Chiropractic is a manual treatment method that has been known for many years and can be used to treat various movement disorders, rideability problems and their consequences in horses. Chiropractic centres on the dysfunction of the spine and the effect of these disorders on the nervous system and the organism as a whole.

Chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine, but offers a useful complement to conventional medicine, particularly in the treatment of problems in the spinal column and many acute and chronic pain conditions of mechanical origin.

The functional misalignment or functional restriction of movement of a vertebral joint is referred to as a „subluxation“ or, colloquially, a „blockage“. This means that the normal range of movement of one or more vertebral joints is restricted. This leads to tension, stiffness and pain in the surrounding tissue and muscles, causing neurophysiological problems. A compressed or crushed nerve slows down the transmission of stimuli or information and the performance of the affected structures (joints, muscles) is restricted.

The treatment is carried out using the so-called „thrust“, a very specific, rapid movement impulse performed with the hands. The functional misalignment of the joints is corrected and the mobility, health and performance of the affected structures are restored.

Chiropractic treatment is also an effective preventative measure to keep your horse healthy, as it focuses on functional disorders in the spine and limbs, which often occur or can be felt before imaging findings.

Used as a supplement for both acute and chronic problems, it can support healing and prevent secondary problems in the rest of the musculoskeletal system.

A one-off chiropractic treatment can often be sufficient, especially if it is combined with other therapeutic approaches. In the case of chronic conditions or prolonged illnesses, follow-up treatment is often necessary and also sensible, as the muscles and ligaments have also shortened and changed due to the prolonged resting posture or blockages.

To summarise, chiropractic is a useful and sensible complementary treatment for: Rideability problems (resistance, bending, forward-downward stretching), lameness (compensation, misuse and overuse), muscle problems (stiffness), saddle problems, after general anaesthesia or injury, as prevention.