Developing Palpation
2 Day CPD Course for Professional Equine Therapists
with Gillian Higgins
Good palpation skills require a sound knowledge of anatomy, the ability to visualise what is under the skin and an understanding of how and what to feel.
Only once we can appreciate the norm, is it possible to detect subtle changes and abnormalities in the horse. Detecting changes early is key to preventing further problems. Accurate palpation enables us to deliver the best therapy techniques in each situation.
On this course, we evaluate the muscle, fascia, bones, tendons, attachment points and membranes that you can actually feel on the horse and with the help of bones, skeletons, anatomy models, anatomical paintings, dissection photos and videos enable you to clearly visualise what is happening under the skin.
You will also learn how to improve your sensory and intuitive palpation capability.
Course Trailer
This course is ideal for qualified therapists from all disciplines wishing to revise and learn new anatomy, improve palpation skills and develop palpation techniques.
This course is a mix of theory, practical demonstrations and small group hands-on practical sessions. It also provides the opportunity to network, share information and discuss interesting or challenging cases with other practitioners in a relaxed and supportive environment.
As an equine anatomist having studied hundreds of horses, skeletons and cadavas through extensive dissection study Gillian's ability to palpate the anatomy of the horse is impressive and eye opening. There is so much for everyone to learn from her on this subject.
During this course, Gillian will examine the importance of anatomy, bones, joints, muscle, myofascial chains, fascial connections, compensation patterns and demonstrate methods for palpating structures.
Key Points
The practical aims of this course include:-
Developing and refining palpation awareness
Improving anatomical palpation of bony landmarks
Improving anatomical palpation of muscular structures
Fine tuning palpation of fascia
Developing intuitive palpation skills
Dynamic Palpation Techniques
Improve your ability to palpate strucutres including the:-
TMJ and hyoid
Poll, atlas and axis
Back, LSJ and pelvis
Thoracic sling muscles
Shoulder muscles and tendons
Patella ligaments of the stifle
Provisional Timetable
DAY 1
0830: Registration and Coffee
0900: Welcome, Introduction and Theory
0930: The Importance of Anatomy in Therapy
Classroom Session
1100: Break
1130: Developing Intuitive Palpation Skills
Practical Session
1300: Lunch
1400: Skeletal Anatomy Palpation - Spine
Practical Session
1500: Break
1530: Skeletal Anatomy Palpation - Limbs
Practical Session
1630: Discussion
1700: Close
DAY 2
0845: Coffee
0900: Muscular Anatomy of the Spine
Classroom session
0930: Muscular Anatomy Palpation - Neck and forelimbs - Practical Session
1100: Break
1130: Muscular Anatomy Palpation - Back
Practical Session
1300: Lunch
1400: Muscular Anatomy Palpation - Hind end
Practical Session
1500: Break
1530: Recognising Pain and tension
Practical Session
1630: Discussion
1700: Close
Notes
We envisage this course to be very popular so early booking is advised.
Certificates of Participation (CPD) will be emailed after the course. Course notes will be provided.
Tea, coffee, home-made cakes and a light lunch of sandwiches, crisps and fruit is included.
This course is held both inside and out so please bring appropriate warm clothes for a day out on the yard.
This course is limited to 14 people to ensure small groups and individual attention.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for professional equine therapists as it requires a knowledge of soft tissue anatomy. However therapy students will be considered on a case-by-case basis so please email to enquire if you would like to attend.
All participants must provide proof of professional equine therapy qualification and current professional indemnity insurance.
Revision of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and joints is useful for this course.
Recommended Reading:
Anatomy and Myofascial Chapters of Posture and Performance
Prices
Course Leader
Gillian Higgins
Gillian is an equine anatomist, biomechanist, BHS Senior Coach, professional Sports and Remedial Therapist and author with a first class honours degree in Equine Science and Business Management.
Gillian is passionate about posture. She specialises in assessing the musculoskeletal systems and designing exercise programmes for improving posture and performance as well as assessing and addressing individual horses’ weaknesses.
Gillian has studied a variety of equine and human modalities both traditional and holistic.
As well as conventional training, Gillian has studied equine therapies in America, France, Germany and Sweden and is committed to giving our equine partners the best possible levels of care and consideration.
Gillian works with horses from all disciplines and levels from leisure to Olympic.
Venue and Horses
All of Gillian's courses are supported by a wealth of photographs and video footage taken from years worth of work including footage of her anatomically painted horses and from her dissections.
Also on the day of the course, you will have access to Gillian's large collection of bones and anatomical models.
This ensures that you will be better able to visualise the structures we discuss on this course.
This course is run at the Horses Inside Out headquarters, Wavendon Grange near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
The facilities at this central UK location include a small yard with a variety of horses, arenas and a classroom complete with audiovisual facilities.
This is a comfortable and professional space for learning where you are always guaranteed a friendly welcome.
Gillian has many bones, skeletons and anatomical models in the teaching barn for you to view and handle.
Being able to bring horses into the teaching barn alongside the anatomical models really helps to combine the theory and the practice!
