Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (10 page)
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Authors: Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt
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acis and lumborum)
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pal extensor m
acis and lumborum)
pal flexor m
pal flexor m
t of v
y ligament (super
y ligament,
us dorsi m
us thor
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dle car
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acic par
nal intercostal m
nal intercostal m
nal abdominal ob
nal abdominal ob
lique car
actor costae m
ansv
sesamoidean ligament der
interosseous m
attac
tendon
of deep pector
and semispinalis thor
longissim
costalis thor
(41) ob
(42) medial car
(43) mid
(44) suspensor
(45) suspensor
(46) thor
(47) caudal deep pector
(48) spinalis dorsi m
(49) longissim
(50) iliocostalis dorsi m
(51) retr
(52) exter
(53) inter
(54) inter
(55) tr
(56) exter
ior
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38a) later
tendon
39a) later
two tendons
40a) deep digital flexor m
(22) rhomboideus m
(23) scalene m
(24) inter
(25) cer
(26) cr
(27) supr
(28,
(29) teres minor m
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(31) long head of tr
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(35) r
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19a) longissim
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(2) lev
(3) dorsal par
(4) later
(5) orbicular m
(6) b
(7) depressor m
(8) zygomatic m
(9) masseter m
(10) tr
(11) depressor m
(12) orbicular m
(13) cor
(14) tempor
(15) occipitomandib
(16) ster
(17) ster
(18,
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38
Equine Massage
le and its tendon
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(76) saphenous v
(77,
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(79) long tail lev
(80) tail depressor m
(81) coccygeus m
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ing group of m
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ing group of m
hilles tendon (tendon for gastrocnemius
hamstr
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69a) long digital extensor m
Ac
and soleus m
(66) iliac m
(67) semimembr
(68) semitendinosus m
(69,
(70) later
(71) soleus m
(72)
(73) superficial digital flexor tendon
iceps
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(continued)
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atus femor
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Deeper Musc
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(57) aponeurosis (flattened tendon)
(58) sacrosciatic ligament
(59) medial gluteal m
(60) deep gluteal m
(61) gemellus m
(62) quadr
(63) ad
(64) later
(65) rectus femor
Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse
39
and deep massage. These techniques will promote blood circulation, bringing new oxygen and nutrients to affect healing and to break down scar tissue within the muscle fibers.
As a result of heavy training and exercise, a stress point may develop close to the origin tendon of the muscle. A
stress point
is a small spasm in the muscle fiber. Keep the horse free of stress points by using the stress point technique in chapter 5. (Chapter 10 describes the stress points specific to each body part and chapter 15 describes the stress points specific to each discipline.) Another side effect of an intense training program and vigorous exercise is the formation of trigger points. A
trigger point
is a combination of lactic acid buildup and motor nerve ending irritation, mostly in the fleshy part (belly) of the muscle. The term “trigger point” derives from the fact that when pressure is applied to a particular point, a pain signal will be sent to other parts of the body.
Trigger points can be found in any muscle of the body. Keep your horse free of trigger points by using the trigger point technique in chapter 5.
Study all the charts and learn about all aspects of the horse’s body. Understanding the interrelation of all the various systems will contribute greatly to your expertise in assessing the various problems you may encounter and wish to treat with massage.
A solid understanding of equine anatomy will assist your ability
to properly massage each body part of your horse. Knowing all the
muscles, the joints they influence, and the bones involved will give
you a more assertive approach in your massage care.You will be
amazed at how much information you can learn from this chapter.
This knowledge will give you confidence in your practice.
2
THE HORSE AND MASSAGE
THERAPY
Most horses, like humans, enjoy massage therapy when it is done with skilled hands and a good understanding of anatomy.
If you are interested in knowing how your horse will feel during and after his massage, it would be helpful for you to have a therapeutic massage yourself.You would realize how good it feels when skilled hands release your muscle tension. Feeling someone manipulating your muscles will make it easier for you to “feel-see” with your fingers as you massage your equine friend. You would also appreciate how relaxed your horse can get after such treatment.
During his first massage experience, the horse will be very curious about what is happening to him. He may become defensive. Often feeling nervous or impatient, the horse will move away, perhaps reacting suddenly if the pressure is too aggressive. On the other hand, some horses might be very passive and quiet, as good as gold.
Be aware of the feedback the horse gives you. Learn to recognize the sure signs of apprehension: raising of the head, ears pulled back, eyes widening and becoming intense, skin twitching, tail swishing, swinging of the rear toward you, stamping of feet, breathing short and hard, and biting. Sure signs of relaxation and enjoyment, however, include: eyes half-closed, head down, ears to the side, heavy sighs, relaxing of the lower lip, and nuzzling.
Monitor your horse’s body language constantly and adjust your work accordingly.
After a few sessions, the horse will accept your efforts without any trouble and start to enjoy massage. Some horses with traumatic histories (abuse, accidents) may be more resentful of massage than others, tensing up all over. Sometimes there can be a fear of being touched, or “touch-shyness,” simply because humans
40
The Horse and Massage Therapy
41
have not spent much time bonding with a particular horse.Time, patience, and care will do wonders for a shy horse.
In some cases, touch-shyness in one area of the body (for example, the head or back) can indicate an underlying condition.When dealing with an extreme case of phobia or restlessness, consult your veterinarian or homeopath. A mild tranquilizer might be in order.
Be especially aware of the horse’s temperament and character when approaching him; be particularly careful with stallions. Most geldings, mares and foals, however, respond very positively to their first treatment.
Take time to build a rapport with the animal during the first massage. As a rule, use the relaxation routine in chapter 6 prior to giving any massage at any time to any horse. Don’t rush! With each session you will build your horse’s trust while allaying his instinctive fears.