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 |
Moxie, 8 |
Owner |
Sadie L. |
Gender |
Mare Gelding Stud |
Color/breed |
Bay/Thoroughbred |
location |
CR, Wisconsin |
Date |
6/24/08 (Massage I) |
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Queen Moxie went across the rainbow bridge not too long after these images were taken.
HORSE HISTORY and Owner/handler states re precondition:: The mare used to be used for eventing. In March 07 the horse had a pasture accident injuring the left hock and was put on stall rest for 4 months, after this hand walked and kept in small pen. According to the owner (vet) the joint capsule is inflamed and there is bony growth in the joint. The joint was recently drained and injected with steroid. The joint is still swollen beyond the normal size. The horse seems to be weakened to a point that she falls on her knees in the pen, therefore bandage on right knee. The left glutes are very visibly atrophied. .
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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) |
Atlas/Poll: The mare is extremely sensitive around the atlas/poll area. The muscles are hardened, the ligaments are tight. Horse can tolerate only light to medium touch, but releases nicely after some patient light work in the area.
Neck: The horse has difficulty bending to the right, but loosens up nicely after a bit of work down the vertebrae of the neck. Severe sensitivity along all muscles of the neck. Ligaments can be felt as rigid 'ropes'.
Shoulder: The horses should is tight, very sensitive to touch and some muscle spasm could be felt as rigid knots. After some light work the horse was able to drop the shoulder and release some tension.
Withers: Extremely sensitive around whithers.
Back: Medium sensitivity in small of back.
Sacroiliac: Surprisingly very light to no sensitivity in the sacroiliac area.
Hind legs/hips: No body work done in this area for this first massage, just light massaging of the muscle tissue.
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Atlas/Poll: see right side
Neck: The horse can bend better to the left, responds nicely to loosening work around the neck vertrebrae.
Shoulder: Severe sensitivity around the scapula and the lower shoulder. Some muscle spasms and hardened muscles can be found. Horse was able to drop should and cooperated nicely, released nicely after loosening the shoulder area.
Withers: Strong sensitivity around withers.
Back: Medium sensitivity in small of back.
Sacroiliac: Not sensitive to light work. Very visibly atrophied glutes, spine is 'towering', muscles caved in next to spine.
Hind legs/hips: no body work done in this first massage, just light massage of the muscle tissue.
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Summary: As a result of the injury and following immobility the horse is greatly impacted by the weakened hind leg and the extreme compensation by the shoulders. There is extreme sensitivity to touch most likely due to discomfort when hardened, sore muscles are manipulated.
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 recovery, but also actively help this mare to regain a full range of motion by releasing the muscle spasms that inhibit her movement at this time.
Besides hand walking and massage, it is suggested to ask the vet whether swimming the horse would be beneficial.
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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