IASTM Tools for Equine Therapy: A Game-Changer for Equestrians
Equine therapy is a form of rehabilitation and therapy that uses horses to improve physical and mental health outcomes. Horses have been used for centuries to support people with various disabilities, from blindness to cerebral palsy. As research discovers the effectiveness of equine therapy, more and more individuals are turning to this non-invasive and natural method of healing. IASTM, or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is the latest tool in the arsenal of equine therapists. Let us take a closer look at IASTM and how it helps equestrians achieve better outcomes.
What is IASTM?
IASTM is a manual technique used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers, among others, to mobilize soft tissue. It involves the use of a handheld tool, such as a stainless-steel instrument, to apply pressure and force to a patient’s skin and underlying tissues.
The pressure and force applied help break down scar tissue, adhesions, and other factors responsible for tissue restrictions and pain. Through IASTM, patients can recover more quickly from their injuries and return to their daily activities faster.
How does IASTM help equine therapy?
Equine therapy involves the use of horses to improve various physical and mental health conditions. Equestrians seek equine therapy for different reasons, including anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD, and chronic pain, among others.
IASTM can be used to improve these conditions by mobilizing soft tissues, reducing tension, and breaking down scar tissue. By doing so, equestrians can experience the following benefits:
1. Pain reduction: Many equestrians suffer from both acute and chronic pain due to their riding injuries. Using IASTM, therapists can reduce pain and discomfort, allowing their patients to recover faster.
2. Tissue healing: IASTM helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, which can improve tissue healing and promote better outcomes.
3. Improved mobility: IASTM can help improve joint mobility and range of motion, making it easier for equestrians to move and engage with their horses.
4. Faster recovery: IASTM can speed up recovery by facilitating blood flow and iastm tools lymphatic drainage, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
5. Psychological well-being: Equestrians often face mental health challenges that can impact their riding performance. IASTM can help improve their mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, leading to better riding outcomes.
How is IASTM used in equine therapy?
IASTM is commonly used in equine therapy in the following ways:
1. Scar tissue mobilization: Horses often have scars and adhesions from prior injuries, which can cause pain and hinder their movements. IASTM can help break down these scars and improve tissue health.
2. Soft tissue mobilization: IASTM can be used to mobilize soft tissue in a horse’s neck, back, and hind legs. By breaking down tissue restrictions, the horse can move more fluidly and with fewer restrictions.
3. Trigger point therapy: IASTM can help reduce trigger point pain in horses, particularly in areas such as the neck and back.
4. Lymphatic drainage: IASTM can be used to improve lymphatic drainage in horses, reducing the risk of swelling and inflammation.
5. Preventative care: IASTM can be used as part of a preventative care routine, helping to identify potential tissue restrictions and address them before they become an issue.
Conclusion
IASTM is a game-changer for equestrians who seek equine therapy for various physical and mental health conditions. By mobilizing soft tissue, reducing tension, and breaking down scar tissue, IASTM facilitates faster recovery, pain reduction, and improved psychological well-being. Therapists using IASTM in equine therapy can help their patients achieve better outcomes and return to riding more quickly.