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 |
Coltrane, 7 |
Owner |
Tammy |
Gender |
Mare Gelding Stud |
Color/breed |
Quarterhorse |
location |
CH, Wisconsin |
Date |
6/12/08 (Massage I of II) |
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HORSE HISTORY and Owner/handler states re precondition:: Owner has owned horse for two years during which horse has recurring back soreness. History of pain in withers, but this has not been an issue lately. The horse was examined by the vet who suggested exercises and steroid injections to build muscles. Owner states horse stiffer to the right.
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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, H=High) |
Poll/atlas: tenderness, hardened muscles, sensitive to touch, released some of the tension and responded well to massage, ligament especially tight on this side.
Front leg: able to drop shoulder
Neck: difficulty bending to the right, stiff neck, sensitive
Shoulder: Hardened muscles on upper shoulder, tight
Withers: enjoys massage and wiggling of wither vertebrae, colder to the touch than rest of the back
Back/Sacroiliac/Croup: very light back sensitivity in small of back
Hip: Relaxed hip nicely, was able to drop hip
Tail: Relaxed tail after some careful manipulation
Hind leg: good flexibility
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Poll/atlas: sensitive, has hard time relaxing, muscles around poll/atlas hardened, ligament tight
Front leg: able to drop shoulder
Neck: Neck flexed nicely
Shoulder: hardened muscles packed above scapula, lower part of scapula softer
Withers: shows nice releases, enjoys massage in this area, cold to the touch
Back: muscles in the small of the back slightly overdeveloped compared to right, no dramatic sensitivity
sacroiliac/croup: slightly sensitive to massage
Hip: Has difficulty dropping and relaxing left hip.
Tail: habitually clamps tail, but is able to relax quickly when massaged
Hind leg: good flexibility
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Summary: Coltrane shows anticipation of discomfort during the saddling process, when approached with the saddle his back muscles flinch and tremble. He trots with a slightly hollowed back and raised head. When standing, he ‘parks out’ a lot. When ridden bareback, he is reluctant to start trotting and throws his head up.
His efforts in avoiding discomfort, possibly due to saddle fit issues, can possibly lead to compensating body posture thus resulting in more muscle tension and pain.
Recommendation:
Follow up with massage in about 1 week to continue loosen up neck/shoulder/atlas area. Look into saddle fit and alternatives to currently used saddle. Exercise the horse, as recommended by the vet, in the trot in a structured gymnastisizing fashion to strengthen abdominal and back muscles. Encourage ‘long and low’ when riding to encourage rounding and strengthening of the back.
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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