20/03/2026
A client had asked me if nerve release could help a horse with possible strictures. For those that don’t know, strictures is narrowing of the esophagus, in this case due to recurrent choke.
She wanted to know if I could help and honestly, I was not sure. The horse was having more frequent choke episodes and we were hoping I could help get some relief. Now with true strictures, bodywork isn’t expected to help and the usual intervention is inserting a balloon to widen the esophagus. But since the strictures was not 100% confirmed with scope yet, I felt it was worth trying. I was wondering if part of the issue was due to significant neck tension creating restriction and possibly effecting the nerves that help with swallowing, especially since this mare had a very tight neck.
To everyone’s surprise, her horse was actually much better after! It has been a couple months since her first session and she hasn’t had anymore choke episodes. Not only that, they have been able to remove her grazing muzzle to help manage the issue, without a problem! Her owner also mentioned that her horse was much more relaxed after the session, previously always on high alert and now able to relax!
It is my belief that this horse’s strictures was due more to muscle tension and nerve restriction than actual narrowing of the esophagus. And just goes to show that sometimes it’s worth it to give our horses a chance, even when the outcome you want isn’t the most likely.