Ovarian Torsion in Mares: What It Is & How Bodywork Can Help
- Dr. Angelique Barbara
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Ovarian torsion—also sometimes referred to informally as a “flipped ovary”—is a condition that can cause discomfort, behavioral changes, and performance issues in mares. While it’s not commonly diagnosed in general veterinary practice due to the complexity of confirming it without imaging or surgery, many equine practitioners and bodyworkers observe clear patterns of pain and restriction that point to tension in the pelvic and ovarian ligaments.
Let’s take a deeper look at what ovarian torsion is, how it may present, and how bodywork can offer much-needed support.
🧬 What Is Ovarian Torsion?
Ovarian torsion refers to the partial or complete twisting of the ovary on its supporting ligaments, which can potentially compromise blood flow and cause significant pain. In horses, it’s believed that tension or strain on the ovarian ligaments—often due to pelvic misalignment, sacral restrictions, or trauma—may cause the ovary to shift abnormally or create chronic stress in the area.
While true torsion requiring surgical intervention is rare, ligament strain or imbalance can create symptoms that mimic torsion, especially in performance mares under heavy physical and hormonal demands.
🔍 Signs of Ovarian Tension or Torsion-Like Symptoms
Mares experiencing this kind of pelvic or reproductive imbalance may show:
Sensitivity along the flanks or lumbar area
Resistance to collection or lateral bending
Difficulty with lead changes
Bucking or balking under saddle
Mood swings or increased aggression, particularly around estrus
Pain reactions when palpating the lower back or gluteals
If your mare’s behavior shifts suddenly or you notice persistent issues with balance or stride, it's important to rule out both reproductive and musculoskeletal causes.
✋ How Bodywork Can Help
Holistic bodywork doesn’t diagnose ovarian torsion—but it can address the musculoskeletal and fascial restrictions that may be contributing to ovarian ligament tension. These modalities can offer your mare physical and energetic relief:
🔹 Craniosacral Therapy
This gentle technique helps release restrictions in the sacrum, pelvis, and cranial bones, restoring balance to the nervous system and fascia. It’s particularly helpful when the body is holding trauma in the reproductive or sacral area.
🔹 Equine Massage
Massage therapy can help reduce muscular tension in the lumbar and pelvic regions, increase circulation, and bring awareness to hidden compensations or imbalances. It supports relaxation and tissue recovery around the reproductive organs.
🔹 Kinesiology Taping
Taping the lumbar spine, sacroiliac area, or abdominal region can help improve fascial glide, support posture, and reduce inflammation, especially during heat cycles or after strenuous activity.
🔹 Acupressure & Meridian Work
Focusing on points along the Conception Vessel and Spleen meridians can help regulate the reproductive system, calm irritability, and support energetic harmony in the pelvic organs.
🌿 Supporting the Whole Mare
Ovarian torsion or tension isn’t just a physical issue—it often has emotional and energetic components. Many mares under stress from intense training, hormonal fluctuations, or emotional trauma will hold tension in their sacral region. Holistic bodywork allows the practitioner to address not just the structural imbalances, but also to create a safe space for the mare to release deeply held emotional layers.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you suspect your mare is showing signs of ovarian discomfort or pelvic tension, bodywork can be a powerful tool to restore comfort, balance, and well-being. It’s not about replacing veterinary care—it’s about working with the body to support deeper healing from the inside out.
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