Equine Anatomy - Triceps

Muscles being discussed: Triceps

Location: The Triceps are located in the horses shoulder. These muscles originate and insert at different places along the scapula, humerous, and olecranon (elbow).

Function: Extends elbow, flexes shoulder.

Symptoms of tension/Injury:

· Lameness

· Toe dragging

· Reluctance to extend foreleg

· Soreness in muscle

· Shortened stride

· Reluctance going downhill

· Difficultly with lateral work (Circles, side passing, etc)

Causes of tension:

· Injury (fall, kick to shoulder, hitting shoulder on object)

· Jumping events (landings)

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.