Therapies performed
The therapies I use are focus on the muscular and skeletal systems. Depending on the problem, I have a few 'tools' at my disposal to treat your horse. The bulk of my work is a form of myofacial trigger point release and I back this up with Deep Oscillation(R) and massage.
Equi-satus myofacial trigger point release
(ALSO known as neuromuscular manipulation)
I love the fact that this treatment focuses on more than treating the symptoms. We often bring a different perspective to the problem some horses have been experiencing for a while. This technique is a powerful tool in examining the musculo-skeletal system, and can find and relieve muscle spasms and tension even before the signs become obvious.
When a muscle gets tired or injured its stops working properly, it fails to contract and create movement to the extent it should. So other muscles compensate for it by working harder; often by taking on too greater workload or by doing jobs they weren't designed to do, therefore these compensatory muscles get tired or injured too, this cycle can continue. This is how an isolated problem left without treatment can become widespread.
As I explain to my clients, it is nerves that control the muscle, and muscle that control the skeleton. If a muscle gets sore through work or injury, the horses body tells the nerves related to that muscle to lock the muscle and prevent further damage and injury. The nerves can enter into a state of ‘confusion’ and keep the muscles in a state of tension, preventing further damage but also causing pain. Through a series of checks we try to identify which nerves are causing the issue and by manipulating these nerves the muscle is released. Range of motion and muscle function appear to change almost instantly and the horse appears to show considerable relief in its symptoms. It is very exciting to see the beneficial effect this treatment has on the animals I work on and to hear the great feedback from my clients.
I am currently only one of 3 people in the UK using this unique technique taught by Paul Trelor. Research is underway at Utrecht University on MTrP will empirically show why this technique works as well as it does. For more indepth information, please have a look at http://www.equisatus.com
When a muscle gets tired or injured its stops working properly, it fails to contract and create movement to the extent it should. So other muscles compensate for it by working harder; often by taking on too greater workload or by doing jobs they weren't designed to do, therefore these compensatory muscles get tired or injured too, this cycle can continue. This is how an isolated problem left without treatment can become widespread.
As I explain to my clients, it is nerves that control the muscle, and muscle that control the skeleton. If a muscle gets sore through work or injury, the horses body tells the nerves related to that muscle to lock the muscle and prevent further damage and injury. The nerves can enter into a state of ‘confusion’ and keep the muscles in a state of tension, preventing further damage but also causing pain. Through a series of checks we try to identify which nerves are causing the issue and by manipulating these nerves the muscle is released. Range of motion and muscle function appear to change almost instantly and the horse appears to show considerable relief in its symptoms. It is very exciting to see the beneficial effect this treatment has on the animals I work on and to hear the great feedback from my clients.
I am currently only one of 3 people in the UK using this unique technique taught by Paul Trelor. Research is underway at Utrecht University on MTrP will empirically show why this technique works as well as it does. For more indepth information, please have a look at http://www.equisatus.com
deep oscilLation therapy
Deep Oscillation primarily used for treatment torn and strained ligaments and tendons but is also used for muscular soreness.
The electrostatic pulses create pleasant, deeply effective oscillations in the tissue. This has directly trophic-enhancing, muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. Swellings and oedema are absorbed much more quickly, pain is subdued. Wound healing is stimulated.
In contrast to externally applied, mechanical forms of massage therapy, (e.g vibration), the therapy effect of Deep Oscillation takes place in the tissue itself and is deeply penetrating, working through all the tissue layers; skin, connective tissue, sub-cutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels penetrating up to a depth of 8-12 cm. The electrostatic field created enables a constant action of attraction and release of the tissue, completely “kneading” the targeted area, dividing, compressing and pumping out to the lymph system the excess metabolic by-products for removal.
This causes deep oscillation to be especially gentle and makes it an unmatched treatment alternative for fresh trauma, postoperative, for acute pain and in the area of open wounds.
(Note: the therapy does not produce heat and it does not electrically stimulate the therapist or the client).
The electrostatic pulses create pleasant, deeply effective oscillations in the tissue. This has directly trophic-enhancing, muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. Swellings and oedema are absorbed much more quickly, pain is subdued. Wound healing is stimulated.
In contrast to externally applied, mechanical forms of massage therapy, (e.g vibration), the therapy effect of Deep Oscillation takes place in the tissue itself and is deeply penetrating, working through all the tissue layers; skin, connective tissue, sub-cutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels penetrating up to a depth of 8-12 cm. The electrostatic field created enables a constant action of attraction and release of the tissue, completely “kneading” the targeted area, dividing, compressing and pumping out to the lymph system the excess metabolic by-products for removal.
This causes deep oscillation to be especially gentle and makes it an unmatched treatment alternative for fresh trauma, postoperative, for acute pain and in the area of open wounds.
(Note: the therapy does not produce heat and it does not electrically stimulate the therapist or the client).
sports massage therapy
Equine Sports Massage (ESM) therapy is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse. The hands-on massage techniques is used for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses.
ESM works on nearly all the muscles and soft tissues, but also affects the skin and many other systems such as the nervous, skeletal, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
ESM works on nearly all the muscles and soft tissues, but also affects the skin and many other systems such as the nervous, skeletal, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
All therapies are complementary to veterinary procedures and in some cases with other therapies such as chiropractors and osteopaths.
