Equine PT and Rehab (not done)

T/F tendons return to the same strength after they heal?

False

What does active stretching do?

Promotes circulation, decrease muscle spasm, mobilize adhesion and scar and aid in lymphatic drainage can also aid in pain relief by relieving tension on nerve pathways

How can you get a horse to cooperate for active stretching?

Food (baited stretches)

What are the benefits of a therapeutic massae?

Promotes lymphatic drainage but that is the only evidence

What is a good stretching protoco?

2 reps max of 30 seconds total about 3 times a week

Over stretching will increase soreness and reduce ROM

What is the goal of joint mobilization and manipulations?

Pain relief, restoration of normal joint biomechanics and nerve function, improved muscle function, promote healing

Treats joint dysfunction that limit range of motion by addressing altered joint function

What are some factors that alter joint mechanics?

Joint hypomobility, joint effusion, soft tissue contracture, fibrosis in capsule or tendon sheath

How much force should you apply during a joint mobilization and manipulation?

Light enough so horse can stop the motion if desired and applied in varying speeds, amplitude or rhythms

What are the benefits of cold application?

Decreases circulation, cell metabolism, secondary tissue damage, edema, muscle spasms, and pain

When is cold therapy most effective?

Early period after injury or surgery

Why is reducing tissue metabolism beneficial with cold application?

Inhibits effects of inflammatory mediators and slows enzyme activity

When is cold application most effective?

First 24-48 hours post injury

What is a good schedule for cold applicaiton?

times a week for 10 minutes

What is the benefit of heat therapy?

Increase local circulation and muscle relaxation, decrease pain and increase tissue extensibility

T/F soft tissues can stretch more by warming?

True

When is heat therapy useful?

After the acute inflammation phase

What is a good regiment for heat therapy?

Go to a temp of 40-45 C for 15-30 minutes

What is the max length you should do heat therapy for before you cause pain and irreversible damage?

45 minutes

How does electrotherapy work?

Makes the muscles contract through motor nerve stimulation

What are the benefits of electrotherapy?

Improves venous and lymphatic drainage, prevents muscle atrophy and prevents formation of unwanted adhesions and scar tissue formation, builds and reeducates damaged or weak muscles and encourages nutrition into the affected area

BUT there is limited research on if it works in horses

What are the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy?

Induced electromagnetic field penetrates deeply into tissues and affects cellular metabolism

Calcium modulated signaling

NO signalin

What are the uses of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy?

Bone healing

Arthritis

Inflammation/pain/edema

Tissue healing

What are the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy?

Pressure wave creates cavitation that results in tissue microtrauma and subsequent tissue response

Increased local blood flow

Temporary local analgesia

What are the tissue effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy?

Lab animal evidence shows increased osteogenic activity and neovascularization at bone/tendon interface

In vivo shows clinical and tissue effect with OA

Clinically shows to help with tissue remodeling in soft tissue structures like tendons and ligaments

When is extracorporeal shockwave therapy most effective?

By using the analgesia to allow patient to complete other beneficial activities

What are the effects of hyperbaric oxygen?

Increased oxygen delivery to tissues at supra-atmospheric pressures (2-3) in the presence of 70-90% oxygen

What is spinal manipulative therapy?

Motion palpation of joints to identify and correct chiropractic subluxations to remove interference with the nervous system and allow the body to restore itself to normal function

What are the effects of acupuncture?

Pain control, edema reduction, muscle spasm reduction, vasodilation, neuronal regeneration, scar tissue reduction

How can acupuncture be done?

Applied with needles, with laser energy, or pressure points

What is dry needling?

Insertion of purpose developed needles into areas of myofascial pain or tension

What is the effect of dry needling?

Relieve pain and tension of affected muscle group to restore movement to the area

How do you decide what rehab modality to use?

Based on C/S and tissue affected but there is little scientific evidence to guide clinical practice. Usually go off of experience