Advice on Equine Massage Therapy

[horseylass]

Afternoon everyone!

Just a few questions about Massage Therapy.

My 17h Danish warmblood had the chiropractor 4 months ago, as he was really stiff in his back, and he was doing HUGE bucks!

The back man came, loosened him up, and told me to carry on massaging his back, as his muscles (just behind the saddle) would tense up quite quickly, and that he would come out again in a years time.

Ok so now, 4 months later, he's threatening and starting to buck again, his back is again very tense.

Do i get the chiropractor out again, or try massage therapy?

Does it help?

 

[NELSON11]

I am a veterinary physio and I would suggest your vet has a look at your horse and then can recommend you to the correct professional if need be either a qualified physio, osteo etc.

We should only work with vet referal. At least speak to your vet in the first instance.

Personally from my point of view, it would appear there may be an issue going on which may be encouraging secondary muscular problems. So I would talk to your vet

 

[TopTotty]

I am a veterinary physio and I would suggest your vet has a look at your horse and then can recommend you to the correct professional if need be either a qualified physio, osteo etc.

We should only work with vet referal. At least speak to your vet in the first instance.

Personally from my point of view, it would appear there may be an issue going on which may be encouraging secondary muscular problems. So I would talk to your vet

I am an Equine Body Worker and I completely agree with the above.

 

[horseylass]

Thanks. I only have him on full loan, and his owner said she only needed the back man once a year. He has been in more continuous work with me since ive had him though.

 

[NELSON11]

I certainly ask my clients to perform certain excercises etc etc in between treatments as part of their rehab programmes but if I thought the horse was likely to become " tight" as your chiro put it. I most certainly wouldn't be advising saying see you in 12 months time but keep massaging yourself.

With all due respect, alot of damage can be created by people who are not profesionally trained and qualified. That goes for the horsey quacks out there and owners unitentionally doing more harm than good by doing DIY treatments on their horses.

Give your vet a call and chat to them in the first instance. I am sure they would be happy to look and put you in touch with the relevant person to help you