Contraindication: an influence, factor or situation the renders the application of equine massage therapy inadvisable or forbidden.

It’s important to note that some situations can actually be made worse if they were to have equine massage therapy applied to them.

During an assessment or through therapy, Jess may sometimes meet a horse who presents a condition or influence that may give rise to suspicions of the horse’s good health.

As an equine massage therapist working with a Duty of Care, Jess may request that the horse is referred back to a veterinarian before equine massage therapy can be applied.

If your horse presents any of the following conditions please ensure your horse is assessed by a veterinarian before contacting Jess to make an appointment, the vet will then need to give permission for equine massage therapy to be applied.

Contraindications:

  • Discharge/Mucous from the eyes or nose - mucous & equine massage therapy do not mix. Many massage techniques will simply encourage the production of mucous

  • Laboured Respiration - can be an indicative of restricted airways, either from infection and/or an allergic reaction, both of which can induce swelling and/or spasms within the airways

  • A wound that is less than 7 days old - equine massage will destruct forming blood clots, causing the wound to reopen and stop healing, therefore becoming more vulnerable to infection and the development of further scar tissue

  • Neural Disease e.g Tetanus, Neuralgia - the stimulation from equine massage therapy will prove far too intense for the horse and will simply encourage the symptoms of the respective condition.

  • Infectious Disease e.g Strangles, Tumours, Equine influenza, Herpes, Pneumonia - equine massage can encourage the spread of infection through the body

  • Colic - equine massage could alter the muscular actions of the horse, increasing the state of spasmodic colic

  • Cushings - equine massage therapy could enhance this condition by spreading the flow of steroids via the horse’s blood flow (some vets will give permission for horse with cushings to be treated, each case should be discussed with the vet)

    Please note this list is not exhaustive - if in doubt please contact Jess for advice.