In this episode, we dive into the gritty reality behind a surprisingly common issue among riders & ropers: shoulder impingement. Whether you're swinging a rope in the arena, reaching up to your saddle horn, bridling a horse, or chasing with a particularly feisty donkey at a jackpot in Oklahoma, your shoulder takes a beating. We'll break down what shoulder impingement actually is, how it shows up in riders & ropers, and why events like donkey roping—yes, it’s a real thing—can put your shoulder mechanics to the test. From inflammation to instability, we cover the signs to watch for and share practical tips to help you stay strong, pain-free, and roping for the long haul.

In this episode, we dive into the gritty reality behind a surprisingly common issue among riders & ropers: shoulder impingement. Whether you're swinging a rope in the arena, reaching up to your saddle horn, bridling a horse, or chasing with a particularly feisty donkey at a jackpot in Oklahoma, your shoulder takes a beating. We'll break down what shoulder impingement actually is, how it shows up in riders & ropers, and why events like donkey roping—yes, it’s a real thing—can put your shoulder mechanics to the test. From inflammation to instability, we cover the signs to watch for and share practical tips to help you stay strong, pain-free, and roping for the long haul.

In this episode, we dive into the gritty reality behind a surprisingly common issue among riders &amp; ropers: shoulder impingement. Whether you're swinging a rope in the arena, reaching up to your saddle horn, bridling a horse, or chasing with a particularly feisty donkey at a jackpot in Oklahoma, your shoulder takes a beating. We'll break down what shoulder impingement actually is, how it shows up in riders &amp; ropers, and why events like donkey roping—yes, it’s a real thing—can put your shoulder mechanics to the test. From inflammation to instability, we cover the signs to watch for and share practical tips to help you stay strong, pain-free, and roping for the long haul.

"Shoulders, Ropes & Donkeys: The Hidden Strain Behind the Sport"

Becky Pearson, MPT, LAPT, CERP, has been treating human patients with physical therapy since 1996. She obtained her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Findaly, Findlay, Ohio, in 2005 and opened her own private practice in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in 2011. 
Over the years and seeing the benefits from physical therapy on people, she knew the same techniques could help the equine athletes. 
She spent years of studying, observing, competing, and living within the horse world and completed the Equine Physical Rehabilitation Certification Program at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of the program, she became the second licensed Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) in Nebraska. 
Finally, all of the pieces of the puzzle were put together to create “Pivot Point Equine Rehab Therapy—Physical Therapy for Your Horse!” 
Becky understands that to compete at a high level, you and your horse must feel your best. She herself has competed at a high level in the WPRA at prestigious rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days and Pendleton, Oregon. As an equine physical therapist, she keeps her own horses and her family’s horses healthy using cutting-edge physical therapy techniques. She is married to PRCA steer roper Chris Pearson and they have two daughters who also compete, Emma and Gracie Pearson. 
Consequently, Becky has become driven to learn how to increase the mobility, strength, and overall health of the competitive athletic horse. After her work is done, you see an overall calming effect upon the horse. The work has a lasting effect upon the whole being. It helps with increased flexibility and elasticity and softens muscles, which allows the horse to move freer and faster. Overall, the horse is just healthier and can then give you more. Because the horse is feeling better, he is more responsive to the rider and generally just happier with himself. The end result is better performance for you. 
Becky’s passion to help the horse through physical therapy has had her traveling the entire United States learning and working on horses…one horse at a time…one rider at a time, improving their overall quality of life, enabling them to shine when it is their time.

Health & Fitness

Becky Pearson, MPT, LAPT, CERP, has been treating human patients with physical therapy since 1996. She obtained her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Findaly, Findlay, Ohio, in 2005 and opened her own private practice in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in 2011. Over the years and seeing the benefits from physical therapy on people, she knew the same techniques could help the equine athletes. She spent years of studying, observing, competing, and living within the horse world and completed the Equine Physical Rehabilitation Certification Program at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of the program, she became the second licensed Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) in Nebraska. Finally, all of the pieces of the puzzle were put together to create “Pivot Point Equine Rehab Therapy—Physical Therapy for Your Horse!” Becky understands that to compete at a high level, you and your horse must feel your best. She herself has competed at a high level in the WPRA at prestigious rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days and Pendleton, Oregon. As an equine physical therapist, she keeps her own horses and her family’s horses healthy using cutting-edge physical therapy techniques. She is married to PRCA steer roper Chris Pearson and they have two daughters who also compete, Emma and Gracie Pearson. Consequently, Becky has become driven to learn how to increase the mobility, strength, and overall health of the competitive athletic horse. After her work is done, you see an overall calming effect upon the horse. The work has a lasting effect upon the whole being. It helps with increased flexibility and elasticity and softens muscles, which allows the horse to move freer and faster. Overall, the horse is just healthier and can then give you more. Because the horse is feeling better, he is more responsive to the rider and generally just happier with himself. The end result is better performance for you. Becky’s passion to help the horse through physical therapy has had her traveling the entire United States learning and working on horses…one horse at a time…one rider at a time, improving their overall quality of life, enabling them to shine when it is their time.

Becky Pearson, MPT, LAPT, CERP, has been treating human patients with physical therapy since 1996. She obtained her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Findaly, Findlay, Ohio, in 2005 and opened her own private practice in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in 2011. 
Over the years and seeing the benefits from physical therapy on people, she knew the same techniques could help the equine athletes. 
She spent years of studying, observing, competing, and living within the horse world and completed the Equine Physical Rehabilitation Certification Program at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of the program, she became the second licensed Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) in Nebraska. 
Finally, all of the pieces of the puzzle were put together to create “Pivot Point Equine Rehab Therapy—Physical Therapy for Your Horse!” 
Becky understands that to compete at a high level, you and your horse must feel your best. She herself has competed at a high level in the WPRA at prestigious rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days and Pendleton, Oregon. As an equine physical therapist, she keeps her own horses and her family’s horses healthy using cutting-edge physical therapy techniques. She is married to PRCA steer roper Chris Pearson and they have two daughters who also compete, Emma and Gracie Pearson. 
Consequently, Becky has become driven to learn how to increase the mobility, strength, and overall health of the competitive athletic horse. After her work is done, you see an overall calming effect upon the horse. The work has a lasting effect upon the whole being. It helps with increased flexibility and elasticity and softens muscles, which allows the horse to move freer and faster. Overall, the horse is just healthier and can then give you more. Because the horse is feeling better, he is more responsive to the rider and generally just happier with himself. The end result is better performance for you. 
Becky’s passion to help the horse through physical therapy has had her traveling the entire United States learning and working on horses…one horse at a time…one rider at a time, improving their overall quality of life, enabling them to shine when it is their time.

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"Shoulders, Ropes & Donkeys: The Hidden Strain Behind the Sport"

"Shoulders, Ropes & Donkeys: The Hidden Strain Behind the Sport"

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