Myofascial release (MFR): is a hands-on technique addressing the fascial system through sustained pressure. MFR is used to elongate the fascial tissue beginning with a 90-120 second gentle pressure into the restriction or tissue barrier. After working through barriers, the tissue will become pliable and pressure will be relieved from pain-sensitive tissues like nerves and blood vessels. By working with the fascial system, we can restore neuromuscular efficiency.

Myofascial release differs from massage and chiropractic manipulation. Soft tissue restrictions that alter bony alignment are addressed and osseous releases are performed slowly without manipulation.

Craniosacral therapy (CST): is a gentle manual technique that addresses the central nervous system and connective tissue called fascia. The equine CranioSacral system is made up of several parts: the bones of the cranium (head), the spinal column, the sacrum and the tailbone (CranioSacral work is not limited to those areas). A light touch is employed to lessen restrictions found in the nervous system.

Sports massage: is a maintenance and preventative tool to help keep your horse in prime condition by using therapeutic hands-on techniques. Sports massage encourages muscle relaxation and blood flow and it increases range of motion.

MagnaWave (PEMF): MagnaWave works on a celluar level through utilization of PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) technology. MagnaWave encourages the body to heal itself through cell oxygenation and enhanced protein synthesis.

"MagnaWave sends a pulsating charge through tissues to treat large focal areas like joints and major muscle groups. Penetration of the charge can be up to 16 to 18 inches into the equine body. Twitching muscles help to identify imbalances, pain or sore muscles that need to be further worked on with MagnaWave. By pinpointing the problem, the practitioner is able to work at the source of pain rather than just manage its symptoms." -MagnaWave website

MagnaWave is available for people, large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep and small animals such as dogs and cats.

Cold laser: Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. (Lasers do not emit x-rays).

Lasers work at the cellular level by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. When light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune response which positively impacts healing through supplying vital oxygen and energy to every cell.

Researched benefits include: accelerated tissue repair, rapid formation of collagen, beneficial effect on nerve cells and production of B-endorphins, accelerated lymphatic system activity and reduction in edema, formation of new capillaries and increased blood flow.

A bodywork session may use a combination of myofascial release, craniosacral work, sports massage, MagnaWave and cold laser to address restrictions in the fascial and muscular system. Each session will be tailored to your horse's unique needs. Detailed descriptions of each service are covered in the question above.

Please note bodywork does not replace veterinary care. Please have your horse regularly checked by a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, be aware it isn't within my practice to diagnose or prescribe and there are instances in which bodywork may be a contraindication.

Whether you own a performance horse or a companion, every horse can benefit. Every. Horse.

Like human athletes, the equine muscular system and fascial tissue accumulate stress. Trauma may arise from repetitive training or an injury, etc. Muscular problems are cumulative so if one muscle is tight then the horse's body will compensate; this is especially concerning when you take into consideration that 60% of the horse's body weight is muscle.

Here is a brief list of specific situations that can be helped:

• Assists in a performance horse's recovery.
• Eases arthritic pain.
• Can help to prevent impaction colic.
• Assists in EPM recovery (along with care from your veterinarian).
• Eases aches from a laminitis flare-up.
• Helps horses that experience tying-up.
• Helps prevent compensatory patterns in horses on stall rest.

Contact me with any questions on how bodywork can be a beneficial part of your horse care.

• Increases range of motion in muscles.
• Relieves tension.
• Balances the body by treating the body as a whole rather than by individual parts.
• Promotes healing through increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles.
• Reduces inflammation and swelling in joints.
• Releases endorphins.

Yes, while this is not an exhaustive list, here are a few scientific studies:

• On stimulating bone healing
• On improving hoof sole depth
• On osteoarthritis, pain, edema, soft tissue wounds & other indications

Common behavioral issues related to pain include, but are not limited to:

• Hypersensitivity to brushing
• Excessive bucking or rolling
• Head tossing
• Constantly rearranges bedding
• Recurring ulcers

While riding your horse, you may notice:

• Loss of impulsion
• Cold-backed while mounting
• Bucking or rearing
• Cross-firing
• Resistance to one rein
• Shortened strides
• Inability to travel straight
• Inability to perform tasks that were previously easy
• Inability to round back
• Difficulty picking up a lead

Your horse should be groomed and free of dried mud, manure, etc. prior to being worked on.

Every horse is an individual; some horses relax best and achieve better results if the owner(s) watch from a distance. A quiet environment is strongly preferred, but I understand it is not always available.

• Bodywork sessions last 60 minutes
• MagnaWave only for large animals range from 25-35 minutes
• MagnaWave only for small animals range from 15-20 minutes
• Longer sessions available upon request and will be priced accordingly

This varies by horse, but a good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours. Some horses enter a parasympathetic state during bodywork and will need time to "wake up" and adjust to the changes in their body. At times I will encourage owners to hand-walk their horse for 5-10 minutes following a session and to offer him/her plenty of water.

This varies by horse. Some horses benefit most from a session every 2 weeks while others may go 4-8 weeks between appointments. Contact me and we can discuss your horse(s) to determine how often he or she should receive bodywork.

Some horses will immediately have better range of motion after their initial session while other horses take multiple sessions.

Absolutely! Any of my modalities should NOT be used in lieu of veterinarian care. Your horse should be regularly checked by a licensed veterinarian. Please note it isn't within my practice to diagnose or prescribe and there are instances in which bodywork may be a contraindication.