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Intrinsic Rider Biomechanics
Rider biomechanics individual sessions
If you'd like to ensure that your body is functioning to the best of it's ability so that you can reach your riding potential, I can help.
Biomechanics BONUS Package - £175* includes:
Initial assessment 1.5 hours:
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Initial assessment of standing posture
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Intrinsic biomechanics screening of the spine and pelvis – a series of mobility tests to establish if the body is functioning optimally
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Dynamic assessment on the stability ball
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Exercise prescription for muscle release and mobility
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Summary sheet and homework exercise sheets
Three x 1 hour follow up sessions approximately two weeks apart:
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Repeat of biomechanics screening to assess progress and
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Further prescription of relevant muscle release exercises and Equipilates™ exercises.
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In the last session you will be given a personalised exercise programme to continue practising at home
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*Additional travel costs may apply if over 10 miles from CV35 8TY.
Book now. Better function for better performance.
Body function - on the inside
Intrinsic biomechanics describes the mechanical function of the body. It's WHY the body's functional movement patterns are the way they are, and HOW the muscles, nerves and joints interact and contribute to these patterns.
If you have biomechanical restrictions in your body this can cause poor posture and reduce ability to absorb the shock of the horse's movement, such as in sitting trot. It also affects your 'loading', or weight distribution meaning that your body will be giving signals to the horse to move in a certain way, even if you aren't aware of it. Even tiny deviations have an impact on how you and your horse work together.
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I can evaluate your intrinsic biomechanics with 9 screens (tests) to assess the pelvis, spine and shoulders and prescribe a programme of anti-spasm exercises to improve function and performance.
What does a session involve?
We start with a brief chat about lifestyle, any injuries and your riding goals. I'll then guide you through a series of movements to test the function of the joints and muscles. It's very gentle and not at all uncomfortable - I will draw a small pen line on your ankles though!
I'll then explain your results and you'll practise the gentle anti-spasm (muscle release) exercises that I'll prescribe based on the findings. These exercises can have very powerful results but frequency is key so commitment to homework is essential!
How does it work?
Biomechanical restrictions can be caused by muscle spasm, this isn't the type of spasm where you bend over and get intense pain. It's a gradual muscle spasm that builds up in a muscle that is protecting a vulnerable joint/area and it's not something that you may feel.
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Muscles that are stuck in a state of spasm, neither 'fully on' or 'fully off', become dysfunctional because they struggle to relax and can't use their full power capacity either.
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If muscles around your pelvis and hip joint go into spasm it can have a huge impact on your riding position such as; making your legs appear to be different lengths, causing you to slip to one side, effecting how central you are in the saddle and even influencing your shoulders and in-turn your ability to maintain an elastic contact.
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Anti-spasm or 'normalise' exercises restore function by re-programming the muscles to switch on and off effectively.