Performance Enhancement
Last week a unique opportunity arose to be able to gather with like-minded healthcare professionals in the heart of one of the top equestrian communities in the country, Wellington, FL. The discussions and learning opportunities were centered around the topic “TESTT: Neuromusculoskeletal approach to evaluating and improving functional human movement in equestrian sport” presented by Andy Thomas, MCSP, HCPC. Andy held the roles of medicine advisor to the USA and Great Britain Equestrian teams having attended 4 Olympic games, 4 World Championships, and 12 European Championships. Also there to present her knowledge on the coaches role and the importance of team collaboration to enhance equestrian performance was USA Olympic medalist and coach Debbie McDonald. The knowledge that Dr. Mariane Walin, PT brought back to our rider assessment program at the ranch will be utilized to enhance the performance and mechanics of riders throughout the country.
Dr. Mariane Walin, PT with Olympian Debbie McDonald.
During the lectures, collaberation, and enhancing problem solving skills, here are some highlights:
Physical therapists are biomechanic specialist that can aid in wellness and performance enhancement of a rider. The biomechanical analysis and treatment of dysfunctional movement patterns were discussed and implemented on demo equestrian riders from the Havensafe Farm owned by Betsy Juliano.
A common theme to correction of biomechanics was finding the proper balance of stiffness and movement to enhance the connection between horse and rider. Knowing where stiffness/stabilization is needed in the body (or not needed) and knowing where the body needs to be fluid and mobile is key to the proper mechanics of a rider.
There was continued discussion on how rider assessment programs can enhance the well being of equestrian riding and how to educate the equestrian community on what can be provided by an equestrian physical therapist. Physical therapy skills can be used for more then fixing an jury or decreasing pain. Lets take the example of going for a bike ride. You can jump on your bike and head down the road and 1 mile down the road, realize you have a flat tire. You can still ride the bike with a flat tire but you will not be as fast or may need to use more of your energy to keep riding the bike. Now how could you make yourself faster with less effort? Send the time and effort preparing your bike, put air in the tired BEFORE you head out. Riding a horse is the same way. What if you tune up your (human) body before you ride your horse? When you tune up your body then the riding becomes easier.
We are proud to provide a performance enhancement program that evaluates function and movement patterns in equestrians at Sells Lake Ranch. If your looking to educate yourself while working on progressing as a rider, competitor, or equestrian athlete be sure to contact us today.