Sacro Iliac

[OrangeEmpire]

Another one of these!

Having finally had a diagnosis of the above for my 6yro, I'm about to take her up to my instructors yard for two months so that I can work her regularly regardless of light and weather. As she seems to be better the fitter she is, we're hoping that she's the 'work them regularly' sort rather than the rest kind.

She was clear on her bone scan so it appears to be ligament damage.

Are there any other treatments that I can use along side hard work, 1 round of steroids and physio? what about shock wave therapy (I don't know if it can penetrate that far)? I'm contemplating buying a magnetic rug too... any thoughts?

All/any advice and experiences appreciated!

 

[CBAnglo]

I have one of these too.

Magnetic rug seems to help and he too is better when in work and topline as good as can be expected. However you need to play it by ear really, and there will be days when she will be stiffer and more reluctant in that side/back and so you need to adjust the work accordingly.

My boy is better if I ride every other day. And I no longer jump him. He finds working up and down hills incredibly difficult but it is a really good exercise.

If I were you I would begin by lunging over poles to really get the back end moving. I would be doing this for 2-3 months before I rode again. It is what I had to do with mine, but he has just had 6 weeks for various reasons so now I am restarting him with lunging work and hope to be able to ride in walk for 15 mins in a couple of weeks time. Your horse will tell you what she is capable of.

Also I found having a good chiropractor helped - if you search for my threads you will see a thread where lots of people gave me really good advice, especially Scarlet and Hassan.

 

[toffeesmarty]

Agree with Orangeempire's advice. My chiro suggested getting a Pessoa and that has really helped too. I also have found the way I work mine helps too.
In the winter I am obsessed with keeping her back warm and lunge her before riding to warm her up as she is often too stiff first. I have found a combined VitaminE and Selinium supplement very good for muscle development.

Under saddle, gone are the days of dawdling along. I treat every session as though it is a physio treatment. When riding I encourage stretching on the 'weak' side and push her further than she would go if I asked from the ground. Sorry for the ramble, I hope some of it makes sense.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

VIt E and Selinium - thats a good idea, as is warming her back.

Haven't dared do lungeing yet as she looks so awful, but now I know it is the right thing to do, I'll work through it.

Thank you both for some really useful tips, much appreciated!