IBS affects on my riding and life
I had IBS syndrome for over fourteen years; It was debilitating and very painful. Riding was out of the question, I could barely stand up straight at times. Episodes lasted from three days to over a week. It's now becoming recognized that horses may also suffer from this condition.
In my experience, an IBS episode always followed or was during stressful times. And my life is no less stressful now! Certain foods also triggered attacks.
Restoring my alignment and movement brought some surprises!
Through restoring my alignment and improving my movement, moving more of me, more frequently, and learning about my movement habits. I gradually rebuilt my body through my movement choices. Moving in an improved way and introducing more movements easily fit into my life.
I could feel the subtle improvements that grew and grew over time, and I gained confidence again in my body. I loved being able to move again and my pain decreased and I regained my active life after 10 years of chronic injury.
One day, I realized I’d not encountered an IBS attack for quite some time. Nine years later, not a single attack and my IBS had been diagnosed and repeatedly treated by doctors.
Rider internal and external posture
Alignment is the natural place your parts need to be to work together and correctly. Posture is the practice of displacing body parts to fit a visual profile. Which can’t be maintained and can be detrimental over time. However, people talk about their posture when they looking in the mirror or catch a glimpse in a shop window or when riding.
But if you think about your external body, your current posture (muscles etc.) when there is tension and weakness. It affects the available space, movement and the way the internal body parts of your body work.
Postural problems affect circulation, respiration, lymph, digestion, bone strength and even your pelvis floor. Restoring your body’s natural alignment has more benefits than you probably considered!
Rider breathing exercises and techniques
Whilst training, I learnt about the mechanics of breathing. You would probably think well you either breathe or you don’t (I don’t recommend the latter!). But in today’s rushed, stressed pace of life. Many riders' breathing is far from optimal and many riders hold their breath when riding!
And this can not only lead to muscular tension and areas not getting the quality of movement they need so stiff joints, etc. Think about the affects on your internal body (respiration, circulation, digestion) from not breathing well!
In my work as a therapist, I have worked with many injured riders. And at stages, when I can’t touch them, I can start with gentle breathing exercises because this creates gentle movements and aids healing. And time and time again I have received surprised feedback on the benefits riders felt.
Basic breathing exercise
Conclusion
The repeated movements and postiotions I performed whilst working as a therapist moulded me into a rotated frame. My abdomen on one side began to feel tight and contracted. I noticed my rib cage position had altered, tension in my neck, shoulders and pelvis. Stiffness and weakness through my core in other areas. Restriction when I turned one way, how I favoured getting up one way onto my work step and I also beared more weight on one side of my pelvis when standing.
My entire body posture had changed as the body works as a whole unit. I noticed when doing things outside of work I’d often position myself into this rotated position. It had become second nature as I spent so much time there.
I believe restoring my alignment took the extra pressure off my abdomen. And allowed my core and body to work reflexively (stimulated naturally from the loading and movement of other body parts) As my external adaptations effected my internal structures( everything works together) Learning to use more of my body, more frequently, and improving my breathing mechanics improved my health tenfold, and I think these are all large factors in the disappearance of my IBS.
Besides the well-known health benefits, I found that movement and alignment brought more significant health improvements than the ones most recognised. These practices could be applied to our horses. Restoring alignment would reduce wear and tear on their joints, enhance movement and health.
Want to restore your alignment? And help your health, movement, riding and horse!