What are Passive Stretches? If a horse is suffering from muscular tension or stiffness Annemarie's treatment is likely to include a series of passive stretches. These stretches are used to aid the release and opening of joints, lengthening of muscles and, by exerting greater but gentle pressure on the limbs and muscles, extend the stretch a little further than their normal range.
The purpose of each stretch is to help restore and maintain the horse's full range of movement to improve performance as well as to reduce injury to joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Passive stretching may also assist in balancing a horse's one-sidedness as well as help the horse relax, reduce muscular tension and stiffness and help increase the circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Stretching may also; improve oxygenation and nutrition in the tissues, increase the elasticity of muscles, tendons and ligaments and develop further flexibility and range of movements in the joints.
Annemarie often uses passive stretches as part of her treatments, particularly if a horse has tight muscles or if myofascial work has been undertaken. A full therapy will include passive stretches.
"There are many benefits of passive stretches - you can really help increase the range of movement in a horse if they are done correctly," says Annemarie. "You may also find your horse becomes more co-ordinated, is less likely to suffer from muscle strain and ligament damage, and the length of stride may well increase as a result. These stretches can also relieve pain caused by spasm and assist in the break-up of scar tissue."
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