CranioSacral Therapy
Learn about CST
As horsemen/horsewomen, we are very familiar with our horses experiencing injuries or accidents of some sort (cue the bubble wrap jokes!). Whether this injury occurred as a newborn during a difficult birth, as a fall while being saddle broke or as a setback injury while spooking while being tied to the trailer, most of us who own horses know that accidents come with the territory. For the most part, the horse seems “ok” after the accident, but these apparently mild injuries sub clinically damage soft tissue, muscle/fascia and even skeletal structures. Over time, these subclinical injuries lead to compensation patterns which show up as problems in competition or ridden work, such as lameness or decreased performance.
In addition to these compensations, we add in the unavoidable pressures of riding- on the horse’s back from the saddle/rider and on the horse’s head from the halter, bit, noseband, tongue tie, etc.
So, these compensation patterns and pressures from riding all add up to muscles and fascia being restricted and forced to move in a different manner, to changes in blood flow, and to changes in the ways that nerves function. There are some very important nerves associated with the cranium, called cranial nerves. These nerves actually originate off the brain itself and are responsible for controlling the function of many systems of your horse. You can see how restrictions in the skull will contribute to problems with these cranial nerves such as spookiness, digestive issues, headshaking, swallowing and hearing issues, eye problems, and many more.
CST sessions help to return normal function to these systems by releasing the restrictions.
What to expect with treatment
*After initial assessment involving both a moving and hands on exam, your horse’s specific restrictions will be addressed with an extremely light touch technique. Most horses that will not tolerate chiropractic will love CST.
*Results can often be seen in 1-2 treatments with 3-6 recommended. Treatments last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 ½ hours.