People often make comments to me like “You must have really strong hands” or “Your arms must have big muscles”, but Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Stress Point Therapy are all fairly gentle practices. Accuracy, through knowledge of anatomy, reduces the need for brute strength. The massage is deep, with firm pressure, stimulating endorphins, and the horse often helps me by leaning into my hands.
Trigger Point therapy targets areas of stress where muscle attaches to bone. The treatment specifically targets areas of constriction that refer pain signals to other parts of the body. Myofascial release is related to trigger point therapy, but focuses on tightness , or other disorders afflicting the fascia, a membrane that surrounds the muscles and may restrict their motion. What makes my work so exciting is that I can switch methods as I move around the horse, using what is needed for each area of the body.
All animals need to have their bodies in balance to live long and active lives. For show horses it makes the difference between winning and being withdrawn from the competition Tight muscles can affect posture, and poor posture can cause spinal misalignments. The reverse is also true — spinal alignments can lead to muscle strain.
Massage therapy should also be part of the process of rehabilitating from injuries, regaining lost range of motion, or coping with chronic pain conditions. Body work for your horse can produce dramatic results in a short period of time: one of the many reasons it is so exciting for me to go to work!