Hoof & Paw Equine and Canine Massage Therapy

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.

07/05/2023

Good information

THE SACROILIAC JOINT

The horse's sacrum acts as a sturdy platform for its huge pelvis. There is not a lot of room for movement within the sacroiliac (SI) joint itself. In fact, after the age of 10, the SI joints in most horses are fused. So the question is, if the SI joints are fused, how can one expect to restore normal joint function there?

You have to look at this a little differently than you would a person's SI joint. Think "muscle dysfunction" in this area, as opposed to joint dysfunction.

If your horse is showing hind end discomfort and stiffness, is unable to pick up or maintain canter leads, has poor low back muscle development, cannot engage or lacks impulsion, bucks or rears under saddle, the sacroiliac region may be to blame.

Bodywork and massage therapy can help relax and release the muscles around the joint to increase range of motion, relaxation, balance and enhance performance and well being.

07/05/2023

Wishing everyone and all my furry friends a safe and happy 4th!
Remember to secure your pets to prevent them from taking off during fireworks

05/29/2023

05/05/2023

💥Horses and dogs can hide their pain well, so if they seem "off" or "grumpy" they probably have something going on. Many issues can involve soft tissue/muscular restrictions causing discomfort and movement problems. This would be a great time to get an assessment and full body massage by your therapist and help your horse or dog to feel good again and also may likely prevent a problem from getting worse. 🐎🐕💕

04/12/2023

Come on out to this great horse health event!
Price drop for equine massages at this event is now $50

04/09/2023

Wishing everyone and their furry friends a
Happy Easter!

03/31/2023

Massage sessions also include:
*range of motion and stretching to maximize full motion of all major body areas
*exercises for specific needs
*follow up sessions as needed

03/20/2023

HAPPY SPRING!
Planning on pleasure riding? showing/competing? racing? or just wanting your horse to feel good and relaxed?
Equine massage therapy can be a great benefit at any time and especially as part of the conditioning process following winter down time for any horse! Many good things can be seen in your horse such as improving muscle and joint flexibility, working out knots and balancing muscle tone, to name a few. Just send a message to get on the schedule!

03/13/2023

Today is National K9 Veterans Day! Thank you to all our K9 heroes for your service! ❤️🤍💙🐾