Experience Horseman of over 40 yrs., certified equine massage therapist, trainer both riding and driving, endurance riding
Organizations American Endurance Ride Assn., Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Assn., New Jersey Trail Ride Assn., Aromatherapists International, American Mustang and Burro Assn., United States Trotting Assn., Standardbred Pleasure Horse Org.
Question About ten days ago I went to get my 5 year old Arab gelding in from the field and he was very lame on nearside front leg, managed to get him in the stable and watched as his shoulder swelled up. Rang the vet he came out said he had damaged the muscles and torn them so we hosed and put ice on the area he had some finadyne and he told me to give him a bute in the morning, well the next day he was so much sounder so he had a few days in the box and within a week he was sound. The vet has said walk him for short periods for two weeks and he can go out in a small paddock. He looks alot better but I noticed yeasterday the walk is not how it was more of a kind of stiffnes than lameness, I see you are a massage therapist and wondered if this is something that would help him recover or if you can suggest anything else that may help. I thought they might scan it but the vet said as he recovered quite quickly there would be no need, should I have one just incase the damage is worse than first thought,any advise would be much appreciated.
Regards Liz
Answer Liz,
A massage therapist would be a big help for him. If he's torn muscles he's a good candidate for body work to help resolve the muscle damage. Until the muscles are worked on he won't be able to use the shoulder correctly. Wouldn't hurt to get a chiropractor to look at him either, after he's had a massage. He could well have things out as a result of the initial injury.
Even though he seems to have recovered well, it still takes muscles a while to really heal. There will be scar tissue as a result of the injury and the msucles won't work properly until that is resolved. that's where the massage therapy comes in.
