The following case studies describe horses, pre-massage evaluations, massage and findings. Owners agreed to have this information including images published to this website.
Horse Name/ Age |
Shiloh, 6 |
Owner |
Robin H. |
Gender |
Mare Gelding Stud |
Color/breed |
Sorrel/Quarterhorse |
location |
DK, Wisconsin |
Date |
6/26/08 (Massage I) |
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HORSE HISTORY and Owner/handler states re precondition:: Shiloh is currently recovering from a coffin bone fracture (right hind) as a result of a stall injury in 12/07. The hoof had to be completely regrown and now the only visible anomaly is a slighly tilted hoof growth which the owner expects will completely grow out and normalize. The horse is currently being ridden lightly on the trail.
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| Right Side |
Left Side |
| Horses sensitivities/issues as described: |
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| Horses condition/sensitivities/issues found during massage: |
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MASSAGE NOTES |
(L=light, M=Medium, S=Severe) |
Atlas/Poll: Medium to severe sensitivity around the atlas/poll on the right side. Had a hard time releasing tension at first, but after first discomfort was worked through, released nicely.
Neck: The mares neck is slightly stiffer bending to the right. Ligaments right below crest can be felt as one long rigid 'cord'.
Shoulder: The horses shoulder is tight, medium to severe sensitivity to touch and some muscle spasm could be felt as rigid knots. Muscle spasms around the upper scapula.
Withers: Medium sensitivity around whithers. Enjoys massage/body work around whithers area, but has a hard time releasing the tension.
Back: Some minor sensitivity in small of back.
Sacroiliac: no noticeable sensitivity.
Hind legs/hips: Dropped hip nicely, but the right hind leg is clearly stiffer than the left. Had very limited range of motion and was unable to stretch leg out back, limited to the front. Stiffness in the hip.
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Atlas/Poll: Medium sensitivity in poll/atlas area. Enjoyed massage of this area and was able to show some nice releases after this area was revisited towards the end of the session.
Neck: The horse can bend better to the left, responds nicely to loosening work around the neck vertrebrae. Ligaments right below crest can be felt as one long rigid 'cord'.
Shoulder: Medium sensitivity in shoulder, especially upper shoulder.
Withers: Medium sensitivity around withers..
Back: Some minor sensitivity in small of back.
Sacroiliac: no noticeable sensitivity
Hind legs/hips: The horse was able bear weight on the right hind for quite some time while the left hind was worked on. Range of motion and flexibility in the left hind is much better than in the right hind. Was able to drop hip and release nicely.
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Summary: As a result of the injury and following immobility the horse's mobility is impacted by stiff muscles and joints and muscle spasm especially around the withers, upper neck (along crest) and upper shoulders as a result of compensation. There is stiffness in the hips (especially right) and limited range of motion in the right hind. There is strong sensitivity to touch in some of the problem areas (shoulders, poll) most likely due to discomfort when hardened, sore muscles are manipulated. During and after the massage the horse started sweating in the areas of concern:
Recommendation: To regain optimal mobility and recondition muscles and ligaments, the horse will benefit from relaxed, flexible state of muscles, tissues, ligaments, tendons and joints. Massage can provide increased bloodflow and release of toxins. Continued massage will make not only make this horse more comfortable and thus encourage her movement of limbs and therefore aid recovery, but also actively help this mare to overcome stiffness acquired during the time of stall rest and aid in rebuilding of muscle tone.
Light trail riding, carrot stretches, light massage below the crest and around the withers during grooming should be continued by the owner.
Follow up with massage every 2 weeks until optimal recovery.
Please Note: Equine Massage is NEVER a substitute for proper veterinary care. If in doubt about the physical condition of your horse, please consult your vet.
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