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CASE STUDIES - back to list of equine massage case studies -
Reinholds Horsewellness offers equine massage and professional grooming services

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

Mason, 15

Owner

Linda F.

Gender

     gelding

Color/breed

ThBred/QH

location

SdlrRdg, Wisconsin

Date

9/2/08

We need a better picture of this handsome guy! Mason

Masonright


HORSE HISTORY and Owner/handler states re precondition:: Mason is ridden English and flexes better to the left than to the right. He has trouble coming round. According to saddle fitter the saddle is marginally narrow in the front. Mason has been weaker on the right hind, he used to have a habit of grinding teeth and has had some teeth problems which are checked regularly (every three months). The gelding carries a lot of tension in the poll.

MASSAGE I OF II (9/2/08)

Left Side
Right Side
Horses condition/sensitivities/issues found during massage:
MasonMason

MASSAGE NOTES

(L=light, M=Medium, H=High)

Atlas/Poll: Mason has severe tension and hardening in the poll. The muscles on his forehead are strongly developed and form a 'bulge'. He dropped his head nicely and welcomed massage behind in the atlas/poll area. Nice releases.
Neck: Medium sensitivity in the upper neck area, lower sensitivity in the lower neck area. Somewhat stiff bending, very cooperative, tries to make up by bending the head around and flexing sideways in the poll, but neck remains stiff. Nice releases.
Shoulder: The shoulder is tight on the lower end of scapula, in front of scapula. However, Mason is able to relax the shoulder nicely after some body work. Shoulder dropped nicely, wiggled loosely when shaking leg.
Front Leg: No noticeable stiffness in the front leg and able to stretch our very nicely in all directions.
Withers: Was guarded when withers were wiggled. There is a 'dip' on the lower part of his crest in front of whithers from a formerly used ill fitting winter blanket. Dan enjoys massage around this dip and releases nicely. The area is a bit cooler to the touch.
Back: Severe sensitivity on the spine, seemingly at the junction of lumbar and thoracic vertebrae
Sacroiliac: No sensitivity in the sacroiliac area.
Posterior Pectoral: Medium reaction in the posterior pectoral muscle, flinches when touched.
Hind legs/hips: does not drop hip, has a harder time stretching out the left hind leg to the front, hesitates, does not relax, muscles on hind end (semitendinosus, semimembranosus) very tight and hard.

Atlas/Poll: Medium tension and hardening in the poll/atlas area. Very cooperative and receptive to body work, relaxes nicely.
Neck: Low sensitivity in the upper part of the neck, stiffness bending the neck, neck stays straight, Mason is cooperative and wants to bend, but does so in the poll.
Shoulder: Shoulder muscles tight in front of scapula on the lower end of the shoulder, nice releases. Relaxed and dropped shoulder nicely when working with the leg.
Front Leg: Able to stretch out nicely, cooperative, no restrictions in movement.
Withers: Guarded when withers are wiggled. Continued to massage around the 'dip', which Mason increasingly liked.
Back: Severe sensitivity on the spine, seemingly at the junction of lumbar and thoracic vertebrae.
Sacroiliac: No sensitivtiy in the sacroiliac area.
Posterior Pectoral: Light reaction in the posterior pectoral muscle, lightly flinches when touched.
Hind legs/hips: Drops right hip nicely, entire junction seems to be relaxed, muscle tone is good but not hardened, able to stretch out nicely in all directions. There is some light sensitivity around the point of hip, however.

Note: Mason was clearly uncomfortable during the spinal rock involving the last rib. I did not continue to attempt to rock the horse (gentle flexing of spine). Vet/chiropractor clearance needed before body work in that area can be continued.

Summary: Mason has the 'thinker' bulge on his forehad and tight muscles around atlas/poll area. He relaxed nicely into massage and body work in these areas, however, this seems to be one of his ongoing areas of concern. The horse has a very sensitive spot on his spine which might require the attention of an equine chiropractor or vet. Mason has slightly increased stiffness and sensitivity in the front left and a sensitive spot on the right point of hip. This leads to believe that the right hind might be the cause for the stiffness and muscle hardness in his left hind (compensation). The 'dip' in his crest caused by an ill fitting winter blanket (no longer used) is cooler to the touch, probably due to decreased circulation. Mason showed nice releases when this area was massaged.

Recommendation:  Follow up with massage in 2 weeks to address and improve stiffness in the neck and hip area. Involve equine chiropractor or vet to assess problem area in the spine. Clarify with saddle fitter how saddle fit can be improved. Owner can massage Mason during daily routine behind ears and on his forehead 'bulge' to help Mason relax in this junction. Mason would benefit from a regular equine body work schedule every 4-6 weeks to keep tensions/stiffness to a minimum.

 

MASSAGE II OF II

Left Side Left Side
   

MASSAGE NOTES

(L=light, M=Medium, H=High)

 

  
Atlas/Poll:
Neck:
Shoulder:
Withers:
Back:
Sacroiliac:
Posterior Pectoral:
Hind legs/hips: 		Atlas/Poll:
Neck:
Shoulder:
Withers:
Back:
Sacroiliac:
Posterior Pectoral:
Hind legs/hips:


Summary:

Recommendation: 


 

 

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.