Goals/Assessment:

to widen stance in the back to restore proper motion in the SI joint and around the lumbar spine on both sides - helping release defaulted contraction through left axillary + girth region which correlates with compensatory hypertrophy in the contralateral cervical musculature and a ribcage rotation toward the opposite/right side reflecting an adaptive imbalance in posture and movement - contributing to discomfort in the left inguinal ring region (as connected by sternohyoid) and medial thigh resulting in weakness in the left costal arch (insufficient activation of left side obliques responsible for the core engagement difficulties and LH limb raises/range of motion)

"Elbrond and Shultz recently dissected deep myofascial lines within the horse, and these have provided some deeper understanding into the organ-muscle (viscero-somatic) connections in the horse.

The Deep Ventral Myofascial Line (DVL) spans from the insertion of the profound flexor tendon in the hindlimb to the base of the cranium and oral part of the cavities of the head. It includes the profound, hypaxial myofascial structures, the ventral coccygeal muscles, the psoas muscles, the diaphragm, the longus colli/capitis muscles and the ventral capital muscles. The inner lining of the pelvic, abdominal and thoracic cavities with all the organs, vessels and nerves are also included. The line is closely connected to the autonomic nervous system by the vagus nerve, the pelvic nerves, the sympathetic trunk and several of the prevertebral nerves and ganglia (Elbrond and Shultz 2021)"

"Before" or initial palpation, relaxing in paddock

After Session, few short movements + trim, or "somatic integration" period

noted unwillingness to stretch forward-down to the left or stand entirely square when asked, keeping LF under body, with hocks pointing towards each other (weakness in hip suspected) and reactive to LH inner thigh palpation, restriction upon LH pickup. RF slightly hypermobile medially & LF laterally (leftward ribcage rotation result which is also notable looking directly at chest)

trying to relax the armpit and lengthen pelvic/core area on the left to allow obliques to strengthen after floating rib torsion is removed

Numbers Chart (new!)

1 - misalignment, addressed structural discomfort

2 - hypermobile / increased range of motion

3 - hypomobile / restricted range of motion

4 - atrophy / decreased muscle tone but not painful

5 - atrophy / decreased muscle tone and painful

6 - hypertrophy / increased muscle tone but not painful

7 - hypertrophy / increased muscle tone and painful

8 - reactivity, acute discomfort (spasm plus behavioral response)