Balanced Step®

Balanced Step A unique approach to creating musculo-skeletal health
	What can go wrong? Only healthy fascia allows specialized tissues (such as muscles) to slide against each other without interference. Healthy fascia and muscles can become dysfunctional due to: Trauma (injury) Bad postural habits causing chronic unnatural shortening or lengthening of muscles and creating asymmetries that can negatively affect a joint’s range of motion Illness Diet Bad postural habits are often the main cause of muscular dysfunction. We all have a stronger and weaker side, including animals. The muscles on the stronger side are often overdeveloped, while the ones on the weaker side are underdeveloped, creating asymmetries that interfere with optimal musculo-skeletal function. Horses tend to have body asymmetry problems very similar to humans (most horse are right side dominant). They are often exacerbated by the rider’s own body imbalances, which will restrict maximum performance. Typical side dominance issues in horses and riders: The dominant side of the horse tends to be convex, while the weaker side tends to be concave. The muscles on the dominant side tend to be more developed. This is particularly noticeable in then shoulders. Horses prefer the left canter when they are right side dominant, or the right when the left side is more dominant, as they naturally bend towards their weaker side and prefer to use the stronger diagonal hind leg for strike off Horses tend to resist stretching the shorter and weaker side on a circle Riders tend to sit heavier on their dominant side and the horse will adjust its balance accordingly , therefore perpetuating the existing imbalances Riders tend to collapse at the waist on the dominant side Riders tend to lean forward due to tight hipflexor muscles caused by mostly working in a sitting position off the horse	Illustration of postural habits -Rider's dropped right shoulder -Sitting heavier to the left -Collapsing in the right waist -Right hip pulled up -Feet uneven -Horse convex and more developed on right side (right side dominant horse)

	It is therefore important for the rider to be aware of his/her own asymmetries and address them through exercises with the goal of becoming as symmetrical and balanced as possible. *"Cold Backed" Horses* A horse with a sore back (often referred to as cold backed) is another problem that massage therapists often are called upon to treat. There are several possible causes of a sore back: Saddle fit Hock or other joint issues Pelvic subluxations, including the sacro-iliac joints Ulcers Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) or Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) Selenium deficiency Ovarian/heat cycle related issues in mares Hoof imbalances Teeth issues Rider/training created inverted, hollow-backed horse (creates weak abdominals and overly tight back muscles) Indicators of a sore back include: Dropping down when mounted, palpated or saddled Acting girthy and possibly grumpy A loss of brilliance or forward movement Bucking, bolting & rearing "Cold backed" horses can also hold their backs during work and may have trouble tracking up, even if they should be able to. More subtle signs that indicate potential musculo-skeletal problems in the body include training resistances and excessive tail swishing. This is how a horse communicates discomfort and should be listened too. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is assumed by the rider or handler that the horse is just being disobedient and is pushed through the resistance, often with disastrous results. Normally well behaved horse will give in easily. If the resistance escalates, always consider possibly pain issues, or mental over stimulation. Trauma and illness can cause adhesions and scar tissue that will also decrease the function of a muscle, often accompanied by pain or discomfort. If not addressed, this muscular dysfunction can become permanent and will eventually affect other muscles as well, as the body tries to compensate for the weakness. Even diet-related issues, such as EPSM, Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER), selenium deficiency, dehydration and certain mineral imbalances, can directly affect fascia and muscle tissue. If your horse (or you) has health or performance issues and a veterinarian (or your doctor) has ruled out possible pathological, ergonomic or nutritional causes, chances are that the issues are due to tension in the body caused by muscular dysfunction. When it comes to health problems, never underestimate the involvement of the muscle fascia. Only healthy fascia and muscles can support optimal health and performance. Massage therapy can expedite the healing and improvement of muscle disorders and restore optimal muscle function and balance.
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