Equine Massage Report

HANDS FOR HORSES Polly Webb Equine Sports Massage Therapist 970-221-5066/970-290-3202 handsforhorses@earthlink.net	Horse's Name:	Sweetie
	Date/Time of Visit:	September 19, 2002 9:30am
	Breed:	Qh
	Color/Sex/Age:	Sorrel, Mare, 16
	Location:	Blue Cloud Farm
	Owner:
	Owner Address:
	Veterinarian:	Marc Fitch Vet Consulted Report Sent to Vet

Horse's Current Information

Purpose of Visit:

Maintenance massage.

Current Use:

Pleasure

Recent Injuries:

Right lateral side of neck, Right hind broken splint (1 yr), small cut on right forelimb.

Services Performed

EFFLEURAGE MASSAGE ACUPRESSURE Other [see Notes]

NOTE: Massage is soft tissue manipulation only and is not a substitute for veterinary treatment.

Sweetie seemed more attentive and curious this time. I felt more sore spots, but at the same time felt and saw a lot of great muscle releases, and well as physical responses. She did not like deep massage this time due to increased soreness. Hair pulls and scratches with light compressions and circular work seemed to please her the most.

After a full body effluerage (a long, smooth continuous stroke) to locate problem areas and assess the state and quality of muscle tissue, I began with her right side. Located at her poll (not shown here) some good movement, then worked on her #1: Masseter, which seems to be a good starter for relaxing. Worked same on her left.

Equine Massage Report - Sweetie

Services Performed - Continued

NOTE: Massage is soft tissue manipulation only and is not a substitute for veterinary treatment.

Her right lateral portion of her neck seems to be a troubled spot especially on #1: Trapezius (cervical portion), #2: Serratus Ventralis (cervical portion), and #3: Splenius. She did not like pressure on #4: Brachiocephalicus at all today, but was able to penetrate soreness somewhat with hairpulls. She seemed to react better to more work on her left lateral portion of neck.

Most sore and biggest reaction from Sweetie was on her chest-pectoral muscles and biceps. She would not accept any work here due to soreness, some heat, and congestion of muscles. She allowed me to place flat part of hand and gently vibrate and shake to create some relaxation. This is normal as she is gradually worked more at lope or gaits that require more extension and/or gathering of muscles. Leg stretches may help relieve soreness.

Worked #1: Latissimus Dorsi and #2: Longissimus Dorsi , good movement and used a lot of pressure here again with flat of arm, which she tends to enjoy, While working on her right side she released a huge stretch in which she almost did a cat scratch, completely stretching above muscles. It made my back feel good just watching her! I was able to work #3: External Intercostal this time, muscles between her ribs; just used some light vibrations, she was sensitive to too much pressure here. Liked belly scratches on #4: Deep Pectoral (ascending pectoral).

Equine Massage Report - Sweetie

Services Performed - Continued

NOTE: Massage is soft tissue manipulation only and is not a substitute for veterinary treatment.

On #1: Biceps Femoris as well as #2: Semitendinosus and #3: Semimembranosus was able to use some additional muscle squeezing to decongest, relax muscle tension and increase circulation. Compressions helped deeper portions of muscles to further relax, again hoping to enhance movement and flexibility.

Owner Information

Note: As owner, you have the greatest impact on your horse's health and performance. The following suggestions will help maintain the horse's maximum performance. If for any reason you feel that the horse's physical condition is not normal, call your veterinarian immediately.

I love getting to know Sweetie, as I get so much back from her. Last time she gave me that incredible neck stretch and this time the back stretch was amazing and rewarding for me to see. I will be curious to see if you felt or saw a difference next time you rode. (?) She indicated to me a lot more clearly her "issue spots" as well as the "good spots" with deeper breaths, dropped head, lots more gurgling in stomach, and chewing/licking.

Recommendations: Next Visit: Thursday - October 3, 2002
Amount Due: $0.00

Keep on riding! I believe her soreness is just from being back under saddle. Next time I would like to see her move more, perhaps I could watch you ride sometime (not to judge you, don't worry!), but rather see how she moves with you. Also remind me to show you some stretches to do before exercise, if you would like, which may alleviate future soreness. Thanks again! Feel free to contact me before next visit, (Thursday, 9:30 AM, 10/3).