Structural Integration is sometimes called “Rolfing”, after the form of human bodywork developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1950’s. Equine forms of the bodywork were initiated in the mid-90’s when clients started asking for this amazing work to be done on their horses. Through manipulation of the connective tissue, the horse’s body is returned to a balanced state, integrating all systems, particularly bone and muscle, so that the horse’s body not only feels better, but performs with more fluid movement, grace, and power. Horses that receive these treatments are better able to lengthen their backs, lengthen their strides, and smooth their gaits. ESI works on the connective tissue of the body- the ligaments, tendons, and fascial tissue that surrounds each muscle, and connects muscles and bones. Injuries, chronic stress and strain, aging, and normal wear and tear cause fascia and connective tissue to thicken as this tissue repairs itself. When this happens, the connective tissue often becomes fibrous and glue-like in the process, causing “adhesions”. This results in reduced flexibility of the joint and prevents muscles from lengthening to their full capacity. ESI work restores the connective tissue by working out these adhesions, thus allowing the joints and muscles to restructure themselves. ESI is very different than massage, although it may look similar. Massage works on the muscular system to lengthen muscles and remove tension. Chiropractic work involves physical manipulation of the skeleton to relieve pressure on nerves and muscles that cause pain. ESI work results in both reduced muscle tension and muscle lengthening by focusing on the connective tissue between muscles and bones. ESI work often allows chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy to be more permanent and effective. How do I know if my horse needs Equine Structural Integration? An indication that ESI would benefit your horses would be if there was recurring muscle tension and misalignment despite regular massage and chiropractic sessions. This usually indicates that connective tissue has a role in pulling joints/bones out of alignment, or in facilitating muscles to spasm. Almost every horse, just like humans, would benefit from this work. Horses that SHOULD NOT have ESI therapy are horses with advanced Cushing’s disease, degenerative joint disorder, or horses with recent (3-6 months) severe injuries or lacerations. Does Equine Structural Integration hurt? This is a common misconception. April has had this work done on herself and did not find this true. It is true that at times, when deep, tight adhesions of the connective tissues are removed, there is some discomfort. However, it is much like when someone rubs your shoulders and they are tight - you experience a momentary sensation that your muscle is tight and does not want to let go - but when it does, it feels much better. Horses will not tolerate anything that really hurts them. Also, structural integration practitioners do not “plow” through painful areas. Good structural integrators are taught to perceive where the horse is tight and sore, and to work more gently, or around the area. What does Equine Structural Integration involve? Because the underlying premise is that ESI is a long-lasting therapy, there is an initial series of five sessions that are carefully spaced to allow the horse’s body to integrate the changes from the realignment of connective tissue. Each session takes about 1 ½ hours and involves hands-on work. How often would my horse need Equine Structural Integration Structural integration is usually a one-time therapy consisting of a series of five sessions. Typically, after a horse (or human) goes through the series, all that may be required are “tune-ups” every year. Because riders can influence their horses’ bodies, horses may benefit from a tune up every six months if old “patterns” of tightness reappear. In the best of all worlds, riders would receive structural integration work as well!
How Does it Work?
How is Equine Structural Integration different from chiropractic work and massage?