Joint Mobilization and Manipulation for the Equine Athlete

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2016 Apr;32(1):87-101. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2015.12.003.

Abstract

Joint mobilization and manipulation provide important diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for addressing musculoskeletal issues in veterinary medicine. Soft tissue and joint mobilization are used to assess the quality and quantity of joint range of motion and as a primary means of treating musculoskeletal disorders. Spinal manipulation was shown to be effective for reducing pain, improving flexibility, reducing muscle tone, and improving symmetry of spinal kinematics in horses. Because of potential misuse and safety issues, joint mobilization and manipulative therapies should be provided only by specially trained veterinarians or licensed human manual therapists.

Keywords: Back pain; Equine; Joint mobilization; Manipulation; Manual therapy; Rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / therapy*
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Movement*
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / methods
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / veterinary*
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / rehabilitation
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / veterinary*
  • Pain Management / veterinary*