Massage therapy is done with accupressure and massaging the muscles in each muscle group. Working
on the 26 stress points on each side of the horses body. The stress points are where the ligaments and tendons come together in that muscle group. These stress points and muscle groups usually tend to become tight and usually Just shut down. Nerve irritation, stress, fatigue or injury are reasons why these muscle group shut down. When this happens the muscle group doesn't get the oxygen it should and then it is very suseptible to minor or major rips and tears. Lameness of course can occur or sometimes the horse's movement may Just be off
After the stress points and muscle groups are examined, manual pressure is applied to the stress point, then the muscle group is massage, bringing blood and oxygen to the area which in turn helps heal.
I have found that chiropractic alone does not relieve all the pain in the horses body, but accompanied with massage the horse has much better movement and can track up properly, and tenseness is relieved.
I usually use a constant pressure when I start a treatment then soften my pressure. You will find that horses will move away from your pressure but will relax once the stress point releases. Massage thereapy works hand in hand with proper chiropractic.
