By recognizing where joint dysfunction is happening, we can almost always easily find the source of the issue. In most cases, by applying certain modalities like myo-fascial release and myo-manipulative functional therapies,
we can assist the body to realign and adjust itself.


Joint dysfunction can have a trickle effect from the origin of injury or imbalance. That means that an injury or imbalance on the hind end can cause issues in multiple areas of the body and cause immobility, stiffness and even lameness. Below are dysfunctions linked to a variety of symptoms.
1. Can't open mouth wide/Won't take bit/Chewing/dropping food
Head shy
Can't touch poll
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TMJ
2. Difficulty Bending
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TMJ
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Occiput Bone
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C1 (atlas) - C6
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Sternum
-
Ribs
3. Trouble picking up correct lead
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Occiout Bone
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C1 (atlas)
-
Lumbar Spine
-
Sacrum
-
SI (sacroilliac Joint)
4. No flexion at poll
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Occiput Bone
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C1 (atlas)
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Fetlock
5. Doesn't want haltering/bridling/ears touched
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Occiput bone
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C2-C6
6. Head shaking
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C1 (atlas)
7. Issues collecting
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C2-C6
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Tail
8. Braces on reins
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C2-C6
9. Wide turns
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C2-C7
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Shoulder Joint
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Stifle (hard time turning out)
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Hock
10. Drops shoulder when circling
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C2-C6
11. Clubbed foot
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C7
-
Elbow
12. Decreased range in motion
-
C7
13. Shortened stride
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C7
-
Elbow
14. Pushing shoulder out during trimming
-
C7
15. Saddle shifting
-
Scalpula
16. Tripping
-
Scapula
-
Elbow
17. Doesn't want to stretch front legs
-
Scapula
-
Ribs
18. Front end stiffness
-
Scapula
-
Withers
19. Lack of range in shoulder/reluctancing to stretch shoulder
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Shoulder joint
20. Difficult to fit saddle
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Shoulder joint
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Sternum
21. Girthy
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Sternum
-
Ribs
22. Shortness of breath during exercise
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Sternum
-
Ribs
23. Extending legs
-
Elbow
24. Doesn't want to jump
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Elbow
-
Stifle joint
25. Lands on toe first when moving
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Elbow
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Fetlock
26. Stumbling when jumping
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Fetlock
27. Doesn't want to be saddled/mounted
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Withers
28. Difficulty, lateral bend
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Withers
29. General stiffness when riding
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Thoracic
-
Ribs
-
Lumbar Spine
30. Doesn't want to collect
-
Thoracic
31. Hump in back when mounted
-
Thoracic
32. Hypersensitivity to touch over back
-
Thoracic
-
Ribs
33. Stocking up/back legs
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Lumbar Spine
-
SI (Sacroiliac Joint)
34. Hock/Stifle issues
-
Lumbar Spine
-
SI (sacroiliac joint)
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Hip joint
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Stifle (issues appear on opposite leg)
35. Transitioning issues
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Lumbar Spine
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Hock
36. Shortened stride, back end
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Lumbar Spine
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Hip Joint
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Stifle Joint
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SI (sacroiliac joint)
-
Hock
37. Hind end stiffness
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Sacrum
-
SI (sacroiliac joint)
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Hip joint
-
Stifle joint
38. Clamps or holds tail down or to one side
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Sacrum
39. Sore gluteal muscles
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Sacrum
-
SI (sacroiliac joint)
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Hip joint (tight gluteal muscles)
40. Hunters bump
-
SI (sacroiliac joint)
41. One hind leg standing out
-
Hip joint
42. Pushing off hind end
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Hock
43. Prefers to trot
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Hock