Osteoarthritis is most common in a horse’s weight-bearing joints such as the hock, fetlock, pastern, and coffin joints. It is less common for a horse to develop arthritis in the stifle joints and spinal column, but it does happen. And, osteoarthritis can affect other joints where there’s been an injury or repeated stress applied over a period of time. Equine joints can be made more healthy with acupressure.
Finding arthritis early affords the opportunity to slow the disease. Early signs of arthritis can be:
- Mild inflammation and heat in the joint
- Reluctance or refusal to perform in his usual sport
- Stiffness following inactivity
- Decrease in joint range of motion
- Crunching sound when the joint is flexed, and,
- Tenderness of joint upon palpation
More severe signs include the same list shown given above but more exaggerated, plus – your horse will most likely exhibit some degree of lameness because his joints are painful. Arthritis hurts!
After thousands of years of clinical observation, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have shown by stimulating particular acupressure points we enhance the harmonious flow of energy, called “Chi,” and blood through and around the horse’s joints. These acupoints nourish the joints by improving the supply of vital substances to the cartilage, bone, and soft tissues, thus creating a healthy equine joint.
Acupressure Session for Healthy Joints
Use the acupressure points shown in the chart below to improve the health of your horse and his joints.
