 | Rectus Capitus Lateralis -- Here I am palpating down the atlas. The atlas is located right behind the ears, where the halter lies. The muscle is the Rectus Capitus Lateralis; here you will be able to feel the extent of tightness and tension that is present. I apply moderate pressure at the poll and wait for the horse to lower its head. It is a release of pressure and the horse will become relaxed. Massaging of the Rectus Capitus Lateralis allows the head to flex and incline to the side freely. |
| Multifidus Cervicus and Brachiocephalicus -- Here I am treating the Multifidus Cervicus and the Brachiocephalicus with the Palpation Stroke. The Multifidus Cervicus allows the neck to flex and the head to rotate to the opposite side. The Brachiocephalicus permits the neck to bend and it also moves the shoulder forward. If your horse has problems bending to the inside, massaging of these muscles will help allow a greater range of motion in the neck. The cervical spine is deep to these muscles and you don't want to apply pressure directly on the cervical spine because it is very unpleasant to the horse.
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 | Biceps and Anterior Pectorals -- Here I am using the cat paw stroke with my fingerstips to locate any muscle spasms that might be present in the Biceps and the Anterior Pectorals. These muscles are responsible for allowing the foreleg to extend outward. You will see that with massage your horse will be able to extend farther. If your horse has problems with over-reaching with their hind end, this helps so that the front feet can now get out of the way. |
| Posterior Pectoral -- Once again I'm using the cat paw stroke to locate any spasms that may be in the Posterior Pectoral. The horse will often relax during this sequence. The Posterior Pectoral allows the forelegs to draw backwards. With massaging of the Biceps, Anterior Pectorals, and the Posterior Pectorals you will get a more fluid forward movement in the front end.
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 | Extensor Carpi Radialis -- Here I am spreading the muscles and ligaments of the Extensor Carpi Radialis looking for any spasms or discomfort. The Extensor Carpi Radialis is responsible for the bending and flexion of the foreleg. When I am done spreading the muscles and ligaments, I run my hands down the rest of the leg to check for heat or swelling in the coronet band or the hoof. There will be some heat in the legs due to the increased circulation from the massage. But if there is excessive swelling or heat, the owner may want to consult a veterinarian.
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| Gluteus -- Here I am using the Zig-Zag Stroke on the Gluteus muscle to see if I get a reaction at a light pressure. If I don't get a reaction with a light pressure, I will try it again using more pressure. If I get a reaction in the area, I will treat that area with Direct Pressure and Cross Fibre Friction. Direct Pressure is a concentrated amount of pressure to that one area of discomfort. Cross Fibre Friction is a back and forth motion that rubs out the spasm. The Gluteus is responsible for the hind end action and forward impulsion in the horse. With massage in this area you allow the horse's hind-end to become loose and to break up any spasms or ease discomfort for a more fluid forward movement.
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| This photo and the two below show Dewey receiving a massage! |
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| Tyler is pictured enjoying his massage in these three photos!
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