Hands for Horses
Fully qualified and insured equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapist.
I am also registered with and recognised by the IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork)
Covering North East Leicestershire & Surrounding areas
Back when I was a young, over enthusiastic โpony clubberโ I wanted to learn all the muscles.
This has been stuck up in my โhorseyโ cupboard in mums utility for probably the last 20 years ๐๐
Mum returned it to me before her kitchen is ripped out and replaced this week ๐
First pony on the balance pads. Interesting that he has chosen to stand with his hind feet apart for stability. Conformationally this horse is narrow behind.
๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ Additional studying, focusing on rehabilitation๐ฉ๐ผโ๐
Did you know tendon and ligament injuries account for 46% of all sport horse injuries! ๐ฎ๐คฏ
Recovery is a long term process, I can provide assistance with rehabilitation.
๐ Helping to recover muscle strength
๐ Recovery of joint mobility and your horses range of movement
๐ Recovery of coordination
๐ Recovery of sport-specific technical movements.
Yes!!! I get asked this so often!!!
I have also been booked for maintenance massages and then told โI need a vet physioโ by clients
I am always happy to chat through all of your needs before an appointment to make sure we are on the right page. I do this job because I want to help your furry friends. I have their best interests at heart ๐ฅฐ๐
A Common Question ๐ค
Massage Therapists, Physios or Chiropractors?
Who should you use? ๐คฏ
๐ Massage therapists, equine physios, and chiropractors can work together effectively to improve the overall health and performance of horses. Each of these professionals has a unique set of skills and techniques that can complement each other, leading to better outcomes for the horse.
๐ Equine physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries, including soft tissue and joint problems. They use various techniques, including massage, stretching, and exercise therapy, to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance performance.
๐ Chiropractors specialise in treating spinal problems and joint dysfunction. They use spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to restore proper joint movement and alleviate pain.
๐ Massage therapists use their hands to manipulate soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can identify areas of tension, stiffness, and soreness, and use various massage techniques to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
โค๏ธ By working together, these professionals can provide a comprehensive approach to treating musculoskeletal issues in horses. For example, a massage therapist can help to loosen tight muscles and prepare the horse for chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor can then perform spinal manipulation to restore proper joint movement, and the physiotherapist can use exercise therapy to strengthen weak muscles and prevent further injury.
๐ช Working together, massage therapists, equine physios, and chiropractors can provide a holistic approach to equine healthcare, improving the overall well-being and performance of the horse.
www.equinemassagecareers.co.uk
[email protected]
๐ New balance pads have arrived ๐
These can help your horse with
๐ Balance
๐ Proprioception
๐ Core activation
๐ Stability
These will be available to hire to my clients if we think they will benefit your horse ๐ฅฐ๐ฅฐ
Photos to follow of the balance pads in action ๐ช๐ป
Couldnโt agree more!
I can help with any of your massage needs ๐
Back pain in horses is a common problem that can have a variety of causes. Some common causes of back pain include underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, and musculoskeletal injuries, poor saddle fit and improper riding techniques.
Symptoms of back pain in horses may include reluctance to move forward, stiffness, bucking, resistance to saddling or grooming, and changes in behaviour or performance. If you suspect that your horse may be experiencing back pain, it's important to book an examination with one of our vets who can perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound.
Treatment for back pain in horses may involve a combination of rest, physio, and medication. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce pain and inflammation, while physical therapy may include massage, stretching, and exercise to help strengthen the horse's back muscles.
To help prevent back pain and keep the horse's back muscles strong and healthy, regular exercise and conditioning using proper riding techniques and in a well-fitting saddle is very important. Keep an eye your horse's health and well-being and address any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to back pain, as soon as they arise.
Had such a great day Wolds Equine Sports Massage Approved Courses working on rehabilitation plans!
Ettie was a model patient, giving us lots to think and talk about!
Learnt so much and canโt wait to help some more lovely horses ๐๐
Etie is one of my favourite mares. She has taught hundreds of students over the years on her day release visits. Huge thank you to her owner Sarah Charnley โค๏ธ Etie had 5 CPD students today along with another beautiful mare Mystery here on day visits. Our students had a Rehabilitation Plans CPD day and we looked at the stages of tissue repair and tendon/ligament issues with post operative treatment plans โ ๏ธ Everyone worked really hard and CPD certificates will be going out this evening ๐ฅณ www.equinemassagecareers.co.uk
Have space available on this route Wednesday 29th. Thereโs still time to take advantage of my half price march offer
Heading along the A46 on Tuesday and have spaces at 10 am and 5:30ish. Make the most of my March half price offer ๐
Busy day at Wolds Equine Sports Massage Approved Courses learning about core activation, use of balance pads, myofascial release and mobilisation techniques!
Back again next month for some further work on rehabilitation ๐
Sorry for the appointments cancelled due to snow! Iโll rearrange ASAP โ๏ธ
Looking forward to expanding my knowledge this month! Myofascial release, core activation and balance pads ๐ช๐ป
Keeping your furry friends in tip top shape ๐
No further availability w/c 6th March
Spaces available from 13th March
๐๐๐ March offer ๐๐๐๐
Some people question whether equine massage is spoiling your horse rather than a necessity ๐ค
Equine massage is NOT spoiling your horse it is part of their maintenance and treatment. Human athletes regularly get sports massage/treatments, this is widely accepted. So why not our equine partners? After all they have to carry us as well as themselves!
The benefits of equine massage are huge:
๐ Reduction of muscle stiffness and tension
๐ Injury prevention and increased performance
๐ Increased blood flow and lymphatic circulation
๐ Enhanced muscle tone and range of motion.
๐ Reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints
๐ Relief of muscle spasms,
๐ Relieves stress and aids relaxation
All horses deserve to be treated like the athletes they are.
For March only, (due to the cost of living crisis) I am offering half price treatments as I do not wish for any horse to have to go without because of this. This offer is open to both new and existing customers
Please contact me to discuss and arrange any treatments ๐ด
** w/c 27th March I will have limited evening availability due to the clocks going forwards ***
About meโฆ
I will work with your Vet, Farrier,Dentist and Saddle fitter to get the best for you and your horse.
Did you know that any body worker (like a massage therapist) must get veterinary permission to work on your horse if they have any injuries, are undergoing treatment or if the massage therapist is supporting a rehabilitation programme!
Veterinary permission is not needed for routine/maintenance massage.
Massage doesn't fix everything but it helps a lot. Muscles hold bones in the right place so if one side is tighter,it will cause tension/pain and the horse will overcompensate in other areas.
It is less painful for the horse and your pocket to have regular MOT'S. You have regular visits from the farrier, trainers etc so why leave the muscles until the horse starts to show signs of pain/poor performance ๐ค
Massage will..
๐ด release restrictive tightness.
๐ด improves joint flexibility with in turnโฆ
๐ด improves range of motion.
๐ด increase blood flow which helps healing.
๐ด releases endorphins ,natural pain killers / the happy feeling.
๐ด breaks down scar tissue ,which increases range of movement .
Having an admin day today! Please give me a nudge if you are still waiting for a response from me ๐ ๐
Happy New Year!
Christmas break is almost over!!!! Iโm open and taking bookings from tomorrow!
My diary is already starting to book up with lots of knew clients wanting to make sure their horses are in tip top shape for achieving their 2023 goals!
Please get in touch to book your appointment, new and returning clients welcome! Sports massage, maintenance massage, low level laser therapy, kinesiology taping and rehabilitation. I pride myself in offering a service personalised to you and your horse to help you achieve your goals ๐
Wishing all of my clients a very Happy New Year! ๐ ๐ด
๐Merry Christmas๐ and a Happy New Year โจ to all my clients, you are all really appreciated ๐ฅฐ See you all next year ready to kick on into 2023 whether you're rehabbing, competing or just enjoying a maintenance massage to keep your fur babies in tip top shape!
๐๐ฉโ๐ Meet a Wolds Graduate ๐ฉโ๐๐ Special Feature ๐
Sarah Stevens - Hands for Horses ๐
Hi everyone!!! I started my training with Wolds Equine in October 2021 and qualified in March 2022!
I really enjoyed my studies with Olivia and her team! The online portal is great as you have all the information at the touch of a button and the practical days really are โhands onโ
I love being a massage therapist! Not only have I been able to help my own horse (who has had his fair share of issues) but I have also met some lovely horses and owners along the way! Some of which have turned into regulars! It is also incredibly rewarding when clients recommend you to their friends!
Since qualifying I havenโt stopped my studying, I did a Low level laser therapy course with Olivia and also a kinesiology taping course as well as attending courses looking in detail at how horses move!
As we move into the new year I hope to continue to grow my business and meet lots of new horses and their owners along the way ๐
Day 15: Refer a friend ๐ฉ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ฆฐ
For me I think word of mouth is the best way to meet new clients. Itโs one of the best parts of my job when I meet a new client and they say โmy friend recommended youโ ๐ฅฐ
If you refer a friend in January I will offer both you and your friend ยฃ5 off your next treatment ๐
Day 13: Forelimb retraction stretch
Another stretch you will see me performing during treatments is gently moving the forelimb backwards
This stretches the shoulder muscles such as the biceps, pectorals and brachiocephalicus (muscle that runs from the poll to the humerus) and helps improve stride length and reduce stiffness
*please donโt try this without supervision*
Day 12: Stretching
During treatments you may see me performing stretches on your horses/ponies.
Stretches can be done on both the forelimbs and hindlimbs and the legs can be brought forwards (protraction) or backwards (retraction)
In the photo I am performing a forelimb protraction stretch. This stretches the triceps. Latissimus dorsi (long back muscle) and the flexors running down the back of the legs
It helps to improve range of movement and increase stride length.
Please note these stretches are intended for the massage therapists to carry out. If the stretches are performed incorrectly considerable damage could be done to the horse
Day 11: signs of release
During (or after) massage horses will show signs of release, all horses are different and react to massage in different ways but some signs of release to look out for are;
๐ Licking and chewing (most common)
๐ Blinking
๐ Looking โsleepyโ or softening the eyes
๐ Passing wind ๐จ
๐ Yawning
๐ Twitching their lips
Some horses like to move to the back of the stable to release and others like to wait until you arenโt watching ๐
Day 10 Low level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Benefits:
๐ด Promotes natural healing and pain relief
๐ด Increases circulation
๐ด Target deeper into the tissue without causing discomfort of having to use any pressure
๐ด Reduce swelling
๐ด Relaxation and release of endorphins
I always have my photizo device on me when I am treating horses, there is no extra cost for this treatment and I am happy to use it if I feel your horse will benefit ๐
Day 8: What is Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology or K Tape is an elastic tape applied to the surface of the skin
How does it help my horse?
๐ Circulation improvement, this can help if your horse gets filled legs when stabled
๐ Can provide support for injuries eg deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligaments
๐ Helps with areas of fascism restriction, which can be common through the back due to being ridden
๐ Aids proprioception or body awareness and sense of position
๐ Helps to loosen up scar tissue
๐ Helps support the stability of joints without reducing the range of motion
Day 7
Today I wanted to give something back to the lovely clients I have met over the last year!
I would like to thank you all for the support and positive feedback, I love hearing about how your horses are doing after treatments!
If anyone would like to leave me a review I will take ยฃ5 off the price of your next massage as a thank you ๐
Day 6
๐ Exercises to help your horse ๐
WALKING BACKWARDS
Walking backwards is a low impact exercise that can be done in hand or ridden
When performed correctly it has many benefits for your horse:
- It helps to lift and flex the back
- Increases flexion of the hindlimb joints
- Strengthens the muscles involved in engagement and carrying the weight of the rider
- Helps with good posture
- Encourages use of the abdominals muscles
When the horse walks backwards the limbs move in diagonal pairs and the head should be lowered (helps them to use their backs). The horse should be relaxed.
Backing up can be done daily. Start gradually (just a couple of steps) progressing up to 20 steps
Day 5: Top tips for walk poles
Following on from yesterdays post I have some โtop tipsโ for walk poles
๐ If your horse is new to walk poles start slowly. Begin with one pole to develop confidence
๐ use correct distances- approx 3 โfairy stepsโ apart.
๐ Give the horse time to assess the poles and lift their legs. Give them their head- we want them to lower their head, and walk over the poles in a relaxed calm manner
๐ If your horse is rushing try halting one horses length before the poles (possibly include a rein back) and then continue. This can also be done after the poles
๐ As your horse progresses you can raise one side of the poles - up to 60cm