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| Equine Massage Therapy |
I use a variety of massage techniques including traditional massage, acupressure and some myofascial type moves. I also include stretching throughout the massage routine.
There are many benefits to massage therapy including:
- Improved range of motion
- Enhanced gait quality
- Improved performance
- Improved stamina
- Improved disposition
- Support to healing injuries
- Improved circulation
- Assessment of the physical condition of the horse
Muscles create movement. When there is an issue in the muscles, movement will be affected. If there is an issue in a muscle (knot, spasm, adhesion, trigger point, stress point, etc.) , there will be reduced range of motion in the muscle, which decreases the quality of the gait and performance in general. The horse will need to compensate, using other muscles to assist in the job of the affected muscle. Soon, these muscles will develop tension due to overwork, resulting in more issues. Then, because the horse in not able to move in an efficient manner, stamina is reduced. There is also pain associated with muscle issues...most of us know how excited we are to go to work when our muscles are sore. Horses can't verbalize their discomfort, but they show it in other ways. A cranky attitude, resistance to specific manoeuvres, movements or work in general can all be signs that there is something going on. This is often dismissed as the horse having a bad attitude that he just doesn't want to work. It may be true that he doesn't want to work and has a bad attitude, but he may have a very good reason to feel this way if he's in pain.
 When an issue first begins, there may not be many noticeable signs, perhaps a slight stiffness or the horse may take longer warm up than normal. As the issues progress a greater degree of stiffness and resistance may be noticeable, and the horse's attitude may change. Eventually things can progress to the point where the horse is lame and no longer functional at the level desired.
Massage work can help prevent larger issues and injuries from occurring. Muscle tension makes a muscle more prone to injury, such as a tear or strain. Areas of tension may indicate other issues that are developing but are not yet obvious, allowing the issue to be identified before it becomes a major problem. Common patterns of tension can indicate issues in other body tissues or organs, allowing me to pass the findings on to your veterinarian who can then investigate further. As a I work on your horse over time I learn what is normal for your horse and if there is any changes they can be quickly identified. As a body worker I can also provide some feedback on the progression of the horse's training program and provide exercises and stretches that will be beneficial for that particular horse.
With veterinarian approval, massage work can also be used to help a horse recovering from an injury. This is done with direct input from the vet, such as what would be beneficial and what would be best to avoid.
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* Click to enlarge images |
Equine Massage - done as a part of each treatment after the adjustment is complete
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Equine Massage
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Equine Neck Massage |
Donkey Massage |
Equine Massage Therapy |
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| * Equine therapy is not a replacement for proper veterinarian care. If you have an emergency call your veterinarian. If your horse is currently under veterinarian care, clearance for body work and any recommendations/restrictions must be provided by the vet. |
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