Hoof & Paw Equine and Canine Massage Therapy

06/13/2025

Gunner is a very sweet dog and he just loves his massage therapy sessions! It helps him to feel good so he can enjoy doing what he loves more independently and comfortably.
He has some difficulties with stiffness and tightness in his muscles and joints due to some arthritis in both hips and a non-operative stifle (knee) injury. This primarily affects his hind legs but he also carries some tension into his back, neck, chest and shoulders due to compensating.
He enjoys the massages to all his muscles, stretching and range of motion to his joints and the walking exercises, all of which helps him to feel good and to improve upon his quality of life.
I cannot thank his family enough for allowing me to help in the care of Gunner.
Included are some pictures of our sessions and to meet Gunner

05/26/2025

03/19/2025

Spring is in the air…
great time to get on the schedule and get the winter kinks and stiffness worked out of your horse…🐴✋🤚

03/11/2025

Three-webinar series

02/19/2025

Great idea! Something like these removable ice cleats can be a real life saver when taking your dog out or going to the barn to do chores.
Wishing everyone and their fur babies safety on all the ice we have

02/06/2025

🐕Is your dog showing signs of struggling with getting around? Whether struggling a little bit or a lot, the benefit from some therapy can be amazing to help your beloved pet move with more comfort and ease. It can be very helpful to them in addition to the other veterinary care they receive.
Openings are available on the schedule. Please contact me with any questions or to schedule an appointment. They will love you for it! 🐕🫶

Send a message to learn more

12/25/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed
Merry Christmas!🎄

12/10/2024

Pupdate 🎉. GEORGE 🎉

This is from George’s mom❤️

We can’t thank you enough for giving George the gift of mobility again. At 11 years old, George’s body has started slowing down, even though his heart and spirit are as lively as ever. Seeing him struggle has been heartbreaking, but your loaner wheelchair has changed everything for him.

The first time George tried it out, he gave us his best “What is this contraption?” look, like a Victorian gentleman encountering a horseless carriage. But after a little getting used to for all of us, he was zipping through the yard, grinning like a dog in a meat market and reclaiming his title as the neighborhood explorer extraordinaire. Watching him rediscover his independence brought tears to our eyes—and a few laughs too, especially when he accidentally tested the "off-road capabilities" of his new wheels.

Your kindness and dedication are truly astounding. Joey’s PAW is more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline for families like ours. George’s wheelchair has given him back a piece of his old self, and for that, we’re forever grateful. Neighbors not so much.

Thank you for the incredible work you do and for helping dogs like George keep their sense of adventure alive.

Warmest regards (and a sloppy licks from George),

Amanda and Nelson Sims

12/02/2024

🌟🌟🌟HOLIDAY OFFER🌟🌟🌟
Offering 30% off initial therapy session. Offer good from 12/2 through 12/6 to contact me and get added to the schedule. The appointment can be set up for another week that's convenient for you. Call, text or contact on messenger.
That's a lot of therapy for a great price! Here to serve you and your pet!

11/27/2024

Wishing all my four-legged friends and their families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

11/22/2024

The Thoracic Sling: A Key to Your Horse's Health and Performance!

One of the most important structures in a horse's anatomy is the thoracic sling - a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue connecting the front limbs to the ribcage and spine. Understanding its role is vital for optimal horse care!

Why is the Thoracic Sling Important?

1. Support and Stability: It provides essential support for the horse's weight, enabling balance and stability during movement, whether running, jumping, or making sharp turns.

2. Shock Absorption: This structure helps absorb shock during high-impact activities, reducing strain on joints and preventing injuries. A well-functioning thoracic sling enhances your horse’s performance and longevity.

3. Facilitates Movement: Proper functionality allows for fluid and unrestricted movement of the forelimbs. Tightness or dysfunction can restrict motion and affect overall comfort.

4. Impact on Posture: The thoracic sling plays a significant role in maintaining optimal posture. Imbalances can lead to compensatory patterns that may cause pain in other body areas.

The Connection with the Nervous System

The thoracic sling is intricately linked to the horse's nervous system, which controls muscle contraction and coordination. Here’s how they correlate:

- Neuromuscular Control: Effective neuromuscular function is crucial. Disruptions can lead to muscle imbalances or improper movement patterns.

- Proprioception; Proprioceptors help horses sense limb position and movement. A well-functioning thoracic sling enhances balance and coordination, especially during jumps or sharp turns.

- Pain Response: Tightness or injury in the thoracic sling can trigger pain responses, altering movement patterns and leading to compensatory behaviors.

- Stress and Tension: Emotional and physical stress can cause muscle tension, affecting the thoracic sling. Bodywork can help alleviate this, promoting relaxation.

- Reflexes and Movement: The thoracic sling is involved in reflex actions, contributing to agility and responsiveness. A healthy nervous system ensures smooth ex*****on of these reflexes.

How Can Bodywork Help?

Addressing issues in the thoracic sling through bodywork can significantly enhance your horse's overall well-being.

- **Targeting Tight Muscles**: Promoting relaxation and balance.
- **Enhancing Circulation**: Alleviating tension in the thoracic region.
- **Improving Flexibility**: Increasing range of motion in the forelimbs.

The thoracic sling is not just a structural component; it’s deeply interconnected with the nervous system, influencing movement, balance, and overall health in horses. Understanding this relationship can help you better support your equine companion through targeted therapies and interventions.

Let’s work together to keep your horse healthy, happy, and performing at its best! 🐎💖

www.myequinesolutions.com

09/18/2023

Secondary problems from compensating can develop anywhere in the body. This particular dog develops tightness that is often found in the neck/shoulder/wither junction from compensating with the front half of the body due to primary issues in the hindlegs. A soothing massage/bodywork throughout the entire body along with stretching help to keep the muscles soft and relaxed allowing for improved range of motion and more comfortable movement.