| Equine |
| A
Bit About The Skeletal System |
 The
horses skeletal system is a united formation of two separate skeletal
frames, together comprising 205 bones (excluding the tail bones).
Evolution
has adapted the horses skeletal frames to compliment their natural needs.
Where movement, speed and power is needed, such as in the shoulders and
hindquarters, the skeletal bones have developed to accommodate the
attachment of big powerful muscles, as well protect and house the smaller
ones. |
| In
addition to this, various bone formations provide protection for the
internal organs. |
| The
vast array of joints within the horses skeletal frames provide many
options of movement dependant upon their individual working dictations, physiological location,
size and shape, together with each joints supporting structures. |
| Examples
of this can be the
stifle joint, comprising the femur and tibia that provides freedom of angled
movement, while the spinal vertebrae help to control movement by
preventing excessive ranges. (student
ref: f.c. gait analysis / dip. course - cranialsacral therapy) |
| Whatever a bones size and shape, it remains protected and
enveloped by a thin membrane referred to as the ‘periosteum’. (Ref:
tendons).
(Joints are protected by cartilage) |
| Each individual bone connects to another bone by its
ligament that has blended its own fibres into those of the bones
periosteum. |
| The periosteum does not house any pain receptive nerve
endings, and as such can allow the bones to become twisted out of shape
without creating excessive pain until the process has reached advanced
levels and proceeds to create referred pain. It is then that muscular
tension becomes evident as the muscles duly follow the misaligned skeletal
form and subsequently work incorrectly and harder. (Ref: tendon insertion / diploma
course - myofascial therapy / cranialsacral therapy) |
| Every
individual bone is a working organism that works with the blood,
acting as a storehouse for magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, helping to
ensure levels of these substances are maintained at their correct levels
within the blood flow - a process that is enhanced through sports and remedial
equine massage therapy. |
| Relationship
Between Equine Massage Therapy and The Skeletal System |
| The
intellectual application of equine massage therapy can work to assist in the
prevention of bone injuries whilst also helping to assist in the repair process
of previously injured bone. (Ref:
f.c. contraindications) |
| The
increased flow of blood created through equine massage therapy delivers increased fresh
amounts of oxygen and nutrients to each and every bone - subsequently
helping to ensure optimal strength and internal health of bone. |
| Mineral
salts such as calcium and iron that feed bone are delivered in optimal
quantities through the increased blood flow, while |
| The
production
of blood
cells is promoted, thus assisting the health and workings together with
subsequential effects derived from the endocrine
system. |
| Harmful
toxins that sometimes reside in bone can be eliminated, promoting healthier and stronger bones far less susceptible to injury. |
| Equine massage therapy enhances the positive influences for
the horses’ free movement, in turn benefiting the internal organs, the
entire locomotary system as well as preventing muscular stress derived
through compensatory locomotion. |
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