[From the December 2011 Sho Times: Stacey Brown is a contributing writer to the Sho Clothes Sho News monthly newsletter]
Humans and horses are goal oriented. Because we are passionate and driven, we will “sacrifice structure for function”, and in order to do this, at times will ignore the warning signs that our bodies give us. On a temporary basis this can be good. Tuning out these signals may help us complete a crucial task, begin an exercise program after injury or long periods of inactivity or even save our lives, by allowing speed or strength that we wouldn’t ordinarily believe ourselves capable. However, if tuning out our bodies warning signals becomes a way of life, there will be a price to pay. Our body structures will begin to break down faster than we can repair them, and distortions, imbalances, and degeneration can become permanent. At a critical point, the very functions that we have been determined to carry out, become impossible. Long before that occurs, the functions become less enjoyable, less satisfying, and less effective. Injuries result, and performance suffers.
In equestrian sport, old injuries with subsequent altered movement patterns, which have never been corrected, exist in both the rider and the horse. Add to that the handedness of the rider and the lateralization of the horse, and it clearly explains why harmony of horse and rider is a challenge.
So at what point, would we do well to re-assess? As the saying goes, “The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over, expecting a different result”. The truth is, if we are in the habit of listening to our bodies, we could do this as we go. We can re-think not only what we do but how we do it, and make the discomfort go away before it gets to the point of pain. This is the science of body mechanics, and it applies to us all. But this is not a course we learned in school, picked up from our parents, or generally consider a concept worth investigating. In this society we move too fast, live with such stress, and sit so much, that moving correctly gets a back seat to moving at all. Equestrian sport demands correct movement. It is the rider’s movement,that directs the horse and creates the level of harmony that we strive for. If riding is painful, clearly, something is not right. A careful assessment of all of the parameters is ideal. The rider’s body is the place to start of course, and then tack and equine partner may be important to assess as well. Finding a physical therapist who understands the forces involved in, and biomechanics of riding, is a good use of resources. The combination of motion analysis and skills for assessment of the entire neuro-muscular system, provide a systematic and objective approach. Once problem areas are identified, then treated, motor re-learning can proceed. Based on core activation, appropriate stabilization strategies, and controlled extremity function, movement can be re-learned in ways that are effective and pain-free. This is the nature of physical therapy.
But what if riding is not painful? Have you ever heard yourself say “I feel fine when I’m riding; it’s when I get off that I hurt.”? Overuse, or incorrect use of muscles in a seated position, can make it difficult to straighten completely when standing. If you sit too long on an airplane, or in a car or at your computer the situation is comparable. However, when riding, there are also the movements of the horse and the use of your limbs involved in tension and compression in order to communicate with the horse. It is necessary to cross train the muscles required in standing and walking, particularly if the life you lead outside of riding is sedentary.
And what if your cross training program is painful? There are times when myofascial restrictions, and incorrect movement patterns are so ingrained, that it requires outside help to correct them. If you are participating in a cross training program such as pilates, yoga, or gym work-outs, and you are experiencing pain, it is time for intervention with a qualified physical therapist. As with any other professional, there are physical therapists of every kind. If you look for a Licensed Physical Therapist who specializes in movement analysis and re-training, and one who really understands your sport, you will have more success. Often it is necessary to correct muscle imbalances, and re-train movement patterns. At times it is necessary to release scar tissue, (adhesions), and you want to make sure your practitioner is qualified to perform this work, particularly if the work is deep. A complete understanding of anatomy of muscle, vasculature, nervous system and lymphatic system is required.
A qualified physical therapist will also be able to explain in detail the anatomy and function of the core muscles, and will be able to test your ability to effectively use the core on and off the horse. You might be surprised at the difference in your riding and enjoyment of your cross training program, once the core is truly activated. Specific cross training programs designed for strengthening the core, scapular stabilizers, and hip extensors for example can be designed to fit your environment and time schedule. If you are already invested in yoga or pilates, you can return to these pursuits with renewed enthusiasm when you are pain-free and confidant in your new movement patterns.
Physical therapy is often an overlooked tool in equestrian sport performance enhancement. If you are finding it difficult to access an equestrian sport knowledgeable physical therapist in you area, and you find a therapist that you enjoy working with, you might mention this specialty, as a choice for continuing education. The Animal Rehabilitation Institute offers a course designed to assist physical therapists in treating equestrian athletes. Information regarding the course can be found on the Animal Rehabilitation web site: www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
If you would like to schedule treatment, have questions, or suggestions for future informational columns, please contact Stacey at: info@animalrehabinstitute.com or (971) 226-0010 mobile. You will find directions to her clinic on the web site www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
Stacey Brown PT CERT received her degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is a native of Portland Oregon, where she practiced human physical therapy for 30 years, and equine rehabilitation for 7 years. She has a strong background in both neurologic and orthopedic treatment, and combines her experience in a unique and effective approach. Stacey now practices in the Wellington, FL area, and specializes in the assessment and treatment of equestrian athletes. She is an athlete, rides herself, and has a life long interest in nutrition and wellness. Through movement analysis and physical evaluation, Stacey designs individual treatment programs to enhance performance, as well as treat injuries. She is skilled in muscle balancing techniques, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and uses a cold laser to speed healing and enhance nuero-motor retraining. She is also certified in equine rehabilitation, and uses her skills to improve the performance of horse and rider pairs.
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