic stability)

 

For muscles to work in a synchronously, appropriate messaging throughout the nervous system (neuromotor control) is required. A chiropractic assessment when coupled with a physical assessment and dynamic exam can provide information detailed insights into the neuromuscular function of the horse. 

 

What is involved in the Biomechanical Assessment:

 

1.   In-depth Physical Examination:

We assess postural strength & stability, the health of the muscles and joints and the range of motion of the skeleton as well the function of the vital organs. 

 

2.  Gait Assessment:

We couple the use of an objective gait analysis tool called SLEIP, with our extensive experience in assessing equine movement. SLEIP is an advanced markerless AI technology, providing detailed insights into your horses movement patterns.

 

Early detection of asymmetries is useful, and possible with objective gait analysis as it samples the gait at a much higher rate than the human eye. Picking up asymmetries early allows pro-active management. 

 

Using objective gait analysis as a tool in visibly lame horses is also extremely useful. It allows for interpretation of multi-limb lamenesses and provides objectivity when assessing the response to nerve blocks. 

 

Evaluating movement is not just about picking a lame leg and therefore coupling technology with experience is essential. Pairing an understanding of equine locomotion with the data from the objective technology is a key part of interpreting the clinical picture of the horse.

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3.   Chiropractic & Myofascial Assessment:

Chiropractic assessments provide useful information about the health of the spine and the nervous system. The spinal cord is an information highway. Sensory information comes in, is interpreted by the brain which then sends out a motor response.

 

When there is dysfunction due to impingement of nerves, the brain therefore does not have a clear map of how the body is functioning and can send out incorrect messages in response. 

 

Myofascial assessments looks for restrictions within tissues and fascia. When there is stress and strain in one part of the body, it will create tension in another. After all it is all connected!

 

When coupling the two processes together we get a detailed insight into where dysfunctions may be occurring, or how the horse may be compensating for asymmetrical movement patterns.