Percussion massage gun on horses

[FlyingCircus]

These seem to be all the rage at the minute.


Anyone noticed any benefits of using them on horses? I've used one on myself and found it very relaxing if sticking to the muscle and not too hard. Presumably some horses may also appreciate?

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

I've seen these but I think it was on the Dr Marlin page that it was advised people don't use them, can't remember why though. Might be worth looking into a bit closer

 

[rabatsa]

You have to pay to read the article.

 

[Sprat]

I posted a similar thread a little while ago - https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/equi-release-gun.800486/

I spoke to my physio about them, she was fairly ambivalent. Her view was that if the user was educated and understood where best to use the guns, then it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but her concerns were gung ho owners who went mad using the gun anywhere and everywhere on the body, which could cause discomfort, especially if boshed against bone. The biggest issue discussed was as someone had mentioned in the other thread, that horses can't tell us if it's uncomfortable and to stop.

She also said the risk of using the guns too often could be detrimental; if a muscle is tight, then yes it could benefit from the use of the percussion gun, but continual pummelling of a muscle that is no longer tight will then break down said muscle and cause distress.

I personally use massage techniques and if needed, a tens machine which I've had good results from, so I won't be forking out the money for one.

 

[Green Bean]

I have thought about whether I should buy one or not, but have decided not for the very reason Sprat has laid out. I do not know enough about horse anatomy and muscle responses to be able to use the device correctly.
I have recently had a specialist in to start non-invasive work on my mare as she has KS in 2 processes so didn't feel massage or chiropractor were a suitable choice. I believe it has merit for those looking for release and alignment of muscles
https://ettnancy.com/#:~:text=ETT™ is the Equine Transeva Technique - a,and correct the muscles in the horses body.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I have bought one cheaply from Ebay with the view to asking my Osteopath in my appointment in a couple of weeks where/how to use it to benefit him. If she doesn't think it will benefit, then I'll take it home and use it on my awful back/neck! win win.

 

[joshg]

I use the bob and brad C2 on my horses!?!!! They love it! helps to eliminate muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the significant muscle tissues. It’s quiet! Easy to hold! Has several attachments that all apply easy! Love,love, love!!!

 

[rabatsa]

Bring back strapping.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

I pay someone to massage my horse because then I get feedback about where he's tight and we can consider whether it's something to be concerned about or not. We can also monitor from one session to the next. I would worry I would cause trouble with one of these rather than resolve anything in a useful way!

 

[Scotsbadboy]

I have one (an ebay one for a fraction of the price for the same product advertised with a horse pic on the box) and my horse enjoys it. I used it under my physios guidance on her visit and probably use it maybe once a week after a groom and massage. I stick to the major muscle groups on the lowest setting.

As for the horse not being able to tell us if it hurts or is uncomfortable .. I dont understand this comment. My horse would let me know if he was uncomfortable or in pain, i see no reason he'd shut down and let me use the massage gun if it caused him discomfort or pain!

 

[TPO]

One of the issues with things like the gun is that using any implement removes the hands in feedback. It's also so easy to overuse it because if a little is good then more must be better...

The money spent on a gun would be better invested on a good (emphasis on the good!) owners massage course. Then you can learn what to feel for, how to perform the movements and feedback from the muscle/body/horse.

"Back in the day" (rose tinted glasses) there seemed to be more emphasis on grooming. It was the full whammy of currying, dandy, body brush, toweling and strapping/thumping if throwing it right back.

That in itself was a massage and hands on time. It was an opportunity to see if the horse reacted to certain pressure in certain areas and feel the muscles as they warmed up etc.

Now a lot of us are time poor so pay someone else to do the hands on thing on our behalf.

Percussive massage is one part of a massage but then, for example, effleurage movements should be used to "drain" the muscles of waste product. So using the gun as a stand alone technique wouldn't be good for the muscles IMO and might even create a build up.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

One of the issues with things like the gun is that using any implement removes the hands in feedback. It's also so easy to overuse it because if a little is good then more must be better...

The money spent on a gun would be better invested on a good (emphasis on the good!) owners massage course. Then you can learn what to feel for, how to perform the movements and feedback from the muscle/body/horse.

"Back in the day" (rose tinted glasses) there seemed to be more emphasis on grooming. It was the full whammy of currying, dandy, body brush, toweling and strapping/thumping if throwing it right back.

That in itself was a massage and hands on time. It was an opportunity to see if the horse reacted to certain pressure in certain areas and feel the muscles as they warmed up etc.

Now a lot of us are time poor so pay someone else to do the hands on thing on our behalf.

Percussive massage is one part of a massage but then, for example, effleurage movements should be used to "drain" the muscles of waste product. So using the gun as a stand alone technique wouldn't be good for the muscles IMO and might even create a build up.

I would definitely be interested in a course such as this but even without I have some basic checks that the massage lady showed me. Hopefully courses will open up as we are released from lockdown. Any idea how I would ensure I find a good owners course? (I would still use my lady as back up!)

 

[TPO]

I would definitely be interested in a course such as this but even without I have some basic checks that the massage lady showed me. Hopefully courses will open up as we are released from lockdown. Any idea how I would ensure I find a good owners course? (I would still use my lady as back up!)

I think just by making sure it's a legitimate company running the course or if it's an individual that they have thr appropriate qualifications and insurance.

I did the EBW certification course with Equinology (UK branch of Equinenergy) and I really rated their training although that was 2009. I'm sure that they used to do short courses for owners too.

I really like Masterson Method too. His book is great ans there are dvds. As it's not as physically hands on I think it's easier to try DIY with no risk of causing harm.

I'm sure MM also do owners training but its possibly a 2 day course.

 

[daydreamer]

I'm sure MM also do owners training but its possibly a 2 day course.

Yes masterson method do a 2 day course, I have done it twice! There are also videos online. I would really recommend it to any horse owner.

 

[Blackhathorse]

I've read up some stuff on this and it seems they can be harmful if used on the bony parts of the body

 

[SibeliusMB]

We have two horses in the barn that love the massage gun and you can tell by their expression that they enjoy it. Staff knows where their "spots" are to target and the horses just melt. I tried it on my horse twice, he definitely did not melt but just looked at me like I was an idiot. He prefers an old fashioned massage, so I will massage his hamstrings (he loves that) and pay for massage by a physio at somewhat regular intervals. Not a massage gun guy.

 

[sbloom]

The bodyworkers I respect say no.

 

[GGwarmblood]

I would highly recommend the equiGun range. After checking them out with my physio and on myself. I proceeded cautiously and it is undoubtedly the best bit of kit I have bought in years ! As with anything common sense rules. Anything in the wrong hands can be bad - even a feather ! They have a money back guarantee if you don’t like too.

 

[GGwarmblood]

I would highly recommend the equiGun range. After checking them out with my physio and on myself. I proceeded cautiously and it is undoubtedly the best bit of kit I have bought in years ! As with anything common sense rules. Anything in the wrong hands can be bad - even a feather ! They have a money back guarantee if you don’t like too.

Also I would add they have full instructions and support on their page here www.equigun.com

 

[bouncing_ball]

Yes masterson method do a 2 day course, I have done it twice! There are also videos online. I would really recommend it to any horse owner.

Are all the people running Masterson courses in U.K. nearly as good as Jim for learning the basics from? I’m in Surrey and wondering about a 2 day course this year. But it’s a lot of money if course teacher wasn’t great. Thanks

 

[marmalade88]

I use one between osteopath visits and before he has a few days off. So once and week or once a fortnight. I follow her guidance on areas to focus on and know my horse well so can read his body language and facial expressions. I never use it for warm up and cool down. I’ve seen videos with people going all out before riding or after and every day and I cringe. Like all things it’s another tool in our arsenal which can be good or bad different hands. I have a cheap one off eBay which I pilfered off my husband, although I did replace it with a (slightly more expensive) gun. my horse definitely benefits from it between visits.

 

[spotty_pony]

I've heard it's very easy to overdo it and cause more damage if you don't know what you are doing.

 

[daydreamer]

Are all the people running Masterson courses in U.K. nearly as good as Jim for learning the basics from? I’m in Surrey and wondering about a 2 day course this year. But it’s a lot of money if course teacher wasn’t great. Thanks

The two I did were led by Jim but I don’t think he can come this year. Vicky was there for both courses and she is running the courses this year I think. She was very good and I remember her coming to help a few times when we were struggling to get things right. I know it is expensive but I would still really recommend it. The MM is probably the most useful and interesting horsey thing I have ever learnt.

 

[Casey76]

Tartines physiotherapist was adamant they should be used judiciously and only by trained professionals, as they can do more harm than good if used with the wrong frequency/wrong type of ‘head’ and on the wrong part of the body.

You need to use a different frequency to reach different depth of muscle, and you need to be able to use hands-on feedback from the musculature to assess how it is reacting.

Even when T was really locked up with PSSM, she only needed 2 treatments of the percussive massage over her glutes /hamstrings, before going back to manual massage