Emily H's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Reining in Rehab: Cracking the Code of Chiropractic Practices BASIS Advisor: Rosemary Everts Internship Location: Premier Equine Sports Therapy Onsite Mentor: Melinda Harllee

Project Abstract

My project addresses the need for standardized measurement tools in the field of equine rehabilitation, specifically focusing on chiropractic techniques like joint manipulation and mobilization. This project aims to explore and develop methods to assess improvements in range of motion and overall musculoskeletal health in horses undergoing chiropractic or physical therapy interventions. The significance of this project lies in the potential to improve veterinary care for horses, particularly in rehabilitation practices, by providing a more evidence-based approach to treatment outcomes. Standardizing how we measure the effectiveness of chiropractic interventions could lead to better informed decisions for practitioners and more successful rehabilitation programs for horses. This is important for the overall health and performance of horses involved in equine sports, as well as for improving the quality of life for horses recovering from injuries. I will use a combination of direct observation, research, and existing assessment tools to monitor and document treatment progress. By collecting and analyzing data, I hope to refine methods for evaluating chiropractic care, contributing to the field’s understanding of its effectiveness. My expectation is to develop a clearer framework for assessing chiropractic interventions, which could be implemented in other rehabilitation programs for horses.