Chiropractic care is a gentle and effective method for treating functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It helps to release blockages, improve mobility, and enhance the overall well-being of your horse. Especially for sport horses, older horses, or those suffering from recurring back and joint issues, chiropractic treatment is a valuable complement to conventional veterinary medicine. It plays a crucial role in rehabilitation after accidents, surgeries, or orthopedic conditions to optimize the healing process.
Markus Schmidt is a certified chiropractor who tailors his treatments to the individual needs of each horse. His goal is to relieve pain and correct functional disorders. By mobilizing the joints, he enhances flexibility, stimulates the nervous system, and provides long-term stabilization of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, chiropractic treatment has a positive impact on your horse’s well-being and performance.
When is chiropractic treatment recommended?
• Back pain or tension – Sensitivity to touch or stiffness in movement
• Decreased performance – Sudden reluctance to work, difficulty in collection, or irregular gaits
• Problems with bending or flexion – Resistance to proper head positioning or stiffness in the neck
• Irregular gaits or lameness without an identifiable orthopedic cause
• After falls, accidents, or prolonged stall rest
• Saddle or bridle issues – Behavioral changes when saddling or bridling
• General stiffness or unwillingness to move
If your horse shows any of these symptoms, chiropractic treatment can help improve mobility and relieve pain.
Process of Chiropractic Treatment
History and Examination
• Detailed discussion of medical history, current issues, and training conditions
• Physical examination – Assessment of muscles, joints, and the spine
• Gait analysis – Observation of movement patterns
• Mobility tests – Checking joint flexibility and identifying blockages
A thorough examination helps determine the exact cause of movement restrictions and forms the basis of chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic Adjustment and Treatment
• Manual techniques – Gentle, targeted impulses to release blockages in the spine and joints
• Joint mobilization – Enhancing natural flexibility
• Treatment of muscle tension – Relaxation techniques to release adhesions and tension
• Strengthening body balance – Activating natural self-healing mechanisms
Through precise adjustments and targeted movements, the nervous system is stimulated to optimize muscle and joint function.
Follow-up and Personalized Training Advice
• Individual movement recommendations for the post-treatment period
• Training adjustments – Optimizing workload for long-term improvement
• Recommendations for saddle fitting and equipment optimization – If necessary, to prevent strain
• Development of a treatment plan – If regular adjustments are needed
After treatment, the horse typically moves more freely, and noticeable improvements can often be seen within a short time.
Chiropractic as Prevention and a Complement to Veterinary Medicine
Chiropractic care is not only used to relieve acute discomfort but also as a preventive measure to maintain overall mobility and performance. Sport horses, in particular, benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments to prevent overuse injuries.
Combination with Other Therapies – Chiropractic can be easily integrated with other manual and holistic therapies, as well as conventional veterinary medicine, to ensure a comprehensive approach to horse care.