Rehabilitation after kissing spine surgery in horses is a critical phase that requires careful management to ensure a successful recovery. Equine osteopathy plays a pivotal role in this process, providing holistic care to address musculoskeletal issues, improve range of motion, and enhance overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how equine osteopathy contributes to the rehabilitation journey post-kissing spine surgery.
Understanding Kissing Spine Surgery:
Kissing spine, or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), is a common condition in horses characterized by the impingement of adjacent spinous processes along the horse’s back. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced performance. Kissing spine surgery aims to alleviate these symptoms by surgically modifying the affected spinous processes, allowing for increased space and reduced impingement.
Challenges of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:
After kissing spine surgery, horses require a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength, mobility, and flexibility. However, the surgical intervention itself can lead to post-operative complications such as muscle stiffness, scar tissue formation, and altered biomechanics. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal performance.
Role of Equine Osteopathy in Rehabilitation:
Equine osteopathy focuses on restoring balance and function to the musculoskeletal system through manual techniques, including manipulation, massage, and stretching. During the rehabilitation phase post-kissing spine surgery, osteopathy can address several key areas:
- Pain Management: Osteopathic techniques such as myofascial release and gentle manipulation help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with surgery, promoting a faster recovery.
- Muscle Rehabilitation: Surgery can lead to muscle atrophy and weakness due to disuse. Osteopathic treatments target specific muscle groups, promoting strength, flexibility, and proper biomechanics.
- Scar Tissue Management: Osteopathic manipulation can help prevent the formation of excessive scar tissue and improve the mobility of tissues around the surgical site, reducing the risk of adhesions and stiffness.
- Postural Function: Osteopathy aims to restore proper function and balance throughout the horse’s body, addressing any compensatory patterns that may have developed pre or post-surgery.
- Overall Well-being: Equine osteopathy takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, considering the horse’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, osteopathic treatments contribute to a positive recovery experience.
Rehabilitation Phases Explained
Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-4)
- Pain Management: Administer prescribed pain relief medication as directed by your vet to ensure comfort during the initial recovery phase.
- Restricted Movement: Implement box rest or limited turnout to prevent excessive strain on the surgical site. Gradually introduce controlled in hand walking to encourage circulation and prevent stiffness.
- Gentle Osteopathic Assessment: These first sessions will focus on identifying compensatory patterns, muscle tension, and any residual discomfort related to the surgery.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Perform gentle soft tissue techniques to release tension in surrounding muscles and fascia. This aids in reducing compensatory strain and promoting relaxation.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Engage in passive range of motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent adhesions. Focus on gentle flexion and extension of the spine, encouraging suppleness.
Phase 2: Progressive Rehabilitation (Weeks 5-12)
- Gradual Increase in Exercise: Begin a controlled, structured exercise regimen. Incorporate controlled lunging and groundwork to gradually rebuild muscle strength and endurance.
- Osteopathic Treatment Sessions: Regular osteopathic sessions will address any lingering biomechanical imbalances and ensure optimal musculoskeletal function. These will focus on maintaining spinal function, improving joint mobility, and resolving any compensatory issues.
- Core Strengthening Exercises: Introduce specific exercises targeting core muscles to enhance spinal stability and support. Incorporate exercises such as belly lifts, carrot stretches, and gentle pole work to engage the abdominal and back muscles.
- Progressive Loading: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise sessions, taking care to monitor for any signs of discomfort or fatigue. Avoid sudden increases in workload and prioritize consistency over intensity.
Phase 3: Advanced Conditioning (Months 3-6)
- Discipline-specific Training: Start tailoring your rehabilitation program to your horse’s intended discipline, gradually reintroducing discipline-specific movements and skills. Focus on developing balance, coordination, and suppleness relevant to the demands of the sport.
- Cross-training: Incorporate a variety of activities such as hill work and raised poll exercises to promote overall fitness and prevent overuse injuries. Ensure a balanced approach to training to avoid excessive strain on the spine.
- Ongoing Osteopathic Maintenance: Continued regular osteopathic treatments will address any ongoing biomechanical issues and optimize performance. Treatment frequency will be based on your horse’s response to training and ongoing assessment findings.
- Monitoring and Re-evaluation: Monitor your horse’s progress closely throughout the rehabilitation process, reassessing spinal function, muscle development, and overall performance regularly.
Each horse is individual and their rehabilitation program should be adjusted to suit them specifically. Always make sure to have a great relationship with your vet and osteopath so that the best rehabilitation plan can be established for your own horse.
