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© Jeff Moore 2006
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Video
Evaluation of your horses' movement:
Stop
frame video imaging is a powerful tool allowing instant evaluation
of gait abnormalities that relate to counterproductive habitual
movements or structural problems. It also instantly identifies problems
with the dynamic balance of the foot in a way anyone can see. If
appropriate, the owner can then take the video back to their vet
or farrier for further evaluation.
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Therapeutic
Laser or Low level Laser Therapy (LLLT):
The
"cold" lasers we use are a 903 nm infrared laser. Laser light has
been found to stimulate tissue repair, stimulate and tonify accupressure
points and promote wound healing. Infrared light is a single, powerful,
coherent wavelength. As a result, laser light penetrate into the
skin/tissue layers and stimulates cellular (mitochondria activity)
energy and metabolic processes that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
It also stimulates the release of natural pain killing chemicals
within the body that facilitate long lasting pain relief. The main
feature of a 'cold' laser is that while it produces changes in the
cell metabolism it does not cause a thermal reaction (heat). I primarily
use lasers in three capacities, 1) Traumatic wound healing, 2) Accupressure
point stimulation and 3) muscle and tendon trigger point relief.
There is quite a bit of research and documentation of the efficacy
of LLLT for a wide range of condition. If you would like information
on papers relating to any of the following conditions, please contact
me. Skin and cell metabolism, Collagen synthesis, Muscle and Tendon
regeneration, nerve regeneration, blood properties, vascular effects,
accelerated wound healing and scar tissue formation, musculoskeletal
pain, Arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid), and reproductive issues.
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Massage:
Massage
is concerned with the horses' muscles. 60% of a horses weight consists
of muscles and 100% of a horse's propulsion is due to correct use
of its muscle system. To me propulsion is the horse's ability to
go, impulsion is the horses' willingness to go. If
propulsion is painful, consistent impulsion is close to impossible.
Small knots in a large muscle can cause major problems in your horses'
ability to travel efficiently.
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propulsion is painful, consistent impulsion is close to impossible.
Small knots in a large muscle can cause major problems in your horses'
ability to travel efficiently. They can also cause cumulative strain
failures (especially tendons and ligaments), spinal subluxations with
resulting neurological problems and decreased performance. Trigger
point therapy, myo-facial release and sports massage, can relieve
these painful areas before they cause more extensive injuries. Another,
less quantifiable but equally important benefit, is stress reduction.
I believe that our patterns of horse husbandry and use are out of
sync with the instincts and needs that the horse has evolved for survival
over the last few thousand years. While those patterns are unlikely
to change, the accumulated low-level stress is one of the underlying
causes for many of our horses' problems. Just as with humans, most
horses visibly relax and respond to skillful healing massage. |
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Therapeutic
Shoeing:
It
goes without saying that for any therapeutic bodywork to be effective,
the feet must be correct. They must be balanced dynamically (meaning
that when a horse moves, the feet land flat in a way that supports
the bony column of the leg and hence the entire horse). This is
sometimes difficult for even an experienced eye to see, and that
is where the stop frame video evaluation is so helpful.
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| It gives
us a tool to evaluate movement at any given point in the stride to
isolate where and which muscle groups are causing the problem. Balance
around the biomechanical centers of rotation is also critical to prevent
a cascade of other deleterious changes to the horse structure (compensatory
lameness'). Usually, I prefer to work with the existing farrier to
correct foot issues that are having an adverse impact on the structure
and function of the horse. Ongoing maintenance is usually easier and
less costly with your regular farrier. |
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Spinal
Alignment:
Correct
movement of the equine spine is absolutely critical to not only
the horses' function but also his perception of where its body is
in time and space (propioception). Traditional methods of adjusting
horses use human chiropractic techniques i.e. short lever- high
velocity, specific adjustments.
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| While
there are times that equine chiropractors are useful and even necessary,
I have found over the years and many hundreds of horses, that less
invasive, less traumatic techniques of spinal mobilization and alignment
seem to work better and last longer in a holistic approach that includes
mobilization, release of soft tissue spasms and trigger points and
systemic rebalancing of reactive accupressure points. |
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Accupressure:
There
is no space to adequately explain the entire philosophy behind accupressure.
It is a centuries old form of healing based on the principles of
Traditional Chinese Medicine and relates to energy flow throughout
an organism. Western medicine has recently and reluctantly admitted
that while it seems to work they don't quite understand the reason.
Accupressure enables us to take action systemically on specific
points that are measurable with instrumentation by demonstrating
a change in electrical resistance. The intent is to ensure a continuous
uninterrupted flow of energy through out the body. This energy flow,
which the Orientals have called Chi, or life force, passes through
the body in an electrical fashion, thereby providing and maintaining
the energetic balance necessary for normal bodily function. (1)
Traditional Chinese Medicine maintains that an interruption of Chi
is the ultimate root of disease. Accupressure seeks to correct this
imbalance before it manifests as any symptom but particularly in
horses, as muscle or joint pain.
1) Dr. Marvin Cain,
Acc. Diagnosis and Treatment of the Equine, Cain, 1996
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Bach
Flower Essences:
Bach Flower Essences were developed earlier this century by Dr.
Edward Bach, M.B., B.s., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H., a physician
and homeopath, who spent his life searching for the purest methods
of healing. Prepared from nonpoisonous wild flowers, their purpose
is to achieve a balance between the mind, body and spirit, gently
balancing the emotional upsets that give rise to physical symptoms
or delay recovery from an illness. While these are not medicines,
it is increasingly recognized by both medical doctors and natural
therapists that the mind and emotions play a vital role in the state
of health of an organism. Today, these safe, gentle essences are
used worldwide by private individuals, medical and integrative health
practitioners, dentists, veterinarians and healers. 2) These essences
may be taken on their own or in conjunction with medical or other
treatment; they will not conflict with any medications, including
homeopathic remedies. It is important to note that they are NOT
a medicine or intended as a substitute for veterinary treatment
and no medical claims are made for them; should symptoms persist
you should always consult your vet.
2)
Bach, E, Bach Flower Essences for the Family, England, 1923
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NON-PROFIT RESCUE CENTER DONATION OF SERVICES |
| If you are an established rescue, rehab or educational
center and are interested in my services, please contact me. As I
regularly donate work, call me to discuss travel arrangements and
expenses. |
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• P.O. Box 522 Joseph, OR. 97846 •
(541) 377-7770
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