SPORTS MASSAGE:
Sports massage is much more than just a back rub!
Developed specifically for sports, it is based on the premise that anything less than maximum efficiency can be the start
of a more serious problem. This type of massage, therefore, goes beyond the problem and its symptoms and goes
straight to the cause!
The actual massage session starts with the use of various techniques (compression, percussion, heating bags...) to soften
and prepare the muscles.
It is natural, stimulating the body’s own abilities to heal, non-invasive and using only hands, involves working on all the
deep soft tissues of the body.
When used as correction, massage involves working on those muscles that are in a state of hyper-contraction and can no longer
release on their own. This is what is commonly referred to as a knot or spasm.
Backhand compression on the hamstrings
To treat and correct an issue, direct pressure is applied on the exact problem spots. The key to success lies in being able to
locate these exact stress points correctly, and not in the amount of pressure applied. The pressure draws blood back into the
muscle and with it, all the necessary nutrients and oxygen. Friction is then applied across the direction of the muscle to
loosen up any sticking fibres.
Treating stress point 64 on the gluteus junction
The last step is to properly exercise the horse, either under saddle with large and easy work (no lunging), or with a brisk 15 minute walk/jog within hours of the session.
STRETCHING (yoga for horses):
Modified and full girth stretch, elbow flexor stretch
Hamstring and farrier stretches
Stretching is essential for all equine athletes and should be included in any conditioning program. It is applied during a massage session and during warm-up and cool-down.
All the stretches I apply are safe for any sound horses; they will create some added benefits beside those massage offers:
Allows for greatest range of motion possible
Pliable muscles require less exertion and get less fatigued
Better flexibility allows for more shock absorption reducing risk of injury
Strengthens the contraction of the muscles
Lengthens and stretches scar tissues
Decreases muscle soreness and cramping after workout
Never stretch cold muscles!
REIKI
Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Key”) is a Japanese word meaning “universal life energy”. Applied by an attuned Reiki practitioner through simple placements of the hands, the practitioner becomes a channel for the Reiki energy. Energy flows through their hands to the area in the recipient requiring healing in exactly the right quantity and at exactly the right frequency. The body then heals itself. Energy blocks are released and natural balance is restored. This flow of energy has been scientifically proven by Stanford University.
It has been particularly successful with horses as they are far more in tune with themselves and their environment than people. Reiki is a very powerful therapy, outwardly very subtle in its application but inwardly very profound.
Some of these hands-on techniques are also referred to as “healing touch” or “sweating techniques”. They are the perfect solution for those areas that are too sensitive for massage.
Reiki quite deliberately has no creed, dogma or religion attached to it so that it is open for the benefit of all. It is, however, Buddhist in its outlook, valuing animals and the environment as a whole along with people.
TTEAM
TTeam is the Tellington-Touch Equine Awareness Method. The TTeam training system grew out of Linda Tellington's life-long experience with horses, combined with her training with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. The Feldenkrais method affects a reorganization of the nervous system and is known for improving athletic ability. It also increases function in cases of paralysis and chronic pain.
It is a method of training, reducing stress and overcoming resistance working on 3 levels: bodywork, leading exercises done from the ground and riding with awareness. It enhances the mental, emotional and physical well-being of your horse. And it encourages a deeper rapport between horse and human through increased understanding and more effective communication.
TTeam offers a training approach that encourages optimal performance and health and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. TTEAM horses demonstrate marked improvement in athletic skills and increased willingness and ability to perform.
TuiNa and Shiatsu
TuiNa (pronounced 'twee-nah') is a complete healing system, ranking equally with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chi Kong. These forms of therapy are the main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TuiNa is probably the oldest (about 3000 years old) system of bodywork still practised, yet its popularity continues to grow. After such a lengthy period of development and evolution, modern TuiNa is the most tried and tested hands-on therapy in the world.
TuiNa means "push and grasp" and is a medical treatment related to acupuncture. A vigorous technique also referred to as Chinese medical massage or the acupuncture without needles. In accordance with the complex theory of TCM, that places emphasis on function and wholeness, TuiNa aims to facilitate the flow of Chi through the system of meridians. Stimulation of specific combinations of Chi-points on these meridians regulates and balances Chi. A large variety of deep pressure, manipulative techniques are focused, with diverse movements, along the meridians and into the chi points (different from acupressure, where the pressure on the points is gentle and static).
TuiNa treats many conditions, e.g. chronic pain caused by muscle-skeletal conditions and injuries, but its effect is felt in the whole body, physically and emotionally. In China, TuiNa is used for conditions that, in the West, would be treated by osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists or with drugs.
Shiatsu.
About 1000 years ago, TuiNa was introduced into Japan, where it was modified and became Shiatsu. It is therefore also based upon the theory of TCM and its benefits are similar to TuiNa.
Following the same system of meridians, Shiatsu techniques are by comparison slower, gentler and use more static, sustained pressure. There is more focus on the meridians than on the chi points.
