Sweeney Shoulder (re: trauma & broken shoulder)

Question
QUESTION: My 13 yr old QuarterHorse, JUDGE, had a collision R side - R side with a smaller horse 60 days ago. Vet gave bute for 21 days & said to confine to a small turn out. Horse hasn't progressed, once swelling and heat subsided, atrophy of infraspinatus muscle began. We're unsure what alternative therapies to pursue. Money is an issue - but I am a skilled Massage Therapist - however my expertise is only with people. The shoulder appears to "pop out" when Judge walks. He doesn't appear to have pain. The Equine Chiropractor said he wasn't in need of an adjustment but that an XRay was necessary to determine the degree of healing on the fracture (closest to the joint). I have access to hot rock therapy and can manage cold therapy. There are no hydrotherapy facilities nearby. I need to know whether to keep him confined to a stall, a small turnout or let him loose on a few grassy acres with slight rolling hills - we have 2 properties with these qualities.

Sincerely,
Andi

ANSWER: Andi,

OK.  Sweeny is caused by damage to the suprascapular nerve which ennervates both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus thus the atrophy.  Yeah, the shoulder may snap or pop outward as weight is put on it.  Nerve damage takes a long time to heal as you well know.  The most he needs now is supportive therapy and tincture of time to heal.  It's been 2 mos.  I would get him X-rayed as suggested to determine healing, do regular work on the rest of his  muscles to keep them good since he's going to be compensating.  He probably would do well with turn-out on the rolling pastures once the fracture is healed. I would also use some essential oils on him:
cypress which among other things supports circulation, nerves and tendons; peppermint to amplify the cypress; and some wintergreen for the bones in his shoulder.  The peppermint will amplify that too.  Put 5 drops on your palm, rub in a clockwise motion 3 times to activate the oils then rub on his shoulder from top of scapula all the way down to the point of his shoulder and around the joint there.  Stroke down 3 times. Oils are very powerful if you are not familiar with them, you don't rub them in, just on.  Finish with 10 drops of a carrier oil - almond & jojoba are 2 of my choice.  I would do him every other day with this for at least a month.  Then assess where he is.  How well he recovers depends a great deal on him. He will probably never have normal use of the shoulder again but will be useable, the both of you will have to figure out exactly what he is capable of doing.  

This was a terrible thing to happen to him, I feel for both of you, but he's got good support in having you as a massage therapist.  Muscles are muscles be they human or animal.  The anatomy is a little different but the idea is the same.  Good luck and please keep me posted as to his progress.  He can probably start some therapeutic work with specific stretches and exersizes in another couple of months.  You'll just have to monitor the healing.  You don't want to do anything until the shoulder stops popping.  Don't want to dislocate it.  Keep me posted and let me know when you think he's ready to start the physical therapy and I'll send you some specific things to do.  

Lyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for the information and ideas! I will definitely find some supplies of the oils you recommended and begin working on him.

What is your opinion on using heat - as in hot rock massage on him? I thought this might increase the circulation and exercise the muscle that has atrophied. Wasn't for sure...

We're hoping if he recovers enough to bear some weight and a rider - that my daughter (who's now 11 months) will be able to ride him as her first horse. That ought to give him and I plenty of time for rehab, possible replacement of that nerve (God willing it will grow back) and to determine his limitations safely.

I'll do my best to touch back with you. Thank you very much!

Andi Munsey
Oklahoma

Answer
Andi,

Heat would most definately be beneficial, but do be careful with that when you start using the oils.  Cypress and wintergreen are "hot" oils so wouldn't do the hot rocks on top of them.  If you can get some Willard's Water, then mix it up 1 oz./gallon of fresh water, distilled or spring water, heat that up and soak a towel with it then lay over the shoulder and cover with maybe a cooler or blanket for 20 min. after you apply the oils.  I use an electric tea kettle to heat up the water then pour just enough over a towel to soak it.  The Willard's water will really amplify the oils and has tremendous healing powers of it's own.  Look it up if you aren't familiar with it.  

Time will tell on his recovery but please do keep me informed.  I'm happy to help any way I can.

Where in OK?  I was there for 4 days visiting a friend of mine at her horse rescue.  Way too hot for me!  I was there end of Aug. and those days of over 100 deg. heat really took their toll on me!  

Lyn