Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (12 page)

Memorize the four “T’s”: temperature, texture, tension, and tenderness (see the following section).

The Horse and Massage Therapy

47

What you learn through your fingertips is very important; make sure you remain sensitive to them and what they communicate.

Take note of your observations and record them after the treatment. If someone is available to take notes as you work, so much the better. A record of your efforts will help ensure that you perform well (chapter 16).

Always think of your horse as a very picky, demanding client who is always checking on you.You want to give him the best of your massage abilities.

Contraindications to

Massaging a Horse

The term
contraindication
is used to describe specific situations in which you should not massage a horse and in which you should seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Do not massage when the horse’s
temperature
is over 102°

Fahrenheit (F) or 39° Celsius (C). A horse’s normal temperature is 100°F, 38°C. A mild fever is present at 102°F, 39°C. A moderate fever is present at 104.5°F, 40°C. A high fever is present at 106°F, 41°C. An increase in temperature occurs during serious illnesses; feverish conditions call for complete rest. Massage will only render the situation worse by increasing blood circulation, which is already rampant. Cover your horse with a blanket to keep him warm and to avoid a chill. Check with your vet.

The laying on of hands over the forehead, at the poll, and over the sacrum area will soothe the horse, bringing relief to the central nervous system. Use the right hand on the sacrum, the left on the poll. A cold towel over the sacrum and along the spine will feel good to the horse. During high fever a complete rubdown with a cold towel will decrease the body temperature and cool the animal. Follow by blanketing to avoid a chill.

When there is an open wound (broken skin) or healing wound (bleeding) anywhere on the body, avoid that particular area, although you may massage the rest of the body to help with excess swelling and to release compensatory tension.

When there is
acute trauma
(a torn muscle or an area with internal bleeding, such as an acute hematoma), use ice for the first few hours. Massage can be resumed in the chronic stage (past 72

hours).

When severe forms of functional nervous disease (tetanus) are present, do not massage the horse. The nerve stimulation would drive him insane. Even the laying on of hands would be risky, although it could help.

48

Equine Massage

Acute nerve problems or nerve irritation (
neuralgia
) in a particular area (following a wound or a bad stretch) is a contraindication to massage. The laying on of hands might soothe. Use cold hydrotherapy to numb the nerve endings before and after the laying on of hands.

During colitis, diarrhea, pregnancy, or hernias, use just a light stroking on the abdomen and only if the horse does not mind.

Acute rheumatism and arthritis are too painful to permit massage. Massage would worsen the inflammation. Instead, use cold hydrotherapy locally. Once the acute stage is relieved, resume your treatment. Chronic stages of rheumatism and arthritis require different treatment. Light massage over the areas affected would relax the compensatory tension from the muscles supporting those structures. Do not work deeply around the joints.

Calcification around joints or within soft tissues should not be massaged; it would only increase the inflammation in these areas.

Check with your veterinarian for possible surgical removal.

An inflammatory condition such as phlebitis would be worsened by direct massage. Use cold hydrotherapy and check with your veterinarian.

If cancerous tumors and cysts are present, don’t massage.

Massage could spread them. Avoid the affected areas, but you may massage the rest of the body. Check with your vet.

Massage is absolutely contraindicated in the following conditions, since it would contribute to their spread:

❖ Skin problems of fungal origin, such as ringworm

❖ Infectious conditions of fistulous origin, such as poll-evil or fistulous withers

❖ Infectious diseases, such as strangles, tetanus, and pneumonia

❖ Acute stages of viral diseases, such as equine influenza or herpes

Be careful when dealing with what appears to be an abnormal situation. If in doubt, contact a veterinarian. Otherwise, use massage cautiously.When massage is contraindicated, the laying on of hands will often bring soothing energy to an irritated area, relieving the pain. Hydrotherapy (chapter 4) will also relieve the inflammation and pain considerably, assisting recovery and definitively comforting your animal.

Knowing how to safely approach an animal for massage is part of the secret to success.Your patience, perseverance, good humor, kindness, knowledge, and skills will reduce the psychological and physical barriers between the horse and you, leading to better communication with the animal.

The Horse and Massage Therapy

49

Some Massage Do’s and Don’ts

The atmosphere in which you work will directly influence the efficacy of the massage. What follows are some suggestions for making massage treatment safe for both you and your horse.

Do’s

✔ Do evaluate the horse’s health by checking his vital signs (pulse, temperature, eyes, breathing, etc.). Be sure there are no contraindications.

✔ Do work in a large space, free from obstacles. Remove distracting objects such as boxes, shovels, blankets, and ropes.

✔ Do keep small pets away.

✔ Do avoid small stalls. Use the barn aisle or an arena, or work outside if weather permits, preferably in the shade. Windy conditions disturb horses.

✔ Do maintain a soothing atmosphere: not too much traffic, not too many noises. Eventually you may play peaceful, quiet music.

✔ Do have somebody hold the horse by the halter or the lead rope.

✔ Do secure your horse between crossties if no one else is around, although crossties will restrict head motion and interfere with relaxation. It is preferable to allow the horse complete freedom of head movement since this promotes better relaxation and permits more feedback signals.

✔ Do clean your horse before starting a massage.

✔ Do begin massage with a very light pressure and progress to deeper strokes.

✔ Do keep your fingernails short, and avoid wearing jewelry.

✔ Do keep talking to the animal throughout the treatment.

✔ Do pay attention to feedback signs from the ears, eyes, feet, tail,
etc.

✔ Do keep records of your observations and the types of treatment you give.

✔ Do establish a treatment and exercise schedule for the following weeks, or until recovery.

Don’ts

✘ Don’t disregard the physiological signs of contraindications.

✘ Don’t work in a narrow space.This is dangerous if the horse suddenly moves or panics due to outside influences (loud noises, falling objects, storm, etc.).

50

Equine Massage

✘ Don’t stand between a horse and a wall as you work because you can be squeezed.

✘ Don’t allow loud music, commotion, or smoking, especially when dealing with an auditory animal.

✘ Don’t allow cats, dogs, or other pets to wander around your work area. Prevent that intrusion before starting treatment.

✘ Don’t work a dirty horse—one with mud or manure on his body.

✘ Don’t work hastily, too quickly, or too forcefully.

✘ Don’t wear jewelry, have long fingernails, or wear heavy perfume.

✘ Don’t stop speaking to the horse; he needs praise and reassurance.

✘ Don’t talk loudly or shout.

✘ Don’t talk to somebody else while working. It will affect your concentration and the quality of your work.The horse will definitely feel the difference.

✘ Don’t use heavy pressure to begin with.

✘ Don’t ignore the horse’s body language.

✘ Don’t be angry or in a bad mood when working on the horse.

✘ Don’t think negatively.

Safety Tips

When working closely with horses, follow these safety guidelines:

❖ Wear large-size clothes to give yourself freedom of movement.

❖ Wear strong boots.You could be stepped on.

❖ In cold weather, keep your fingers warm by wearing leather riding gloves while giving a massage. The leather is thin enough so that you do not lose “touch” quality. If you only want to warm up your animal with some wringings, shakings, or tapotements as described in chapter 3, you can wear warm mittens, but it is better to work with bare hands.

Some people like to wear gloves at all times to protect their skin. This is fine so long as your gloves are thin enough to allow you to feel the quality of your touch.

Understanding how to properly approach your horse for massage
will secure best results. Recognizing the different contraindications
will allow you to better care for your horse. Observing the Do’s and
Don’ts of this practice will maximize your efficiency. This overall
knowledge will give you confidence in your practice.

3

PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS

OF MASSAGE

When massage is employed with knowledge and skill, it not only treats specific health problems in horses but also improves their general health. Massage has a positive influence on the physical and psychological well-being of horses, regardless of age.The caring feeling transmitted to a horse through the soothing contact of massage will contribute to the relaxation of the nervous system and assist in relieving stress.

After massage treatment, the “feel-good” sensation derived erases much nervous tension and anxiety.That sensation will convey a sense of satisfaction and reconnection with life that subconsciously promotes recovery and improvement.

During the first massage, your horse might wonder what you are doing. After a few sessions, however, he will show signs of enjoyment through his body language. Even when a horse is experiencing a painful condition, massage can have a pain-relieving effect on him. Although unproven through scientific research, it is theorized that massage inhibits pain by stimulating the release of
endorphins
(opiate-like enzymes produced in the brain) to reduce the awareness of pain.

Developing Massage Skills

Proper Approach

How you approach your horse is most important—for example, being calm, being aware of his personality, and so on.This was discussed in detail in chapter 2.You may want to review that information. A full understanding of this subject will ensure good mental and physical contact during a massage treatment.

51

52

Equine Massage

Proper Posture

Good posture is essential to giving a good massage.

Good posture helps you save your energy by avoiding unnecessary movement and fatigue. Good posture is the sum of the mechanical efficiency of the body. With good posture, you will feel well grounded in your work and more centered.You will feel your own body’s energy field as well as your horse’s energy field, which will permit a better exchange between you.

To maintain good posture:

❖ Stand with your back straight, but not rigid or stiff. Your shoulders should be loose and mobile.

❖ Relax and breathe slowly and deeply. Adapt your breathing rhythm to that of the horse.

❖ Keep your head in line with your spine. (Imagine a cord pulling you up lightly from the top of your head.)

❖ Tuck in your chin slightly.

❖ Look forward.

❖ Drop your shoulders. Do not tense your neck.

❖ Stretch out your arms, then let the elbows flex a little.You will now be at the right distance from the horse.

❖ Develop a feeling of working from your elbows, not just your hands and wrists.This action will save energy and prevent soreness. Furthermore, it will give you more strength because you will feel more connected to your whole body.

3.1 Proper Posture

(A) regular stand

(B) using a stool

Principles and Concepts of Massage

53

❖ Use your body weight when doing large movements (for example, effleurage), to prevent serious fatigue.

❖ Bend your legs slightly at the knee, keeping your feet apart at shoulder width, similar to the stance in Tai Chi.

❖ Be light on your feet. Use your body weight in your movements. This agility will also help prevent accidents should the horse move unexpectedly.

❖ Work from your pelvis when exerting pressure; this action will help you exert more power.

Always be aware of your posture during massage. If you do, you will maximize your energy and the quality of your treatment.

With practice, good posture will come to you automatically.

For proper posture to become second nature to you, practice mental reinforcement at the beginning of or during a treatment with a “posture check”:

❖ Head up, chin in, look forward

❖ Back straight, not stiff, breathing relaxed