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Every equine patient will have all joints evaluated to assess for restricted mobility. Manipulation therapy will be used to release restrictions and improve function.

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What is manipulation?

Manipulation involves thrust or myofascial techniques to release restrictions and restore normal motion to vertebrae or other joints. Osteopathic manipulative therapy is similar to chiropractic, but it includes more focus on fascia, a wider range of techniques, and includes visceral (organ) work and craniosacral therapy.

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By Indiana law, animal manipulation therapy is considered to be the practice of veterinary medicine. Therefore, only licensed veterinarians may legally use this technique. 

 

 

 

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What is osteopathic visceral manipulation?

This is a technique involving release of internal organ tension/restrictions through rectal palpation, and it can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian who has completed specific training. It will be performed most often in-clinic using stocks for safety. The need for such therapy is determined by finding specific patterns on the osteopathic exam that recur. Many horses needing visceral manipulation are not improved by any conventional therapies, and bodywork only helps them temporarily.