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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. 

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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

  • TMJ

2. Difficulty Bending

  • TMJ

  • Occiput Bone

  • C1 (atlas) - C6

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

3. Trouble picking up correct lead

  • Occiout Bone

  • C1 (atlas)

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroilliac Joint) 

4. No flexion at poll

  • Occiput Bone

  • C1 (atlas)

  • Fetlock

5. Doesn't want haltering/bridling/ears touched

  • Occiput bone

  • C2-C6

6. Head shaking

  • C1 (atlas)

7. Issues collecting

  • C2-C6

  • Tail

8. Braces on reins

  • C2-C6

9. Wide turns

  • C2-C7

  • Shoulder Joint

  • Stifle (hard time turning out)

  • Hock

10. Drops shoulder when circling

  • C2-C6

11. Clubbed foot 

  • C7

  • Elbow

12. Decreased range in motion

  • C7

13. Shortened stride

  • 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

  • Shoulder joint

20. Difficult to fit saddle

  • Shoulder joint

  • Sternum

21. Girthy

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

22. Shortness of breath during exercise

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

 

 

23. Extending legs

  • Elbow

24. Doesn't want to jump

  • Elbow

  • Stifle joint

25. Lands on toe first when moving

  • Elbow

  • Fetlock

26. Stumbling when jumping

  • Fetlock

27. Doesn't want to be saddled/mounted

  • Withers

28. Difficulty, lateral bend

  • Withers

29. General stiffness when riding

  • 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

  • Lumbar Spine

  • SI (Sacroiliac Joint)

34. Hock/Stifle issues

  • Lumbar Spine

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint

  • Stifle (issues appear on opposite leg)

35. Transitioning issues

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Hock

36. Shortened stride, back end

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Hip Joint

  • Stifle Joint

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hock

37. Hind end stiffness

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint

  • Stifle joint

38. Clamps or holds tail down or to one side

  • Sacrum

39. Sore gluteal muscles

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint (tight gluteal muscles)

40. Hunters bump

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

41. One hind leg standing out

  • Hip joint

42. Pushing off hind end

  • Hock

43. Prefers to trot

  • Hock

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