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Dressage Tips - From the Experts
[back to main Dressage Tips page]
The Thoracic Spine and Equestrian Posture
by Stacey Brown, PT
[Stacey Brown is a contributing writer to the Sho Clothes Sho News monthly newsletter]
The thoracic spine of the rider does not always get the attention it deserves. Most people think that if they are not slumping, the thoracic spine is in good position. And of course, as we have seen with the rest of the human body, this has to be an over simplification. And it is particularly complicated in its contribution to biomechanically correct riding.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae, which is equal to the cervical and lumbar section combined. The thoracic vertebrae connect to the sternum and therefore the clavicles, making correct alignment critical to arm and hand function. They also articulate with the corresponding ribs, which must move correctly to allow respiration. We have discussed some of the connections of the diaphragm muscle, and its relationship to equestrian posture. The diaphragm attaches to the under surface of the ribs and is dependent upon their complete excursion of range of motion for proper function. And of course, the thoracic spine connects the cervical spine to the lumbar spine, and plays an important role in the function of the “core”.
Beyond the structural points of the thoracic spine, it is interesting to note that the thoracic spine is surrounded by the autonomic nervous system ganglia. These ganglia are integral in the “fight or flight” reflexes that control us all, according to our level of stress. In equestrian sport, it is useful to manage our level of stress, in order to diminish our contribution to the nature of the horse as an animal of prey, and adrenalin driven. Chronic muscle spasm and guarding in this area can actually increase the stress response of the rider on a sub-conscious level.
If you have stuck with this article this far, then it is time for a reward. The good news is that if you are using your seat, and therefore your core properly, your thoracic spine will have the opportunity to align itself and function optimally. If you are not, the benefits of learning to use the core properly will set you up for improved posture of the thoracic spine and subsequently improved respiration, head position and the ability to develop the independent use of the arm and shoulder for increased accuracy and sensitivity of the rein aids.
How do you know if you are using your thoracic spine properly? Most people can spot a rider who is slumped in the thoracic region, and does not look erect and elegant. A little harder to detect is the rider with a “flattened” thoracic spine which occurs due to altered position of the pelvis and or lumbar spine, changes in the cervical spine, including stress response, or old injuries that have not resolved. Automobile and equine accidents are very common contributors. Other clues to thoracic dysfunction, can be lack of dissociation of the arms at the shoulder joint, bobbing head, shoulder pain and dysfunction, and elbow pain and dysfunction. Posturally, one shoulder may look low, the shoulders may appear rounded, and the head may be tilted to one side, or rotated. And of course the thoracic spine itself may be painful.
In the ideal world, the thoracic vertebrae all contribute to the whole function of spinal flexion, extension, side bending and rotation. However, if one segment does not move properly, the next segment may begin to move too much in order to preserve the greater function. Similarly, when it is necessary to stabilize the thoracic spine, if there is a segment that is too mobile and weakened, the outer skeletal movement muscles, may alter their roles to become stabilizers, which is known as “guarding” and can be painful, and produce rigid posture, instead of true stability. It is important to be able to control the overall function of the thoracic spine, and to do that, individual segments may need to be evaluated and treated.
There are many ways to treat and develop cross training programs for the thoracic spine, once a problem has been identified.
If you would like to schedule treatment, have questions, or suggestions for future informational columns, please contact Stacey at: info@animalrehabinstitute.com or (971) 226-0010 mobile. You will find directions to her clinic on the web site www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
Stacey Brown PT CERT received her degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is a native of Portland Oregon, where she practiced human physical therapy for 30 years, and equine rehabilitation for 7 years. She has a strong background in both neurologic and orthopedic treatment, and combines her experience in a unique and effective approach. Stacey now practices in the Wellington, FL area, and specializes in the assessment and treatment of equestrian athletes. She is an athlete, rides herself, and has a life long interest in nutrition and wellness. Through movement analysis and physical evaluation, Stacey designs individual treatment programs to enhance performance, as well as treat injuries. She is skilled in muscle balancing techniques, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and uses a cold laser to speed healing and enhance nuero-motor retraining. She is also certified in equine rehabilitation, and uses her skills to improve the performance of horse and rider pairs.
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