Elite Equine Rehab - EER

01/02/2026

post supportive

31/01/2026

🌟 **Understanding the Equine Brachial Plexus: A Vital Network for Our Horses!** 🌟

The **equine brachial plexus** is a crucial network of nerves located in the shoulder region of horses, specifically originating from the spinal nerves C6 to T2. This intricate structure consists of multiple roots that converge into trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches, forming a complex system responsible for innervating the forelimb.

Key Components:
- **Nerve Roots**: C6, C7, C8, T1, T2
- **Major Nerves**: Suprascapular, Subscapular, Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Radial, Median, and Ulnar nerves

Functions:
These nerves innervate various structures, including:
- **Muscles**: Deltoid, Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii, and more
- **Skin**: Sensation in the forelimb and parts of the shoulder

Impact of Restrictions:
Any restrictions or injuries to the brachial plexus can lead to a range of symptoms, such as:
- Weakness in forelimb movement 🐾
- Atrophy of shoulder and upper limb muscles
- Loss of sensation or numbness in the forelimb
- Difficulty in lifting the leg or bearing weight
- Altered gait or lameness

Maintaining and Treating Restrictions:
To promote health and mobility in this area, consider the following strategies:

1. **Regular Stretching Exercises**:
- Implement gentle stretches to enhance flexibility in the shoulder and forelimb.
- Focus on movements that encourage extension and flexion.
I always emphasize the importance of warming up the tissues before implementing stretching exercises. Stretching cold tissues may result in further injury.

2. **Physical Therapy**:
- Consult a qualified equine functional therapist for targeted rehabilitation exercises.
- Techniques such as massage, osteopathic articular balancing, ultrasound, PEMF or laser therapy can improve blood flow and reduce restrictions and tension.

3. **Strengthening Exercises**:
- Gradually introduce exercises that build strength in the affected muscles. Exercises that target lift through the thoracic sling and resistance through protraction are greatly beneficial for strengthening these muscles
- Incorporate resistance training using bands or weights (under professional guidance). The EquiCore is efficient and effective for this work and is versatile in its use.

4. **Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down**:
- Always warm up before exercise and cool down afterward to prevent injuries.
- Include dynamic movements to prepare the muscles for activity. (Under professional guidance and recommendations)

5. **Nutritional Support**:
- Ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support nerve health. Vitamin is a HIGE component for nerve health and maintenance and one that is typically lacking in many equine diets. Vitamin E supplements vary, so finding a supplement that has the most bioavailability to horses is key. This is usually found in the liquid form.
*Note: Improving nerve health is not aomething that happens overnight. It is important to understand that it may take 3-4 months before noting any positive change as nerve damage is typically related to a deep seated deficiency which takes time to correct.
- Consider supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits. I prefer all natural herbal blends. (I make a proprietary blend that’s proven to be very effective).

6. **Regular Veterinary Check-ups**:
- Schedule routine evaluations with your veterinarian to monitor for any signs of nerve compression or injury.
- Early intervention can prevent long-term complications. I also recommend scheduling regular maintenance bodywork/functional therapy for horse as well. Having a baseline of your horses typical body condition and keeping tissues functioning at their peak is key to injury prevetion and development of chronic compensatory patterns.

Importance of Full Range of Motion:
Maintaining a full range of motion in the shoulder and forelimb is essential for:
- **Preventing injuries**: Proper movement reduces strain on the muscles and joints.
- **Enhancing performance**: Flexibility contributes to better athletic ability and overall functionality.
- **Promoting recovery**: Effective movement aids healing and reduces pain.

Monthly functional therapy/bodywork sessions are not just a luxury pampering routine, they’re key to maintaining proper functioning and balance throughout the body. Remembering that everything within the body is interconnected, An issue is one area is an issue everywhere.

I see and hear about so often farriers are blamed for a toe-first hoof placement in the forelimbs of the horse, when actually it’s nerve impingement throughout the brachial plexus causing the abnormality in gait. This is why correct saddle fit and proper conditioning of the thoracic sling are so vital in overall strength and performance.

Understanding the brachial plexus and ensuring optimal function can make a significant difference in your horse's health and ability to function. Let's keep our equine companions moving freely! 🐴💪

leo s e

27/01/2026

🌟 **Elevate Your Equine's Recovery** 🌟

At **Elite Equine Rehab**, we believe that elite horses deserve nothing less than elite care. Our in-house rehabilitation program is designed specifically for your champion, ensuring they receive the highest level of attention and expertise.

🏇 **Why Choose Us?**
- **Expert Care**: Our team consists of highly educated and experienced practitioners who understand the unique needs of elite equine.
- **Customized Plans**: We offer a wide range of treatment modalities tailored to each horse's specific recovery journey.
- **Holistic Approach**: From physical therapy to nutritional guidance, we focus on every aspect of your horse’s well-being.

✨ **Your Horse’s Comeback Starts Here**
“Comeback Bigger Than the Setback” isn’t just a motto; it’s our promise. Let us help your equine athlete regain strength, confidence, and performance.

Services offered, but not limited to:

* Multi Level Laser
* PEMF with Magnawave
* Halo Therapy in our Salt stall
* Equi Vibe
* Cryo Therapy
* Solarium (UV and Infrared)
* Supportive Veterinary Care & Nutritional Guidance
* Functional Therapy

🏠 Vet tech lives on premises.

📞 **Contact Us Today** to learn more about our rehabilitation programs and to schedule a consultation!

(719) 428-0104

with

24/01/2026

“What can some proper & consistent nutrition ... and some TLC do for a horse? See the BEFORE ...and then AFTER ( Gina Marie ) arrived photos. She's a professional bring - em - back - from - the - edge rehabilitator (and so much more in the rehabilitation world). But the key word is -- PROFESSIONAL! She knows what horses need, and she delivers! And she is the one who graciously allowed Justice to stay at the barn here when the last "caretakers" pulled out early, leaving everyone scrambling to find new accommodations for their horses. Justice is too old to be scrambled around! So, thank you Gina! He looks great! And if he's chasing rabbits around his paddock, he's FEELING great (and happy) as well! :)” -Andrea Lopez

24/01/2026

22/01/2026

**Unlocking the Mystery of Trigger Points: Why Massage Therapy is the Key** 🧘‍♀️✨

Ever heard of “knots” in muscles? It’s time to rethink that! Trigger points aren’t just lumps; they’re complex neuromuscular events involving sustained muscle contractions, reduced blood flow, and altered pain signaling.

What’s Really Happening?
- **Sarcomere Contraction**:
- When sarcomeres (the basic units of muscle) remain contracted, they compress surrounding blood vessels, leading to local ischemia. This means tissues aren’t getting the oxygen and nutrients they need, causing pain.

- **Metabolite Buildup**:
- As blood flow decreases, harmful metabolites accumulate, sensitizing pain receptors and making the area more reactive.

The Role of Magnesium and Calcium
- **Magnesium**: Magnesium (Mg) is crucial for muscle relaxation, acting as a natural calcium blocker that controls its flow, preventing over-excitation and spasms, while also stabilizing ATP (energy) for proper contraction and powering the pumps that move calcium back into storage, ensuring smooth contraction-relaxation cycles. It helps nerves decrease excitability, allowing muscles to relax after contracting, and is vital for energy (ATP) function, protein synthesis for muscle repair, and overall muscle health. A deficiency can lead to increased muscle tension and trigger point formation.
- **Calcium**: Calcium ions are the crucial trigger for muscle contraction, acting as a "switch" by binding to the protein troponin, which moves tropomyosin to expose the myosin-binding sites on actin filaments, allowing the myosin heads to attach, pull, and cause muscle shortening. Without calcium, these sites are blocked, preventing contraction; when calcium levels rise, it initiates the "sliding filament" process, leading to muscle contraction, and pumps it back to end it. An imbalance can contribute to sustained contraction and the persistence of trigger points.

Phases of Muscle Contraction
1. **Excitation**:
- **Acetylcholine (ACh)** is released at the neuromuscular junction, triggering an action potential in the muscle fiber.

2. **Coupling**:
- Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, allowing myosin to bind to actin.

3. **Contraction**:
- Myosin heads pivot and pull actin filaments, shortening the sarcomere and resulting in muscle contraction. This phase requires ATP for energy.

4. **Relaxation**:
- Calcium is reabsorbed, ACh is broken down, and the muscle fiber returns to its resting state.

Trigger Points and Fasciculations
- Not only do trigger points cause pain, but they can also lead to **fasciculations**—involuntary muscle twitches. These twitches occur due to the overstimulation of motor units in response to altered signaling from trigger points, adding to discomfort and disrupting normal muscle function.

The Role of Pain Signaling
Once receptors are sensitized, they send signals to the brain that can cause:
- Local pain
- Referred pain patterns
- Increased muscle tension
- Altered movement
- **Fasciculations** due to heightened nerve activity

This creates a cycle of pain and tension that can persist even after the initial stressor is gone.

Why Massage Therapy Works Wonders
Massage therapy tackles the root of the problem by addressing:
1. **Restoring Circulation**:
- Applying pressure and release improves blood flow, delivering oxygen and clearing out toxins.

2. **Altering Sensory Input**:
- Massage stimulates mechanoreceptors, reducing the perception of threat and pain.

3. **Reducing Motor Activity**:
- Gentle pressure calms overactive muscle responses, allowing for natural relaxation.

4. **Engaging the Parasympathetic System**:
- Slow, intentional touch promotes relaxation and adaptability in tissues.

5. **Working with the Nervous System**:
- Unlike aggressive techniques, massage respects tissue tolerance and encourages natural release.

The Bottom Line
Trigger points signal a breakdown in circulation, metabolism, and sensory regulation. Instead of forcing them away, massage therapy supports all three, restoring balance and communication between your body and nervous system.

When blood flow improves, sensory clarity returns, and protective muscle tone decreases—leading to lasting relief.

**Remember**: Trigger points are signals to resolve, not knots to break! 🌟💆‍♂️

14/01/2026

“Where would start in order of importance of release during a .

14/01/2026

https://youtu.be/WkbO7xXO-Ms?feature=shared

This little filly came in with an acquired case of contracted tendons, laxity of the fetlock joints and a ton of heart and sass. She had received the surgery...

10/01/2026

**🌟 Understanding the Equine Vagus Nerve: A Key to Equine Health 🌟**

**What is the Vagus Nerve?**
The vagus nerve, one of the most critical cranial nerves, plays a vital role in the overall health of the horse. It originates in the brainstem and extends throughout the body, innervating major organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

**Origin and Attachment Points**
- **Origin**: The vagus nerve begins in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem and exits the skull through the jugular foramen. Its path is closely related to the atlanto-occipital joint, which is the joint between the skull and the first cervical vertebra and travels down the neck, running alongside the carotid artery within the carotid sheath, forming the vagosympathetic trunk, but it doesn't attach directly to spinal vertebrae, rather it courses with fascia and connects to organs and structures like the larynx, trachea, esophagus, heart, lungs, and digestive tract, influencing parasympathetic functions, with key fascial connections (Deep Ventral Line) running along the spine's ventral aspect. Thus, the importance of Still Point therapy and osteopathic mobilization…. Understanding the CSR (Cranio Sacral Rythym), how to recognize restriction and to mobilze cranial and spinal tissues to facilitate balance in the flow and vitality of the CSF (Cerebral Spinal Fluid).
It travels along the Deep Ventral Line (DVL), a significant fascial plane that runs along the ventral (belly) side of the spine, connecting to the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
While there are no direct spinal attachments (in the sense of a ligament/muscle), it is closely associated with the spine's general location and fascia, its primary "attachments" are to the visceral organs, not the vertebral bones themselves.
Even though the vagus nerve is not directly attached to the spine, equine OAB (osteopathic articular balancing) can still significantly benefit vagus nerve function.

Since we know the vagus nerve gives off branches to the pharynx, larynx, trachea, heart, and lungs before continuing to the abdomen, the therapist focuses on restoring balance and function within the musculoskeletal system.

It's a major nerve for the parasympathetic nervous system, controlling heart rate, digestion, breathing, and immune responses, acting as a vital communication link.

Vagus nerve impingement symptoms in horses vary but often include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling, nasal reflux, weight loss, colic signs, abnormal respiratory sounds (like roaring), exercise intolerance, and sometimes hind-leg weakness or incoordination, as the vagus nerve controls vital functions like digestion, heart rate, and swallowing. Signs can range from subtle performance issues to severe gastrointestinal or respiratory distress, depending on which part of the nerve is affected.
Common Symptoms Related to Digestion & Swallowing:
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, leading to drooling, food coming back out the nose (nasal reflux), or pooling of food.
Colic: Intermittent abdominal pain, often due to poor gut motility (like ileus or impaction).
Weight Loss/Cachexia: Profound loss of condition, especially in chronic cases.
Dry & Tacky Mucous Membranes: Indicating dehydration or autonomic dysfunction.
Symptoms Related to Respiration & Performance:
Respiratory Noises: Roaring or other abnormal sounds due to laryngeal paralysis (a branch of the vagus nerve).
Exercise Intolerance: Poor performance or difficulty breathing during exertion.
Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP): A fluttering sound during exercise, as the palate moves over the larynx.
Neurological/Motor Signs:
Ataxia/Weakness: Incoordination, stumbling, often worse in the hindquarters, though less common than digestive signs.
Head Tilt/Facial Droop: May occur if other cranial nerves (like the facial nerve) are also involved.
Other Signs:
Elevated Heart Rate: In chronic cases, as the nerve struggles to slow the heart.
Behavioral Changes: Such as biting at the handler or reluctance to be girthed (can be related to girth pain, which might involve nerve irritation).
❓Why it's so complex❓
The vagus nerve affects many systems, so symptoms are diverse. Signs can mimic other conditions like EPM or girth pain, so a vet diagnosis using endoscopy and other neurological exams is pertinent.

Osteopathic functional therapy is crucial for maintaining the normal function of the vagus nerve. This noninvasive holistic approach helps to:
- **Restore Balance**: Helps alleviate nerve impingement, promoting better organ function.
- **Enhance Mobility**: Improves overall body mechanics, which can reduce stress and tension affecting the vagus nerve.
- **Support Emotional Well-being**: By addressing physical imbalances, it enhances emotional health and resilience.

Incorporating osteopathic therapy can lead to a happier, healthier horse—one that thrives physically and emotionally! 🐴❤️

06/01/2026

Releasing the gelding scar on horses is an important consideration for equine body workers, primarily functional therapists as it has been a growing topic of conversation as of late. This often-overlooked aspect of post-castration care has significant implications for the horse's overall mobility, balance, stride, and performance due to the interconnected nature of fascia.

🐴Understanding the Gelding Scar

A gelding scar, resulting from the surgical castration of colts/studs, can lead to the formation of scar tissue at the surgical site. While this procedure is usually performed for behavioral management, breeding prevention, and health reasons, the scar tissue can affect the horse's movement and overall body function long term.

⚖️Effects on Mobility and Balance

1. **Scar Tissue Formation**: The healing process can create fibrous tissue that restricts movement. If this scar tissue becomes tight or adherent to surrounding structures, it may lead to stiffness, impacting mobility and balance.

2. **Biomechanics**: Discomfort or stiffness associated with the scar can alter the horse's biomechanics, leading to compromised balance, particularly during dynamic movements.

🐎Influence on Stride and Gait

1. **Stride Length**: Horses with restrictions from a gelding scar may exhibit shortened strides, especially during activities requiring power and agility.

2. **Symmetry and Gait Quality**: An affected horse may demonstrate asymmetrical movement patterns, leading to inconsistencies in gait and overall performance quality.

🕸️Whole-Body Impact through Fascia

Fascia, the connective tissue that envelops muscles, organs, and nerves, plays a critical role in the horse's body mechanics. The interconnectedness of fascia means that a restriction caused by a gelding scar can lead to a chain reaction of effects throughout the entire body.

1. **Fascial Restrictions**: Scar tissue can cause restrictions within the fascial network, limiting mobility beyond the immediate area of the scar.

2. **Altered Movement Patterns**: As horses compensate for discomfort, they may develop altered movement patterns, leading to uneven wear on joints and muscles.

3. **Core Stability**: Restrictions in fascia can affect core muscle engagement, decreasing overall stability and balance.

4. **Chain Reaction of Tension**: Tension from the scar can affect distant regions of the body, leading to issues in symmetry and coordination.

5. **Pain and Discomfort**: Localized pain from the gelding scar may cause a horse to shift its weight or posture, impacting the kinetic chain and potentially leading to lameness or fatigue.

💥Addressing the Impact

1. **Holistic Assessment**: A thorough evaluation by a veterinarian or equine therapist can identify restrictions and imbalances stemming from the gelding scar.

2. **Fascial Release Techniques**: Myofascial release or massage therapy can alleviate restrictions, promoting better mobility and reducing discomfort.

3. **Targeted Exercise Programs**: Implementing exercises that focus on strengthening the core and enhancing flexibility can help mitigate compensatory patterns.

4. **Regular Monitoring**: Continuous evaluation of the horse’s movement and performance can help recognize changes over time, allowing for timely interventions.

🏁Finally, the release of a gelding scar has far-reaching effects on a horse's total body function, particularly through the fascia's interconnected network. Understanding these connections can enhance a horse's mobility, balance, stride, and overall performance. Taking a holistic approach to care and training can lead to improved outcomes, allowing horses to move with greater efficiency and comfort.

If you suspect that a gelding scar is affecting your horse, consulting with a professional can provide valuable strategies for effective management and improvement.

05/01/2026

🌟 **Elevate Your Equine's Recovery** 🌟

At **Elite Equine Rehab**, we believe that elite horses deserve nothing less than elite care. Our in-house rehabilitation program is designed specifically for your champion, ensuring they receive the highest level of attention and expertise.

🏇 **Why Choose Us?**
- **Expert Care**: Our team consists of highly educated and experienced practitioners who understand the unique needs of elite equine athletes.
- **Customized Plans**: We work closely with local and referred veterinarians to offer a wide range of treatment peotocols and holistic modalities tailored to each horse's specific healing journey.
- **Holistic Approach**: From physical therapy with the latest treatment technology to nutritional guidance, we focus on every aspect of your horse’s well-being.

✨ **Your Horse’s Comeback Starts Here**
“Making Comebacks Bigger Than the Setbacks” isn’t just a motto; it’s our promise. Let us help your equine athlete regain strength, confidence, and performance.

📞 **Contact Us Today** to learn more about our rehabilitation programs and to schedule a consultation!
(719) 428-0104
Eliteequinerehab.orgent