Kim, are there any decent equine massage therapists near you? As a former MT myself, I've seen and experienced firsthand how massage and other modalities can help break up scar tissue and restore range of motion, which is what is being impaired for Caprichosa. At the very least, they may have some insight into treating it non-invasively that a vet may not.

Ditto the massage. You can do it yourself. Feel for where the tissue is hard or stuck feeling and listening to what your horse can tolerate regarding pressure, get in there and rub it to freedom. Scar tissue is another word for stuck fascia. Our bodies are designed so that the fascia becomes quite rigid to stabilize an area that has been injured. Unfortunately the body does not soften on its own after healing occurs, so we go in there and rub it back to its flexible nature. Riding her through it sounds fine -- exercise itself can break up the stuck tissue. Moist heat, friction heat, all sorts of healing contraptions will also help -- blood supply is altered to the injured area, too. If you feel closely, you may detect different temperatures at and around the injured area. It's kinda neat to actively assist the healing process so I hope you enjoy it. I would be reluctant to consider surgery because that in itself will create more scar tissue -- what's the point of that? Well, I suppose if the injury were someplace I could not get to with my hands, I might, but not likely!

I have never heard of this. I'm sorry you've got this problem. I would use the horse, too, and see if that doesn't loosen things up.

I have a friend (a person) who develops terrible scar tissue and every surgery to correct it (knee and uterus) results in greater problems. Exercise has helped the most. I don't know if people and horses can be compared here, but I'd go the massage and exercise route first. Doesn't sound like anything is to be lost by waiting.

Kelly, Laselle, and Anne,

Thanks so much for the advice. I'm going to go the massage therapy route. I really appreciate your insights.

Kimberly

I have the exact same thing going on with my 11 yo arab serious riding gelding. I had him massaged yesterday, and this lady gave me your site! My guy shows it most noticelbly at the walk, and at the canter he prefers not to give me his rt lead b/c he has to go under himself so far for that lead, and he is restricted. Like you..I have been told to RIDE. I am and endurance and dressage type rider. I am very keen on getting him sound, and very aware of his being short strided. I did get an ultrasound done..you might want to consider that..so you can get a feel for how extensive it is,and whether or not it involves more than one muscle. Mine is 15 x 3 cm. in the semitendonosis. I am talking with a surgeon..and we are both approaching it slow and conservatively. There are 2 surgeries..the one you did not describe..tenectomy of tibial insertion. Less invasive, and releaves tension while the tendon reconnects with hopefully the couple of inches you need to go sound. I am trying an alternative right now..that is quite different and most vets have no clue about. It is being performed by a vet..its called reconstructive therapy. I am in the middle of it right now, so can not give a full opinion. I hope some of this helps..any questions feel free to write or I can call you. I appreciate the good info on massage. did thrapeutic ultrasound for about 3 weeks..no improvement..any info out there on this? He did this in July..during a storm, and like you, do not know 'what ' he did.

thanks, and best of luck,

Mary Beth

My horse was just diagnosed with fibrotic myopathy. She is almost 7 years and is a grade paint. It is in her right rear and has the classic symptons. However, I am not aware she had an injury until she came up with the unusual shortened stride last winter. I have been told to trail ride her and cut her back to only dry grass (no pasture). Does this make sense to anyone? Also, I do not feel any scar tissue. Does anyone have any other ideas or experience similar to this?