FDM HORSE CARE CONCEPT

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FDM Horse Care Concept (HCC) course

FDM Horse Care Concept (HCC)

It is an innovative therapeutic model based on the FDM deformation model, helping horses in a number of problems related to the motor organ.

FDM, i.e. the Fascial Distortion Model (the manual therapy according to Stephen Typaldos D.O.) is a therapeutic model in which disorders within the motor organ, the so-called ‘Fascial distortions – deformations of the fascial system’ can be effectively treated with specialized manual techniques.

The HCC Diagnostics

The FDM-HCC diagnostics is based on the medical history (given by the animal’s caregiver) and physical examination (viewing, tapping, palpation, etc.) aimed at identifying the problem. It very often turns out that the problematic issues are the distortions of the fascial system. Correcting the distortion by means of manual techniques often results in immediate reduction of the symptoms, which confirms the accuracy of the therapists’ functional diagnosis. Another element of treatment is the introduction of targeted movement and load. For both humans and horses, movement is a natural self-regulation mechanism that leads to a quick recovery of physical fitness, provided it isn’t problematic.

Dr. Stephen Typaldos assumed that any injury and disease may involve one or more of the six connective tissue deformations. He assumed that it is the deformation of the fascia that is much more important for the development of symptoms (such as pain, swelling, impaired muscle function and further functional limitations of the locomotor system) than the injury itself (sprain, fracture or damage to muscles, tendons or ligaments).

FDM HCC in equine therapy

Any animal, whether it is subjected to intense workload – sport horses, but also recreational horses, can suffer from pain, tension, tissue inflammation caused by trauma, permanent overload or mishandling by the user.

Horses feel pain as humans do, although they mask it perfectly. Only when the pain becomes very troublesome and the horse is unable to compensate it with the body position or by avoiding painful movements, it turns out that there is something wrong with the animal. Careful observation of his behavior, movements, and willingness to perform various exercises can be a clue for us that our protege has a problem. It happens that anxiety, lethargy, apparent aggression (when the horse wants to get rid of the rider) and reluctance to make any movement are blamed on the horse’s character. Meanwhile, it may mean that he feels discomfort – something feels painful or hurts him. Therefore, just as we listen to our own body, we should also listen to the horse’s body. It should be taken into account that the horse must lift the rider and all equestrian equipment and must also overcome its own body weight.

It is very important to use the correct seating and riding technique as well as the correct, fitted saddles and bridles. This is extremely important because it affects the quality of movement, comfort and reduces the risk of unnecessary overload. Often, these overloads can cause various fascial distortions manifested by pain, increased muscle tension or tissue damage. Therefore, the earliest possible identification of the problem, the quick elimination of the cause of the ailments by correcting the identified distortion, becomes the goal of therapy to restore the functional efficiency of our animal. We are the ones responsible for an animal’s well-being, especially when we expect better and better results from him, e.g. in sports.

The use of the FDM HCC

Injuries of muscles, tendons, ligaments and attachments
Post-traumatic changes
Contractures
Swelling in the joints
Movement blockages
Perinatal tension changes

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