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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

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2. Difficulty Bending

  • TMJ

  • Occiput Bone

  • C1 (atlas) - C6

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

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3. Trouble picking up correct lead

  • Occiout Bone

  • C1 (atlas)

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroilliac Joint) 

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4. No flexion at poll

  • Occiput Bone

  • C1 (atlas)

  • Fetlock

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

  • Occiput bone

  • C2-C6

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6. Head shaking

  • C1 (atlas)

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7. Issues collecting

  • C2-C6

  • Tail

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8. Braces on reins

  • C2-C6

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9. Wide turns

  • C2-C7

  • Shoulder Joint

  • Stifle (hard time turning out)

  • Hock

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10. Drops shoulder when circling

  • C2-C6

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11. Clubbed foot 

  • C7

  • Elbow

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12. Decreased range in motion

  • C7

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13. Shortened stride

  • C7

  • Elbow

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14. Pushing shoulder out during trimming 

  • C7

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15. Saddle shifting 

  • Scalpula

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16. Tripping

  • Scapula

  • Elbow

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17. Doesn't want to stretch front legs

  • Scapula

  • Ribs

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18. Front end stiffness

  • Scapula

  • Withers

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19. Lack of range in shoulder/reluctancing to stretch shoulder

  • Shoulder joint

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20. Difficult to fit saddle

  • Shoulder joint

  • Sternum

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21. Girthy

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

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22. Shortness of breath during exercise

  • Sternum

  • Ribs

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23. Extending legs

  • Elbow

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24. Doesn't want to jump

  • Elbow

  • Stifle joint

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25. Lands on toe first when moving

  • Elbow

  • Fetlock

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26. Stumbling when jumping

  • Fetlock

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27. Doesn't want to be saddled/mounted

  • Withers

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28. Difficulty, lateral bend

  • Withers

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29. General stiffness when riding

  • Thoracic

  • Ribs

  • Lumbar Spine

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30. Doesn't want to collect

  • Thoracic

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31. Hump in back when mounted

  • Thoracic

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32. Hypersensitivity to touch over back

  • Thoracic

  • Ribs

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33. Stocking up/back legs

  • Lumbar Spine

  • SI (Sacroiliac Joint)

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34. Hock/Stifle issues

  • Lumbar Spine

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint

  • Stifle (issues appear on opposite leg)

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35. Transitioning issues

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Hock

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36. Shortened stride, back end

  • Lumbar Spine

  • Hip Joint

  • Stifle Joint

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hock

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37. Hind end stiffness

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint

  • Stifle joint

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38. Clamps or holds tail down or to one side

  • Sacrum

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39. Sore gluteal muscles

  • Sacrum

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

  • Hip joint (tight gluteal muscles)

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40. Hunters bump

  • SI (sacroiliac joint)

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41. One hind leg standing out

  • Hip joint

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42. Pushing off hind end

  • Hock

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43. Prefers to trot

  • Hock

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