Equine Bodywork
Equine Bodywork / Massage Therapy is the application of hands-on massage and soft tissue techniques, providing a holistic approach by treating the body as an highly integrated entity rather than unrelated parts or issues .
Regardless of the size, breed, age or discipline all horses can benefit from bodywork, whether it’s for maintenance to keep them in top shape or when they are showing signs of muscular soreness or tightness.
This might be noticed by the horse showing discomfort, stiffness, sensitivity to touch, unwillingness to work, refusing jumps, difficulty with canter leads and lateral work and development of behavioural issues such as bucking, pig rooting, napping and bitting or hypersensitivity to brushing. It can also help being part of a rehabilitation program and will provide comfort for retired and old horses.
Bodywork therapy can help with:
Relaxing muscle spasms
Relieve tightness, stiffness and tension
Increasing range of motion and flexibility
Improving muscle tone
Improve circulation which can assist in the reduction of inflammation and improve the rate of healing
Can relax the horse through the release of endorphins (the ‘feel good’ hormones)
Sessions will start with a static and dynamic assessment if the horse is able.
Kinesio-taping
Kinesiotaping is a technique that involves applying a special elastic tape to the skin to provide support and stability to muscles and joints. The use of kinesiotaping in horses has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are several potential benefits to using this technique.
Some of the benefits of kinesiotaping for horses include:
Improved circulation: The tape can be applied in a way that promotes improved blood and lymphatic flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Pain relief: Kinesiotaping can help to reduce pain and discomfort by providing support and stability to the affected area, which can help to relieve pressure on the muscles and joints.
Improved range of motion: By providing support and stability to the muscles and joints, kinesiotaping can help to improve the horse's range of motion and flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for horses with musculoskeletal injuries.
Reduced swelling: Kinesiotaping can help to reduce swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Performance enhancement: Kinesiotaping can help to improve the horse's performance by providing support and stability to the muscles and joints, which can help to prevent injuries and improve the horse's overall movement and agility.
Red-light therapy
Red-light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation therapy, involves exposing the body to low-level red light wavelengths to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Here are some of the benefits of red-light therapy for horses:
Improve wound healing: It has been shown to promote the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing. The therapy can help reduce the healing time of wounds, cuts, and abrasions.
Alleviate joint pain: Horses are susceptible to joint pain, which can affect their mobility and performance. Red-light therapy has been shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation, allowing horses to move more comfortably.
Reduce inflammation: Red-light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in horses. This can be especially beneficial for horses with arthritis, tendinitis, or other inflammatory conditions.
Improve circulation: Red-light therapy can help improve blood flow, which can aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues. This can help promote healing and improve overall health.
Can enhance muscle recovery: Red-light therapy can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after strenuous exercise or competition. This can help horses maintain peak performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Overall, red-light therapy can be a beneficial treatment option for horses, helping to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health and performance.
The health of your horse is a team effort and bodywork is just one facet. My work should never replace veterinary care and I am happy to work with them and your farrier, dentist and saddle fitter for the best outcome for your equine partner.
Body work - $120
The session normally lasts between 1-1.5 hours.
A combination of gentle yet powerful soft tissue, muscle release and stretching techniques through hands-on equine bodywork and massage therapy are used.
Red-light therapy and Kinesio-taping may be applied when indicated which may provide additional therapeutic benefits.
Kinesiotaping - Tape cost is $15/area applied. If taping is done in addition to the bodywork session or as a standalone service, cost is $40/30 minutes