Massage
Massage is an effective tool for relieving muscle tension. Massage increases blood flow and lymphatic return, therefore it is effective in aiding warm up and cooling down. Massage is also a relaxing technique which is useful to use especially if the patient is stressed or nervous. Massage is comprised of many different techniques. Massage can be used alone or as part of a physiotherapy appointment.
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If you book a massage appointment alone we will begin by seeing your dog/horse in motion and stood still to identify any potential problem areas to be targeted during treatment. The techniques used in treatment will be dependant on the individual. For example in a very nervous patient a slower and more superficial massage technique will be used than in a more confident patient.
Massage techniques include:
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Effleurage= used as a warm up stroke or as an interim stroke between other technique
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Acupressure= a type of compression in which ki points are targeted
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Petrissage- kneading, wringing, skin rolling, plucking, passive movement, compression
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Tapotement- cupping and hacking
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Friction= a faster version of effleurage on a smaller surface area
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Passive touch
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Myofascial release
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Stress/trigger point= similar to acupressure but on points of stress/adhesions within muscles.
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Epiony thermal wand to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension
Massage can be given up to several times every week depending on the severity of treatment needed and is a good way of assessing and treating any minor muscle complaints which if left untreated could detrimentally impact performance.