Muscle problems. Advice needed

[dozzie]

Ok. A couple of weeks ago I posted about my mare who has had a few probs. Have now had saddle readjusted and vet came today to check her completely. Not as much to see now saddle is ok again! The good news is that there is no probs with knees, hocks or back etc so big relief. However he did find that she was sore in the muscle that goes behind or infront of the scapula- he said he wasnt absolutely able to say which one. He also found tension/knotting in the buttock which when he pointed it out to me was really easy to feel. Have rung physio and hope to hear back tonight but as its bank holiday weekend prob wont be able to get her out until next week.

So does anyone have any suggestions as to any gentle excercises I could do with her to help. I am a complete ignoramus in this area so diagrams/pics would help! Also I was thinking that perhaps it is best to stick to hacking and avoid hill work until physio sees her. Is this right/wrong or wont it matter?

I am happy to gently massage the muscle in her buttock but not sure how long/often. I know, shouldve asked vet but felt a bit of a conmerchant as she went really well! Sods law!! And I was so relieved that it wasnt anything like kissing spines. Blithering idiot springs to mind!

Hopefully I can ask physio if she contacts me tonight but if she doesnt then I really could do with knowing the best thing to do in the mean time.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[fernando]

Hi Dozziesmummy

my tb has some muscle "issues" and what really helps him is a bathing of warm water, with a sponge, its really simple but seems to work wonders for my lad. I throw in some arnica and voila, he's much looser.

Obv. not a long term solution but might make her loosen up a bit over the weekend.

 

[dozzie]

Do you feed the arnica or rub it in as a gel or what?

Ive got some arnica tablets for humans but they are really tiny. Would they be any good?

Voila? Qu'ce que c'est? What is it?

Told you I know nothing! Apart from a bit of french.LOL

Also I thought she would be better of out rather than standing in. What do you think?

ps still trying to get dog in envelope!

 

[fernando]

Sorry about the late reply, took me ages getting home from work.

I have the Veleda (sp?) massage balm, its a oily type fluid that I pour maybe 1/4 of a bottle into the hot water, and then sponge down the affected area, mine loves it and starts grooming me!!! I doubt the arnica pills will do much given the size of most horses.

Voila - its kind of "there you go"

hurry up with the doggies, my new one is getting lonely

 

[dozzie]

[ QUOTE ]
Voila - its kind of "there you go"


[/ QUOTE ] LOL thought you meant some herbal thingy!!!!

So where would I get the massage balm from? Boots? Or would I need to go into the "city" to find a health food type shop?

 

[fernando]

I have got it in local chemists, anywhere that sells herbal type stuff should have it, but I'd recommend the balm as the gels etc won't really work that well with the hot water, i know a lot of it goes to waste but some of it still goes through. It also smells lovely and leaves a lovely shine off their coat.

Have to go feed and muck out, will be back on in about an hour to discuss delivery of the doggies!!

 

[Tia]

Try this:

http://www.equinemassageassociation.co.uk

 

[dozzie]

Thanks Tia. I will have a good read and try to speak to someone tomorrow. Still not sure if I should ride her or not. Physio hasnt got back to me.

 

[Tia]

Well I thought that site would appeal as it has pictures

.

I don't think I would ride her till the physio has been, but I would definitely turn her out for as long as it possible.

 

[fernando]

Tia, thanks for posting the website, very informative, might even get a masseuse out for my baby

 

[Sal_E]

Just simple things like carrot stretchs are good for us 'laymans' to do, but not so sure that you should change anything until the expert has been in to be honest... If you know anyone with a magnetic rug for now, it wouldn't hurt to be using that for a short while every day & as much turnout as possible. If she has to be ridden, stick to slow gentle hacking.

 

[dozzie]

Thanks, will try the carrot stretches. I dont have to ride her but its a pain as ive tidied my house so I could ride for rest of holiday! I can turnout 24/7 so will do that. And I will catch up on all the outside jobs instead