Tammy Brockman
Indiana University, USA
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Med Aromat Plants
Introduction: â??Stringhaltâ? is a horse condition that causes one or both hind legs to spasm when walking, trotting or backing. The condition is thought to be related to a neurological cause from either plant toxicity or peripheral nerve injury. The prognosis is poor and the horseâ??s performance and quality of life can be affected. Treatment has included surgically cutting the digital extensors with varied results.The objective of the study is to utilize soft tissue release via acupressure, trigger point and myofascial release to decrease symptoms of stringhalt. Case Presentation: The case study is a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse of excellent pedigree. In 2011, she was caught in barbed wire overnight and sustained lacerations to the bone. Shortly after the injury the horse was placed in a stall for several months and was unable to walk or run, developing stringhalt. Currently, her condition is aggravated by stress and alleviated by certain types of massage (myofascial, acupressure, trigger point release). The incidence of stringhalt occurs every 3-5 minutes, with more frequent and severe symptoms on the right hind limb. The horse is unable to run or back up. Methods: 6 treatments biweekly were performed at 1 to 1 ?½ hour sessions. The treatments consisted of myofascial release at the cervical, sacrum and iliumâ??s, acupressure of the bladder meridian (including c-spine, t-spine, L-spine, and hamstring), and trigger point release of the iliacus. The stringhalt motion was observed and documented on each of the 6 treatment days for 30 minutes. Results: After 6 treatments, the horse was seen running and standing in a position that promotes hip extension. She has not been able to do either since the injury. The frequency and severity of the spasms have decreased from every 3-5 minutes to every 10-20 minutes. The horseâ??s owners report that her disposition, stress and quality of life are much improved. Discussion: The results suggest that myofascialrelease, acupressure and trigger point therapy may be utilized to provide a positive treatment outcome in the case of stringhalt. However, please note that the scope of practice varies by state and special training is needed to work with the equine population.
Tammy Brockman, Master of Science - Kinesiology. Indiana University. Bachelor of science -exercise and sport science. University of Florida. Massage Therapist/ Craniosacral Therapist/Equine Bodyworker/Certified Lymphedema Therapist/Certified Athletic Trainer 27 years of injury care as an Athletic Trainer and Massage Therapist: Olympic, Paralympic, College, High School, Sportsmedicine Rehabilitation Craniosacral Therapist treating various issues including pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, PTSD, brain injury, Alzheimers, Tinnitus. Specific program treating Veterans as part of a recovery retreat combining horses-counselingcraniosacral therapy. The program is being adapted to treat breast cancer recovery. Equine Bodywork Therapist treating horse’s tissue and joint tension to assist in injury recovery and improved performance. Publication “A case study utilizing myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy to treat bilateral “Stringhalt” in a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse.” Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. (2016).
