Muscles being discussed: Deltoid
Location: The deltoid is located in the horses shoulder. This muscle is superficial to the infraspinatus and in front of the triceps. The deltoid originates at the spine of the scapula and inserts on the humerus.
Function: Rotates the foreleg.
Symptoms of tension/Injury: *Most injuries involve trauma to the suprascapular nerve.
· *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 deltoid 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.
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