Proprioception, often referred to as the "sixth sense," is the ability to sense the position of your body in space, even without visual cues. For a horse, this means knowing the position of its feet at any given moment, thanks to feedback from sensory receptors. These receptors are found in the skin, fascia, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, and they send information to the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Disruptions in communication between these receptors and the CNS can occur due to injuries, spinal or brain trauma, arthritis, infections, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, or diseases affecting the CNS—such as those caused by parasites like EPM, or viral and bacterial infections. Without proper feedback, a horse may stumble, drag its feet, step on its own hooves, or struggle to lift its legs to clear obstacles.
So, how does ProSix help? The resistance and deep pressure from ProSix stimulate proprioception! The wide, knitted elastic bands apply pressure to the receptors, providing a fresh, strong signal to the brain. Horses wearing ProSix often show immediate improvement in their ability to move purposefully, especially in their hind feet and limbs. This is particularly beneficial for horses that have experienced EPM or other neural deficits. When a horse is at higher risk for falls and injuries, it is crucial to begin ProSix therapy early to restore lost neural connections, improving stability and balance. Additionally, it’s important to note that stress can negatively impact proprioception.
ProSix is the calming, supportive tool that helps reconnect the brain with the body!