Muscles being discussed: Infraspinatus
Location: The Infraspinatus muscle is located in the horses shoulder. This muscle is deep to the deltoid (underneath) and behind the supraspinatus muscle on the other side of the scapula spine. The infraspinatus originates at the scapula and inserts on the humerus.
Function: Rotates the foreleg.
Symptoms of tension/Injury: *Most injuries involve trauma to the suprascapular nerve.
• *Sweeney shoulder (atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles). Here is a great article by River Road Veterinary Clinic on Sweeney Shoulder.
• *Lameness
• *Toe dragging
• Reluctance to extend foreleg
• Soreness in muscle
• Shortened stride
• Difficultly with lateral work (Circles, side passing, etc)
Causes of tension:
• Injury (fall, kick to shoulder, hitting shoulder on object)
• Poor harness fit on draft working horses
• Jumping events
How massage can help: Massage is a great way to address tension in the supraspinatus muscle. By breaking up adhesions in the muscle tissue, massage can help loosen up tense muscle fibers allowing your horse to have better flexion and movement. I’ll use compression and direct pressure to address these issues. Stretching is also a great way to help the maintain motion and suppleness in the shoulder muscles. Here is a video from Surrey Vet Physio on how to stretch the forelimb.
Disclaimer: Equine massage is not a replacement for proper veterinary care. Equilete cannot diagnose medical conditions, prescribe or recommend medications for treatment. If a horse is currently being treated by a vet for a medical condition the owner is responsible for clearing massage work with his/her vet prior to scheduling an appointment with Equilete for Equine Sports Massage Therapy (ESMT).