Equine massage uses similar techniques to human massage.  Muscles, skin and connective tissues are gently manipulated to restore function and elasticity, releasing painful knots and tension.  Circulation and overall wellbeing is improved, which in turn leads to improved performance and quality of life.  Other benefits can include an improvement in range of motion, reduction of scar tissue, reduction in muscle spasms and more.

I use two main massage styles when working on a horse.  I use deep tissue massage techniques that are designed to reach deep into large muscles, particularly targeting the muscle fibres.  Compression and friction both along the grain of the muscle, and across the grain of the muscle, help to free stuck muscle fibres and release toxins and tension patterns.

I also use a style similar to swedish massage, which includes long strokes, friction and kneading aimed at the outer layers of muscle tissue.  Stretching techniques are also part of this style of massage.  These techniques help flush metabolic wastes from muscle tissue, and enhance circulation as well as oxygenation of the blood.

Trigger point therapy aims at releasing knots and spasms found in the horse's muscles.  They can be painful, and are most commonly located along the back, in the neck and poll area, and in the hindquarters.  Trigger points can induce pain in parts of the body that are not related to where they are located.  The challenge is finding and releasing the trigger point, which in turn can result in the muscle releasing tension and tightness.  By releasing the trigger points and related muscle pain and tension, range of motion as well as muscle performance and recovery time is often improved.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxtion that also promotes healing.  It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.  Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing that works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.  Reiki is not a substitute for propery veterinary medical care, but can be used with other methods to assist in any healing process.