Mary Last, CESMT-MMCP 561-644-4903 Info@handsonequineservices.com
Integrated Bodywork
"Take the time it takes."--Pat Parelli
Bodywork....The "missing piece" to your wellness and performance programs!
Bodywork....The "missing piece" to your wellness and performance programs!
Equine Bodywork is used both as a maintenance and preventive therapy as it enhances performance, reduces stress, increases blood circulation, improves range of motion as well as aids in recovery and should be a part of your wellness program.
The initial session is approx two (2) hours in length which includes history, evaluation, establishing communication with the horse and full body massage. Each follow-up session begins with an evaluation and can last anywhere between one (1) to two (2) hours depending on the horse and the horse's issues. Sessions aim at treating the whole horse due to the horse's ability to compensate and create additional areas of tension. There are a multitude of factors that could be contributing to an imbalance. Among those are conformation, equipment, teeth, feet, number of riders and rider imbalance.
The intent is to remove any restrictions, thus returning structural and muscular balance, and increase range of motion. Based on what is found during evaluation and to help "peel" away layers to help discover what might be the underlying cause (current vs old, primary vs secondary), one or more of the following techniques will be used to achieve the best results for your horse.
Masterson Method®: A unique, interactive method of equine bodywork in which you recognize and use the responses of the horse to your touch to find and release accumulated tension in the three key areas/junctions of the body that most effect performance. This gentle restriction release technique is based on The Masterson Method®, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork.
Therapeutic Massage: Stimulates the skin and nervous system reducing emotional and physical stress.
Sports Massage (Stress Point Therapy): Assesses stress points to help maintain muscle health before stress build up can occur and to treat/release any painful restriction or tension to the muscle spasm which could result in injury if left untreated. When releasing areas of long standing spasm, symptoms may increase temporarily for a day or two. Massage technique is based on Jack Meagher's methods developed in the 1970's for locating muscle spasms and pain to treat the cause of the problem.
Myofascial Release: A sustained, gentle pressure elongating the tissue thus restoring freedom of movement. Fascia is connective tissue spread throughout the body that forms a web from head to tail and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve and cell. Upon injury, the fascia will tighten and thicken leading to a decreased range of motion and pain.
Red Light (Acupoint Therapy): Also known as cold laser therapy/low level light therapy, does not produce heat and is complimentary to other therapies such as massage/bodywork, myofascial release and chiropractic. Red light therapy can aid is relaxing muscles, stimulate acupoints, help reduce pain/inflammation and increase circulation (wound healing) and increase well being.
Range of Motion Exercises (Positional Release, Joint Mobilization) help maintain flexibility and lets the horse know the range is there and not blocked.
The initial session is approx two (2) hours in length which includes history, evaluation, establishing communication with the horse and full body massage. Each follow-up session begins with an evaluation and can last anywhere between one (1) to two (2) hours depending on the horse and the horse's issues. Sessions aim at treating the whole horse due to the horse's ability to compensate and create additional areas of tension. There are a multitude of factors that could be contributing to an imbalance. Among those are conformation, equipment, teeth, feet, number of riders and rider imbalance.
The intent is to remove any restrictions, thus returning structural and muscular balance, and increase range of motion. Based on what is found during evaluation and to help "peel" away layers to help discover what might be the underlying cause (current vs old, primary vs secondary), one or more of the following techniques will be used to achieve the best results for your horse.
Masterson Method®: A unique, interactive method of equine bodywork in which you recognize and use the responses of the horse to your touch to find and release accumulated tension in the three key areas/junctions of the body that most effect performance. This gentle restriction release technique is based on The Masterson Method®, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork.
Therapeutic Massage: Stimulates the skin and nervous system reducing emotional and physical stress.
Sports Massage (Stress Point Therapy): Assesses stress points to help maintain muscle health before stress build up can occur and to treat/release any painful restriction or tension to the muscle spasm which could result in injury if left untreated. When releasing areas of long standing spasm, symptoms may increase temporarily for a day or two. Massage technique is based on Jack Meagher's methods developed in the 1970's for locating muscle spasms and pain to treat the cause of the problem.
Myofascial Release: A sustained, gentle pressure elongating the tissue thus restoring freedom of movement. Fascia is connective tissue spread throughout the body that forms a web from head to tail and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve and cell. Upon injury, the fascia will tighten and thicken leading to a decreased range of motion and pain.
Red Light (Acupoint Therapy): Also known as cold laser therapy/low level light therapy, does not produce heat and is complimentary to other therapies such as massage/bodywork, myofascial release and chiropractic. Red light therapy can aid is relaxing muscles, stimulate acupoints, help reduce pain/inflammation and increase circulation (wound healing) and increase well being.
Range of Motion Exercises (Positional Release, Joint Mobilization) help maintain flexibility and lets the horse know the range is there and not blocked.
Bodywork Treatments
(please see Requirements & FAQ's-"Hands On" will not work on a horse in an acute stage of injury/disease)
All sessions include an evaluation and aim at treating the whole horse. Please contact Mary for more information about scheduling your horse for an initial evaluation and full bodywork session.
Recommended Frequency of Treatment:
While horses will benefit from a single treatment, the effects will diminish over a period of time. Frequency depends on your horse's issues, health and level of training.
Average Horse - every 2-4 weeks - muscular health check up
Competition/Working Horse - weekly - aid in maintaining performance level
Older/Retired Horse - every 4-6 weeks - 6 weeks maximum length between sessions
Chronic/Past Issues - Twice the first week, once a week until better, then every 2-4 weeks based on level of work
All sessions include an evaluation and aim at treating the whole horse. Please contact Mary for more information about scheduling your horse for an initial evaluation and full bodywork session.
Recommended Frequency of Treatment:
While horses will benefit from a single treatment, the effects will diminish over a period of time. Frequency depends on your horse's issues, health and level of training.
Average Horse - every 2-4 weeks - muscular health check up
Competition/Working Horse - weekly - aid in maintaining performance level
Older/Retired Horse - every 4-6 weeks - 6 weeks maximum length between sessions
Chronic/Past Issues - Twice the first week, once a week until better, then every 2-4 weeks based on level of work
Serving the Ocala/Gainesville Area