Initial consultation

 

The first session will involve an initial assessment of your horse followed by a massage and will take at least one and a half hours.

 

During this visit I will obtain a full case history about the horse including:

 

  • Current work load
  • Work history
  • Health
  • Diet
  • Tack
  • Husbandry

This will be followed by the following assessments:

 

1. Dynamic assessment:

 

 

An assessment of the horse moving in hand, on the lunge or under saddle where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Static assessment:

 

 

 

 

Visual (taking conformation into account) and palpatory, looking for any obvious signs of soreness or tension.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Massage Therapy session:

 

 

A variety of massage techniques may be used to help your horse. These may include:

  • Effleurage - a rhythmic stroking which introduces the horse to massage and prepares him for deeper/more intense work. It is begun with firm but gentle strokes, with gradually increasing pressure as the muscles relax. This rhythmic stroking of tissue causes a release of natural opiates, endorphins, which helps reduction of pain or discomfort.  It increases local tissue temperature and helps eliminate toxins by enhancing venous and lymphatic return.
  • Compressions -  Stimulates circulation and helps break down stiffness and tension in muscle. The techniques replicate naturally occurring pressure changes within the tissue which helps mobilise blood and fluids, enabling muscles to be more efficient.
  • Cross fibre frictions - Friction techniques are variations of rubbing and work by compressing tissue against bone. Used for small areas or on specific areas of tightness. Friction is a firm rubbing, heat producing technique. It differs from other techniques in that it is intended to irritate an area to break down tissue and stimulate healing.
  • Tapotement - Invigorating and stimulating. Improves local and overall circulation, warms the muscles and improves muscle tone.
  • Myofascial release - fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly,  to allow the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion.
  • Passive stretching movements may also be used where appropriate. Passive movements and stretches aid the normal proprioceptive mechanisms within the body and are aimed at maintaining or restoring a normal range of movement.
  • Equissage - uses Cycloid Vibration Therapy, a uniquely non aggressive technique that allows energy to penetrate gently but deeply into the body. Its proven benefits include increased circulation, improved venous and lymphatic drainage, improved respiration, released tension and improved joint mobility.

 

 

 

Post Treatment Care

 

I will talk through the session and explain my findings, discuss future regime if required and show any stretches which can be carried out by the owner as part of the follow up care.

 

 

"Far back, far back in our dark soul the horse prances ... The horse, the horse! The symbol of surging potency and power of movement, of action ..."

 D. H. Lawrence