Who Needs a Massage? | Types of Bodywork | Benefits | When to Use Massage
FAQ | Sessions & Follow-up

Who Needs Massage?

Many factors play a significant role in the soundness of the horse. It is important to recognize the individual conformation as it relates to the type of riding or job the horse will have. Daily wear and tear, poor saddle fit or excessive training can create an environment in which the back and shoulder muscles tighten, losing the ability to release creating spasms. If left untreated these issues will eventually affect their movement, pliability and strength of the lower limbs including tendons and ligaments.

Occasionally horses take it upon themselves to go above and beyond their ability to perform or they may get too rambunctious during turnout, often resulting in injuries. Bodywork functions as an integral part of the rehabilitation process for long term injuries. Even the back yard or retired horse benefits from regular massage and bodywork just like people do even if they don't have huge physical demands in their life.

Is you horse being bad or just reacting to pain? It is important to recognize the difference. More often than not issues with training and behavior will have a root cause of pain or limiting conformation. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which came first, the chicken or the egg so to speak when determining the origins of pain and how the body creates adaptive movement and subsequently compensatory concerns. In conditions other than general maintenance, it is the veterinarian that makes the diagnosis first and then gives the clearance for bodywork to take place.
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Types of Bodywork

Reiki for Horses

During a session it is common for horses to lick, chew, soften their eyes or yawn when receiving Reiki. Through the sensations felt in the hands and mental pictures received during a session, Marla acts like a "Pet Detective" revealing areas that are susceptible to injury as well as past issues that are still vulnerable. Even though intuitive information and healing can be precise, it is important to note that ONLY veterinarians are qualified to diagnose and prescribe, therefore many times clients will be referred to a DVM first and foremost before any bodywork or readings may occur. (See also the list of massage caveats below)

Have you ever noticed a horse's personality change completely when in the presence of a certain person, when the horse moved to a different barn or had a new caregiver? Horses are seeing, sensing and smelling energy. Sometimes the horse and rider therefore get stuck in negative energy patterns such as fear of a certain type of jump, tensing while performing a specific movement or just by bringing outside stresses to the barn environment. Horses frequently mirror their riders in physical symmetry and emotional states. For these reasons, it is advantageous for people to have at least one Reiki session in conjunction with their horse.

Sports Massage

Acupressure

Horses love it and lick, chew or yawn when the energy has shifted. Although acupressure is non-diagnostic, it often reveals some interesting clues about the horse's overall state of health. It is important to note that acupressure is used with the hands or fingers and the practioner "feels" the energy whereas acupuncture involves piercing the skin with needles and may only be performed by a veterinarian in most states.
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The Benefits of Massage

• Increases circulation
• Detoxifies
• Increases range of motion
• Enhances gait quality and performance
• Releases stress, tension or fear
• Increases stamina
• Improves lymph flow
• Releases spasms and cellular memory
• Improves behavior and disposition
• Enhances the body's own healing abilities
• Improves quality of life
• Preventative maintenance

When to Use Massage

• While grooming or after a ride
• During rehabilitation, working with veterinary guidelines
• Prevention of injuries due to muscle stress
• During times of intense or competitive training
• As a follow up to a chiropractic adjustment
• For the ongoing wellness of the horse

Massage is NOT appropriate when:

• There is abnormal heat or swelling
• The horse is weight bearing lame
• An injury is less than seven days old
• If the horse is lethargic or off feed
• Evidence of elevated pulse, respiration or fever
• There are skin lesions from a virus or bacterial
• Recent hematomas are present
• If an area is too painful to touch

FAQs

Typically horses that are in serious training or competition should get a massage every two weeks. Horses that are ridden by one person, three to five times a week or shown lightly require a massage every four weeks. It is a great way to catch any issues before they become big problems. For the backyard or retired horse a massage every six weeks is usually adequate.

How soon before a show can my horse have a massage?
Because some horses may be sore after a massage it is best to allow a week for new clients before any serious competition or hard training is required. Three to Four days before a show is enough time for existing clients who know how their horses react to bodywork and don't have any physical injuries that could be masked by massage.

Reiki however is non-invasive, quite relaxing and may be substituted for massage on the day of a show. A gentle post competition massage can help ward off sore muscles and maintain physical fitness.

When will I see any improvements?
Some horses may show immediate improvements, but as many health conditions are accumulative or chronic, additional healing time may be required for lasting results. There is the old saying that the issue didn't happen overnight, so it is unreasonable to expect that the healing will occur overnight.
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Sessions for Horses

Reiki Healing Energy can be sent across a distance or used in-person and is therefore available to people or animals anywhere in the world and may help the horse and rider to relax before a performance or trail ride. A Pet Communication session may also help clarify issues the horse has with riding, training, stabling or spooking.

For lasting results, multiple sessions may be required. A package discount is offered for regular massage appointments. To set up a session or to buy a gift certificate call (707) 328-4997 or email Marla.
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