Massage Techniques Part 1

 

Hello and welcome to part one of my mini blog series on Equine Massage Techniques.

During this mini blog series I will be discussing some of the hands-on equine massage techniques you will see me use when treating your horse.

Hands-on equine massage forms the very basis of what I do.

Equine Massage Therapy is a generic and collective term that refers to the intellectual manipulation of the varied layers of soft tissue structures that lay beneath the horse’s skin.

A variety of individual and integrated skills belong within the artistry of equine massage therapy.

Each one is specifically designed to effectively contribute to the detection, resolution and healing of various malfunctions present within the specific body tissues and structures.

Today I am going to talk about:

  • Laying on of hands

  • Stroking

  • Effleurage

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Laying on of hands is a resting position to connect with the horse, also has great therapeutic value in soothing acute wounds, inflammation, nerve irritation, and stress of a mechanical or nervous origin.

I often use laying on of hands to help build rapport with a new horse, or a particularly nervous or unsure horse to get them used to me and my touch. Using this technique over the forehead, poll or over the sacrum area will help to soothe the horse, bringing relief to the central nervous system.

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Stroking uses the finger tips or palms of the hands to allow your horse to increase his awareness of his body, helps to relax the horse and affects the central nervous system.

I use stroking in 2 different ways. I will apply it gently, slowly and softly to a tight, tense or nervous horse as the gentle stimulation of the skin sends relaxing impulses to the brain encouraging the horse to let go of tension. Stroking to the back and to the legs is particularly ‘grounding’ for the horse.
I may also use fast stroking to a horse for example in a pre competition massage as fast stroking is stimulating with an almost exctiting effect on the horse’s nervous system.

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Effleurage is a gliding stroke done with the palm, whole hand, fingers and or arm. This movement opens the tissue/muscle to get ready for other movements and also helps to drain the muscle after further treatment has been applied.

Effleurage is the technique you will see me use most often. I will use it to warm and prepare the area before treating, whilst also using it as a diagnostic tool for feeling what is beneath the surface of the skin, feeling for changes in texture of the skin, fascia and underlying structures as well as changes in temperature. Effleurage also has a very soothing effect and assists in boosting circulation.


Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today, if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for your horse please do get in touch.

Keep an eye out for Part 2 of this mini series where I will be talking about 3 more of the techniques I use when treating your horses.
Thanks so much

Jess