Legal Matters; The Veterinary Act.
The veterinary surgeons act, was passed in parliament in 1948 to protect the welfare of sick & injured animals from treatment from unqualified persons. Any massage therapy performed on the animal requires either a referral from the acting veterinary surgeon or consent of the owner. All owners and trainers are required to give written authority to massage and this may be in the form of an Email, or printed document which I shall keep within your 'client file'.
As a Physiotherapist, I am not a Veterinarian, I do not 'treat' animals, I offer them complimentary therapy. I have always worked alongside Vets, and will always defer to their greater training and judgement. I have never known a vet who does not sing the praises of Equine Sport's Massage and it is frequently brought in as therapy that is complimentary to veterinary treatment.
As a Physiotherapist, I am not a Veterinarian, I do not 'treat' animals, I offer them complimentary therapy. I have always worked alongside Vets, and will always defer to their greater training and judgement. I have never known a vet who does not sing the praises of Equine Sport's Massage and it is frequently brought in as therapy that is complimentary to veterinary treatment.
What is Massage? |
Equine sports massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse. A thorough understanding of anatomy and the interaction of bones, joints and muscles are the basis of the proven physical and mental therapy that is the art of massage.
A masseur looks at the horse as a whole and attempts to consider all possible causes and effects of any tension while interpreting a horses reactions and expressions. Yawning, for example, is a huge indicator of release of pain burden, or a feeling of overwhelming peace (see Tembo's photos). Does your horse do or show signs of any of the following:
All of the above can be signs of pain and discomfort and should be investigated. Few Human athletes would compete without preparing their bodies using massage and stretching exercises, so it is rather surprising that for the supreme athlete - the horse - this is virtually unheard of! |
Techniques I use |
Effleurage;
Effleurage is the use of long, rhythmic, gliding, slow strokes. I use this at the start, and at the end of the session. This gentle technique builds a picture under my fingertips, and from this I can construct an image in my head of what the problem is, and how to deal with it. Effleurage also;
Petrissage; In short, this is the kneading motion used to loosen muscle knots that I discover under the skin. There are differing modes of Petrissage, dependant on depth of tissue and pain level the horse is experiencing. It helps by;
Tapotement; This technique is likely to be the most well known. The hands chop down lightly over worked and warmed muscles (hacking), instigating a rhythm which may appear rough, even with fists or cupped hands, but is in fact highly relaxing and stimulating.
Friction; Brisk movements especially good over abrasions or granulated tissue Passive stretching; The final part of the therapy involves passive stretches, often called 'carrot stretches' by many, as having a carrot on hand usually induces a horse to much greater efforts :) I can show owners certain stretches to be done on a regular basis to promote good health and a supple horse. |