|
About Horse Bodywork Styles
In my equine massage practice, we have found that many people misunderstand the different styles or modalities of equine
massage. Some practitioners are train in only one style, while others have been trained in a full repertoire of styles. It
is also important to understand that there is a differenc between the bodywork performed by a massage practitioner and the
work doneby an equine chiropractor,
Acupuncturist or physical therapist.
Equine chiropractic is a precise practice that should only be performed by a veterinarian with specific chiropractic
training. As well, an equine acupuncturist must first be licensed as a vet, with further training in Chinese Medical theory
and veterinary acupuncture. Equine physical therapy should only be performed by a licensed human physical therapist with
additional education in equine anatomy.
The use of therapeutic equipment also requires specific training and can cause damage to the horses tissues when
used improperly.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that most massage therapists or bodyworkers are not veterinarians. Although
your equine massage practitioner may do an evaluation on your horse, he or she does not diagnose medical conditions.
Therefore, if your horse is experiencing a specific problem, it is imperative to first get a diagnosis from your veterinarian.
In the best of circumstances your veterinarian and bodyworker will work together to achieve wellness for your horse.
Deep Tissue Chronic stress patterns in muscle tissue
are released through stroking and hand or finger pressure either following or going across the grain of the muscle fibers,
tendons and fascia. This style of massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle.
Sports Massage.
Sports massage was developed by Jack Meager (Masseur for the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team). It combines
techniques derived from Swedish massage. Different sports tend to strain muscles at certain points. This style of
massage helps heal strained muscles and allows healthy muscles to reach peak action while lowering the risk of
injury.
Acupressure and Shiatsu
These styles are based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of Chi (life force energy) through channels or meridians.
These meridians are analogous to the electrical energy running through the wires in your
home. A kink in the wires will result in a short circuit or blockage of energy.
In the horses body these blockages may be the result of such things as trauma or injury, poor nutrition,hormonal imbalances
or even emotional issues. Specific points (acupoints) along the meridians are manipulated to restore the healthy flow of Chi.
Other common massage techniques such as stretching and rubbing are also used.
Craniosacral
This modality addresses the central nervous system, balancing the cerebral spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and flows
down the spinal column to the sacrum. An imbalance or restriction is this system can cause motor,
neurological or sensory disabilities.
Using light hand pressure equal to the weight of a nickel, the practitioner senses the pulse of the cerebrospinal
fluid and can then find and remedy restrictions and holding patterns in the horses body.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all of the organs in the body, every muscle and every muscle fiber. When trauma
occurs in the muscle fibers, the fascia shortens and becomes tight. Often this causes uneven stress which can be transmitted
through the fascia to other parts of the body. Treatments through Myofascial Release work to release the uneven tightness
through stretching the fascia.
I have covered some of the more common modalities. Most of these modalities require many hours of education and practice
to learn. If you have questions about the type of
bodywork that your practitioner is using just ask him/her.
|
