Preliminary investigation into the effects of chiropractic treatment, myofascial release, and a combined treatment on mechanical nociceptive thresholds of horses

Preliminary investigation into the effects of chiropractic treatment, myofascial release, and a combined treatment on mechanical nociceptive thresholds of horses

Chiropractic treatment alone and when combined with myofascial release techniques (MFR) reduced response to pain compared to no treatment or MFR alone.

By combining the chiropractic technique with myofascial release, this study was able to demonstrate a far greater effect on the horse’s body than by the use of myofascial release alone which is an important finding.

This research is important in understanding the effects of chiropractic and soft tissue therapies on the overall musculoskeletal system

Poster presentation and winner of ‘Best Equine poster’ at International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) conference 2022. Best Research Abstract Poster at Horses Inside Out Conference 2023. 

Highlights

• Objective investigation of effect of manual chiropractic (CT) and when combined with myofascial release techniques (MFR) on sensitivity to pain of the thoracolumbar musculature.
• A statistically positive effect of a single chiropractic treatment and also when combined with MFR reduced muscle tenderness for up to 7 days compared to no treatment and MFR alone.

Further research is warranted with larger cohorts and with horses with back pain.

Wenman E., Routledge N., Hunnisett A.

Abstract

Poster