My Approach to Bodywork
My equine bodywork practice incorporates sport massage with advanced soft tissue remodeling techniques, joint and spinal mobilization, and acupressure. These techniques help realign the fibers of the muscle and lengthen the connective tissue. It aids in breaking up scar tissue, adhesions, and myofascial restrictions that limit the natural movement of the muscle. ​In addition to releasing muscular tension and restrictions, I focus on mobilizing the spine, activating shut down muscles, and improving range of motion.
My bodywork sessions last 1.5-2 hours. The initial session includes a thorough static and dynamic examination. The dynamic exam can be done in-hand, on the lunge line, or under saddle. Following the session, I work with the horse in-hand to initiate an improved, more balanced movement pattern.
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I leave my clients with a list of muscle activation exercises, stretches, as well as in-hand and under saddle exercise recommendations designed to:
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Stretch short, restricted, and overactive muscles
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Activate weak and shut down muscles
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Improve neuromuscular pathways
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Improve movement patterns
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Help maintain muscular health and elasticity in between sessions
bodywork modalities
Acupressure/Laser Acupuncture​
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Acupressure, an ancient healing technique based on Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and the body's energy pathways (meridians) and promote healing. In addition to pressure, I also use red laser light to stimulate acupoints for an even longer lasting effect.
These modalities offer numerous health benefits for the horse:
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Pain Relief
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Reduce Inflammation​
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Improve Circulation
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Boost immune function
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Enhance Digestions
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Emotional Balance
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Increase Energy​​​​
Laser
Laser therapy is an excellent tool for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in specific areas of the body. It can also help with the recovery process for certain injuries.
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Some benefits of laser include:
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Increased oxygenation of blood increases tissue healing
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Increased tissue elasticity
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Regeneration of muscle tissue
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Accelerates and improves inflammatory process
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Optimizes nerve recovery
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Improved cartilage reproduction and joint function
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Accelerated bone repair
PEMF
(PULSED ELECTRIC MAGNETIC FIELD)
PEMF penetrates every cell, tissue, organ, and bone with gentle electromagnetic pulses. This stimulates and rejuvenates the cells, allowing for quicker recovery from exercise or injuries.
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Some benefits of PEMF include:
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Reduced Inflammation
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Reduced Pain
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Reduced Edema
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Improved Recovery Time
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Improved Circulation
MFR
(Myofascial Release)
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds every cell in the body. The fascia can become restricted due to injury, poor posture, or athletic demands on the body. Tight fascia can even alter the horse’s bony alignment, leading to pain, swelling, and decline in performance. MFR applies gentle, sustained pressure to restricted areas, which allows each layer of the fascia to release and glide freely.
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Some benefits of MFR include:
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Increased strength and mobility
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Improved biomechanics
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Better bony alignment
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Reduced pain and inflammation
kinesiology tape
Kinesiology tape can help reduce pain, reduce edema, and encourage correct movement patterns without restricting range of motion. When applied correctly, kinesiology tape can be used on almost any area of the horse. The tape allows the horse to have full range of motion while supporting the targeted area. Each application lasts for about 3-5 days.
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Some benefits of kinesiology tape include:
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Reduced pain and inflammation
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Muscle, tendon, and ligament support
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Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
SURE FOOT Program® Equine Stability Pads
These balance pads are designed to improve the horse’s balance and posture through gentle proprioceptive stimulation. The pads are placed under the hooves and encourage the horse to naturally shift their weight and stance to help them achieve stability and relaxation. SURE FOOT pads are available in multiple densities, allowing us to customize a treatment program for each horse.
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The SURE FOOT Program® can help the horse:
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Improve balance
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Activate proprioception
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Activate the small postural muscles
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Create body awareness
