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Equine CranioSacral
 Horses are subjected to a variety of stressors including training, competition, improperly fitting tack, and jaw pressures. The common thread in ALL domestic horses is the pressure that we humans put on their heads, whether it be halters, bridles, bits, and dental work. CranioSacral is the only therapy that addresses compensation patterns that build over time due to the disruption of natural cranial movement that is caused from head pressure and traumas. These compensation patterns show up in posture imbalance, decreased performance, behavioral issues, or assymetry in movement. CranioSacral releases the bone and soft tissue compressions that impinge on nerve function to restore balance and optimize movement. Other therapies are more beneficial after the solid foundation that CranioSacral provides.
Shea's deep concern for the well being of horses fuels her ongoing studies and is now one of the few equine practitioners in the Country who has studied advanced craniosacral techniques. Shea has also studied gross anatomy with Dr. Deb Bennet covering full body dissection and biomechanical anatomy. And she continues to delve deeper in her CranioSacral studies with her own practitioner, Ryan Hallford in Southlake, TX who is an advanced human practitioner and educator. Along with CranioSacal studies, Shea has also studied Equine Acupressure, Dr. Kellon's NRC Plus, natural hoof trimming and hoof dissection courses, and has an in-depth understanding of horse behavior and biomechanics. Shea brings to each session a wealth of knowledge to help you and your horse get on the right track. She will also teach horse owners techniques they can do to continue the process. Check out Shea's Page to read some testimonials from a few of Shea's clients! Download a brochure or email Shea if you would like one.
WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL?
CranioSacral is a non-invasive form of body work that has it's roots in osteopathy. The therapist uses a sustained contact applied in a very precise manner to release compressions. CranialSacral work is one of the most highly refined approaches to body work and is complimentary to veterinarian medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, colt starting, and training. The focus is on the bones in the skull and it's relationship to the pelvis and sacrum, however the therapist may treat the entire body. CranioSacral rhythm is the rhythm in which the cerebral spinal fluids moves up and down the spine. This rhythm was discovered by osteopaths and has been seen on MRI images. As this movement occurs, the surrounding bones and tissue move as well, feeding the body's central nervous system. When a bone or muscle gets compressed, this makes the rhythm sluggish therefore affecting the nervous system. A qualified therapist can detect the compressions and help the body to release and restore balance and fluidity. In equines, this is mostly noticeable in posture and behavior changes. Any pressure we put on their heads may cause compressions and disrupt the natural cranial movement. Once these compressions are released, balance is restored therefore optimizing movement and overall health and well being.
CRANIOSACRAL ADDRESS:
* Head and Ear Shyness * Restricted Shoulders * Back and Neck Pain * Sore Hocks * Stifle Locking * Headshaking and Cribbing * Pole Restrictions * Assymetrical Posture and Movement * Decreased Athletic Performance * TMJ Pain and Dysfunction * Pelvis Restrictions * Abnormal Hoof Growth
CRANIOSACRAL AND INJURY RECOVERY
CranioSacral can also help your horse recover from accidents, injuries, and sugeries. Some common injuries are:
* Slips and Falls * Pulling Back While Tied * Flipping Over * OCD Surgeries * Hock Arthritis * Recovery after Dental Procedures * Gelding Recovery Assistance * Pelvis Injuries * Head Traumas
You should always have your horse examined by a veterinarian if there has been an accident, lameness, or unexplained change in behavior.
below are a few photos of some horses who have been treated. Check back as this page is updated regularly with recent case studies!
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Tango - Before
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Tango - After
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| Off the track thoroughbred who is now used for three-day eventing. He has very common off the track TB look, "croup high", "ewe-necked", steep shoulder angle, tight withers, tight rib cage and very cinchy. He is always head high and extremely difficult to handle and can be very aggressive. He has bitten people and can only be handled by a professional. He has had numerous pull back episodes that have become so extreme he can not be tied at all because he pulls until something breaks then takes off running.
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This picture was taken directly after his first treatment. Notice how much his topline has come up! His withers are not as tight, shoulder angle is not as steep, and his ewe-neck is gone. He is beginning to get round in his hind end and much more balanced on all fours. His behavior improved and is no longer agressive and much easier to handle. He is now able to stand tied using a blocker tie ring. See "Shea's page" for his owner's (Heidi McRae) testimonial!
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Carla - Before
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Carla - After
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| Carla had some accidents at a young age which caused her to compensate in her stance, which then caused many physical issues. Her posture shows that she is very heavy on her fore and her knees are buckling, and she looks long-backed but it is actually her low back is flat and her pelvis angle is almost straight. She has had to have numerous hock injections just to stay comfortable, which only last about 3 months. her front hooves are flat and she has to wear thick plastic shoes. She was also diagnosed with navicular in both fronts. Her ribs are very tight and she bucks when saddled, and can only be ridden for 30 minutes before she tires out.
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This photo was taken after 3 treatments in about 5 months time. Notice the angle change in her pelvis and her low back starting to round. This is allowing her to stand under herself better and use her hind legs properly therefore not stressing her hocks. She has not had a hock injection in over 8 months and is still showing no signs of hock soreness. Her front hooves are developing concavity and she is going barefoot now.
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Liebe - Before
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Liebe - After
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| Warmblood mare who had an injury where she was kicked in her right hind gluteal muscle. Her owner was unable to ride her due to a very sour attitude and she was tight all over. Here you can see how tight she is in her neck and back. She is putting more weight on her fore, and she is tucked up in her belly.
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Treating her was a challenge as she was so tight and defensive, but you can see how much her entire body has softened. Here is feedback from her owner: "She is definitely changing...looks better than I can ever remember her looking. As a matter of fact, she used to look like a cart horse or something, and now she is starting to look like the potential Dressage horse I thought I getting when she was two! She is using herself better and is much happier in the work. I know there is more to do, but the change is amazing, and I am ENJOYING her so I WANT TO RIDE almost every day. It used to be excruciating really. No fun at ALL - for her OR me. And, Mags (the other gelding you treated) is a different horse. If you were to show me him in my arena right after you came, I'd ask who the new horse was. I'm not kidding. He's moving better, happier...I'm AMAZED. I'm telling people that not only are you a CS bodyworker, but, you are a HEALER. Because we've all had similar work done in the past with pretty much no results that took. You are SO doing what you are supposed to be doing. I for one am thrilled." Kay Skillern, Dripping Springs, TX
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Precious - Before
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Precious - After
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| Tennesee Walking Horse mare who has had severe issues with haltering and bridling. Did not want anyone near her pole and violently swung her head away. Notice how flat her back is, neck looks short and thick, she is over at the knee, hind end is parked out and croup is high. She has a slab-sided rib cage, and paces down hills.
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Huge change after one treatment! Neck is lengthened and up, croup is round, lower back is not flat, she is standing more balanced with forelegs under her shoulders. Ribs are soft and round and not slab-sided. She had sticky stifles and reports are that she is standing better for the farrier! Also she is better about her pole area being touched.
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TMJ-D
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| The TMJ is considered the master link to over all health and well being. The two primary functions are mastication, and balance. When the TMJ is out of balance, so is the rest of the body. Dysfunction of this joint causes soft tissue pain which eventually turns into a raging head ache, which can then lead to serious conditions such as colic. This horse pictured above had TMJ-D as seen in the assymetry of the temporal bones and TMJ. He had power floats that took off too much tooth and one side had an inverted table angle causing a tooth to fracture when he chewed. It was not long afterwards that he developed head shaking syndrome. After receiving Natural Balanced Dentistry and some follow up CranioSacral sessions, he no longer head shakes and he has balance and symmetry in his joints.
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Other Signs of TMJ-D -
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| Horses will press their tongue against their teeth or actually bite their tongue to relieve the pain and pressure in the TMJ. This is a common sign of TMJ pain. Other signs of dysfunction in this joint are when the muscles used for mastication are tight or non-existent, such as the temporalis muscles on this horse. These muscles control front to back action of the jaw, tightness here compresses on the parietal bone which covers the horse's brain. The mandible is the biggest trendsetter in the body, when it is not functioning properly, the entire posture of the horse will be compromised. Here you can see the mandible of this horse is stuck off to HIS right, with TMJ tightness on his left side. This can cause difficulty or head tossing turning to the right, or canter leads.
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