Mid-East Animal Massage Equine massage
Approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours in length
Variables may apply, but fees for equine massage will not exceed $65 per session but may include additional mileage fees depending on location.
Mid-East Animal Massage Canine massage
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour in length
Fees for canine massage will not exceed $45 per session but also may include mileage fees.
Mid-East Animal Massage Clinics
Clinics for both equine and canine massage are customized for each inquiry and fees vary accordingly. Please contact us for information.
References are available on request.
Benefits of Mid-East Animal Massage Therapy
The muscle system is the system that is responsible for movement. Massage nourishes this system, thereby enhancing movement. Any issue that reduces movement, whether it be structural problems or those resulting from injury, can be helped by massage.
Massage extends range of motion by lengthening muscle fiber. This results in more comfortable motion, and longer stride.
The Science of Massage:
Much has been written about the importance of good nutrition to maintain our animal’s health and well-being. A healthy diet is only one part of the equation.
Optimum function is derived from the combination of glucose, from food, and oxygen, which is carried through the bloodstream. The joining of these two elements gives our pet the fuel for movement. Any disruption in the free flow of oxygen will have an impact on this movement.
Illness or injury, overexertion, lack of exercise or the aging process can all lead to circulation issues that will effect maximum efficiency of movement. Once movement is compromised, the muscle system becomes stressed and the possibility for additional problems exists.
A therapeutic deep tissue massage will increase circulation, thereby aiding the flow of oxygen throughout the muscle system.
Massage as Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy is most often applied after an injury. Massage can be a valuable component of physical therapy. However, we as therapists believe that an animal does not have to wait to be injured to be helped by massage.
Dogs and horses are natural athletes. Sports massage is a deep tissue massage technique that addresses the issues that an athlete may face. The muscle system is, after all, the system that is responsible for movement. Anything requiring movement depends on well- functioning muscle. A muscle contracts 2/3 its length. If a muscle is 6 inches long, it will contract 4 inches. If a muscle becomes stressed (due to use or misuse) that muscle will shrink in length, thereby shortening the contraction. This, in turn, will shorten movement….smaller steps, smaller stride; less bend, less ability to turn the body. Massage, through increased circulation, lengthens muscle and connective tissue…back to full stride and flexibility/mobility.
Just as we exercise to maintain fitness, regular massage will help muscles stay toned and healthy. Healthy muscle is less likely to become damaged. Thus, massage is a wonderful preventative and a powerful addition to your animal’s well- being. If an injury does occur, massage can be used as a rehabilitation tool.
Muscles are compensatory. If there is a problem, for example, in the hips, the animal will adjust his weight forward to ease the strain behind. As a result, the front end then becomes over-worked. A full body massage will help to restore balance in movement and comfort.
Learn about more specific benefits for equine massage and for canine massage.
Horse Massage FAQS
How will I know when my horse needs a massage?
The best function of massage is as a preventative. A regular massage can find issues before they become major problems. Signs of problems, though, could include, stepping short, vague backend lameness, refusal of aids or the opposite problem of “running through” aids. Increased lethargy is also a possibility.
Massage is also beneficial for horses that are prone to ‘tying up.’ Horses with back trouble and those that are ‘cinchy’ could need work. The relaxation benefits can also be helpful for horses that tend to colic. Massage throughout pregnancy is most beneficial.How soon will it be before I see results?
Immediately. A noticeable improvement should be seen and felt after the first massage. With each massage, a deeper pressure can be used as the animal grows accustomed to the therapy.
If you are massaging because of a specific issue, and you do not see improvement after 3 massages, you are probably dealing with something that is not a soft tissue concern.How long does it take to massage a horse?
Approximately one hour. I work 26 muscle groups on each side of the horse. A full body massage. I do spend time, post massage, with the owner to answer any questions you may have.My horse seems fine. What will massage do for him?
I recently worked on a Hanoverian gelding, used mostly for dressage. My client said the same thing, “He’s fine, but I’m sure he’d enjoy this.” When I spoke with her a few days later, she was amazed. She didn’t realize that he had that much trot in him. His strides just grew.
Even if your horse is fine, massage can maximize.If my horse has a problem in, say, the shoulder, why do a full body massage?
Muscle problems are cumulative. If your horse has an issue on his right front, he may be shifting more weight to his left front to compensate. Also, he may be rocking back on his haunches to take the weight off of his front. Then, even when the issue in the right front is resolved, he may still be body sore elsewhere.
Massage will help. By caring for the whole horse, these secondary problems can be averted.My horse is navicular. Can massage help?
Not with the navicular disease itself, unfortunately. However, with the secondary issues that may occur with navicular disease, yes, massage can help. I have several clients that are navicular, and shoulder tension is a recurring problem. Regular massage has helped.What does massage do for race horses?
A race horse is one of the ultimate candidates for massage. Each stride counts, and that stride may be worth thousands. They are asked for maximum exertion in the minimal amount of time. Massage is an essential element in the most successful training programs. A pre-event massage will help the muscle system to be in prime performance shape. My race clients do tend to come out of races well with fewer problems, thereby enabling them to be more quickly prepared and strong for the next race.What does massage do for arthritis and hip dysplasia?
Since massage ia applied to soft tissue, it does not directly work on the joints. However, the increase in circulation that comes with massage has a positive effect in the joints. There is growing evidence that massage helps with the production of synovial fluid, a valuable element in both joints and muscle.Is massage the same as trigger point therapy or T-Touch?
No. The type of massage That I do is deep tissue sports massage. I actually palpate the muscle to find areas where muscle fibers have begun to adhere, and separate those fibers with massage strokes. Each animal is different, so therefore, each massage is different.There are so many “new” therapies. Why is massage so good?
First, massage is not new. It pre-dates many modern medical procedures. There are actually statues of Buddha receiving a massage. Prior to the advent of “wonder” drugs in the 20th century, veterinary manuals encouraged the use of massage. It is once again among a growing number of alternative therapies that are being “re-discovered.”
Regular massage can aid in the prevention of these issues. Once a problem exists, massage helps to break up the tight knots of adhering muscle fibers which restrict full muscle extension. Massage will find any damaged or potentially compromised area of muscle and restore it to improved function.
