A case study utilizing myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy to treat bilateral “Stringhalt” in a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse.

The study examines the effectiveness of using alternative therapies, namely myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy, to reduce symptoms of a debilitating horse disease called “Stringhalt”. The case involves a 12-year-old Akhal-Teke horse that developed stringhalt after being injured by barbed wire.

Introduction to Stringhalt and Conventional Treatments

• “Stringhalt” is a disease that causes spasms in one or both of a horse’s hind legs, impacting the creature’s ability to walk, trot, or back up.
• The conventional treatment method involves performing surgery to cut the digital extensors, although the results from this procedure have varied.
• The disease, thought to result from plant toxicity or peripheral nerve injury, has a poor prognosis and can significantly affect a horse’s performance and quality of life.

The Case Study: Applying Alternative Therapies

• The subject of this study, a 12-year-old Akhal-Teke horse, sustained injuries to the bone in her hind legs due to a barbed wire accident. The horse subsequently developed stringhalt while confined to her stall for several months after the initial injury.
• To treat the condition, she received six bi-weekly sessions of treatment, each lasting between one and one and a half hours. These treatments involved myofascial release at the cervical, sacrum, and iliums areas, bladder meridian acupressure, and trigger point release of the iliacus.
• Prior to each session, the horse’s stringhalt symptoms were monitored for half an hour. Since these treatments, the horse’s condition has improved – she can now run and maintain positions which promote hip extension.

Observations and Conclusion

• The frequency and severity of the horse’s spasms have decreased considerably, now occurring every 10 to 20 minutes instead of every 3 to 5 minutes as before.
• The horse’s owners reported improved disposition, decreased stress levels, and enhanced quality of life.
• These positive outcomes suggest that myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapies might be viable alternative treatments for stringhalt. However, it’s important to note that the authority and skill set required to treat equines vary by state.