How K tape can help relieve Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Pain in Horses.

The sacroiliac joint or SI as its commonly referred to, is part of the pelvis and it sits deep within the horse’s body. To be precise its where the pelvis and the spine meet, and it has

little movement.  Its role is to help with stability and support of the trunk. When the horse moves it helps with the absorption of shock and the transmission of forces between the hindquarters to the rest of the body.

SI issues are sadly hard to diagnoses due to the deep location of the joint, often it is a process of elimination to rule out which areas are not causing the problem. It’s important to note that with SI issues horses do not always appear lame or overtly lame. Problems to look out for that may indicate pain and dysfunction in this area are:

·    Muscle atrophy (loss of muscle) or asymmetry. This can occur in the Mid Gluteal, the Hamstrings group of muscles and the Gracilis.

·       Problems lifting a hind limb

·       Not being able to stand square

·       Shortened stride or general stiffness in hind limbs

·       Lack of stability when weight bearing on one hind limb

In 

In movement look out for:

·       Lack of propulsion

·       Hind leg toe drag

·       Altered gait

·       Any behavioural changes under saddle

·       Poor performance

If SI problems have been diagnosed by your vet, treatment options will probably include rest, physiotherapy, joint injections, massage and stretching.  All these options will help, but including Kinesiology taping in the treatment plan can be a total game changer in helping your horse.

How Kinesiology (K Tape) can help your horse with SI Pain and dysfunction

When the tape is applied to the horse it decompresses or creates more space in the underlying tissues. This extra space allows for an increase of circulation and lymphatic drainage which helps speed the healing process. This extra space also allows the k tape to reduce the inflammation.

This extra space created by the k tape also relieves the nerve sensors that react to pressure, this stops pain signals and affords pain relief.

K tape also helps an area feel supported but without restricting movement. It helps support the joint and surrounding muscles.   K tape can help to establish correct patterns of movement and posture, vital in any rehab programme following injury and where compensatory patterns of movement may have been established.

The benefits of K taping the SI area are many, in my studies horses with SI issues that have been taped have made significant improvement within 4 weeks so as a non-invasive drug free option it’s worth considering before more invasive treatment - it has the power to transform your horse’s wellbeing.