๐ก Did you know that... Processing, also known as releasing is the horses body producing an involuntary response to the release from pain and tension ๐โโ๏ธ
๐ฅฑ Processing is commonly displayed with yawning, slow blinking, drooping of the lip, chewing, swallowing more, passing wind and resting during their massage, triggered by increased circulation to the muscles, improving their lymphatic drainage and a release of endorphins - happy hormones which makes the horse feel relaxed and happy ๐
๐ Studies have found that massage can actually reduce the horses heart rate and stress levels, and regular massages as far as 3 weeks apart can improve the horses overall welfare ๐ค (kedzierski et, al. 2017, Kowalik et, al. 2017)
As a therapist, triggering these types of behavioural responses tells us we've hit the spot and we're releasing their tension properly, of course we already have an idea of the areas of tension, but it's nice to see a very happy relaxed customer ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
A word I use ALOT in my sessions - fasciculation. I also get a lot of owners asking me what it means and what causes it โฌ๏ธโฌ๏ธ READ ON TO FIND OUT!
๐ฌ "A brief spontaneous contraction affecting a small number of muscle fibres, often causing a flicker of movement under the skin. NOT to be confused with spasms which will rapidly pulsate in the muscle."
During a massage therapy session if a horse displays fasciculation during the palpating stage this indicates to me that the horse is experiencing pain in a localised area.
โSo what causes these fasciculations?
The point of stress (restriction in the fascia) is usually caused by a micro-tearing of the muscle fibres. These can be caused by the following:
โ๏ธMechanical Stresses - Heavy Training / repetitive actions / weight overloading / strenuous exercise
๐ Trauma Stresses - a kick / bump / fall /overstretching
They can also develop due to assymetrical or compensatory action - if a horse has a sore foot, they may develop a stress point in their shoulder/back/neck muscles.
Chronic pain from an old injury, poor fitting tack or arthritis can also cause these stress points.
๐ด How can the owner spot a stress point?
An area of hard, swollen muscle is a good indication of a stress point, it can also be spotted if you can feel a difference in texture of the horses muscles fibres from stuff to pliable.
๐โโ๏ธ How can massage therapy help relieve these stress points?
When treating your horse, I will often identify stress points that you may not have noticed yourself.
Massage helps to increase circulation to the area and reduce any restrictions in the fascia (the stress points), it also helps to drain any lactic acid from area reducing stiffness.
Regular massage and an adjustment to any affecting environmental factors such as tack fit/exercises are essential in keeping your horses musculoskeletal system in tip-top condition, which will help prevent the stress points from re-developing.
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Little things you might not know about Myofascial Release Treatment/Therapy...
MR is a form of physical therapy often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome - a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in their myofascial tissues.
So what is Fascia??
Fascia is a 3 dimensional web-like structure which surrounds all bones, muscles, nerves and organs within the body, it is a connective innervated tissue which facilitates movement and communicates to the rest of the body. The tissues require hydration to stay lubricated allowing for smooth range of motion. If the fascia becomes restricted, this hydration reduces and with it the range of motion.
Okay, so how does the fascia become restricted?
Restrictions can be caused by trauma, poor posture or conformation faults, which can create pain and swelling which leads to dehydrated, hardened fascia (Schleip et,al. 2012). This in turn can cause poor circulation, muscle wastage, build-up of toxins, strains and ultimately lead to injuries if left untreated (Hall, 2014).
How can myofascial release therapy help?
MR utilises trigger pointing, direct pressure and stretching of the tissues throughout the massage session to work the collagen fibres and stimulate the fascial tissues this helps to restore and sometimes improve the tissues biological function (Simmonds et,al. 2012). The technique is applied until the tissue 'releases' which changes the texture of the superficial fascia (Scott & Swenson, 2009).
Utilising myofascial release helps to increase range of motion, reduce stiffness and soreness, reduce injury risk and also improve overall performance! ๐
In my practice I am able to utilise trigger pointing to investigate the true origin of the restricted motion, which may be elsewhere in the body from the original complaint, and release the origin, which can ultimately release other areas affected around the body.
There is still so much we can learn from this incredible web of connective tissue, and w
What are the benefits of Equine Massage Therapy? ๐โโ๏ธ๐ด
The objectives of massage are to release muscle tension, reduce pain and increase joint flexibility/ range of motion. Other benefits include increased circulation & lymphatic flow, reduction of oedemas and reduction of stress! ๐ค
Massage increases the horse's overall range of motion by lengthening the muscle fibres - increasing pliability ๐ช
๐ Good performance relies on freedom of movement, full flexibility and absence of musculoskeletal pain - all of which are improved with massage!
How massage affects the muscles ๐ช
- reduces adhesions
- improves muscle tone
- relieves fatigue by removing lactic acid
- prevents the formation of fibrositis
- stimulates the muscles to work at maximum efficiency
- relaxes tight muscles
How massage affects other bodily functions ๐โโ๏ธ
mobilizes joints, increases skin circulation and improves coat appearance, enhances horse to human bonding, releases endorphins, induces deeper breathing, improves digestive health
๐โโ๏ธ Massage can be used as a general monthly MOT to upkeep the horses flexibility and keep the free from discomfort, but it can also be used for rehabilitation and for pre/post event sports massage which can improve performance, reduce risk of injury and reduce recovery time.
๐ For more info on how massage can help your horse DM me or click the link in my bio ๐
Dreamy morning giving Bradley a post sports massage session yesterday at Boutime Fell Stud โ
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Fully accredited Equine Massage Therapist trained with EMA 
