massage

Equine massage therapist Lisa Pavlowich-Stockman shares 8 techniques
you can use to limber up your horse and relieve sore muscles

Although science has only recently begun to confirm its therapeutic effects, the benefits of massage on mind and body are nothing new to equine massage therapist Lisa Pavlowich-Stockman who has been practicing the art on both people and animals since she was a small child. In 1996 Lisa began her practice as a professional equine masseuse after completing the Optissage Program for Equine Sport massage in Circleville, Ohio. Later, at the suggestion of horse owners who marveled at the difference massage had made in their horses' attitude and performance, she extended her professional expertise to humans, completing the intensive 550- hour Cooperative Training Systems apprenticeship program in Green Bay.

Now a registered and nationally certified massage therapist for both horses and humans, Lisa uses massage to help equine athletes develop relaxation and improved freedom of movement. "Massage can help free up gaits in horses that short-strided, show poor lateral movement, or that are just not moving right," says Lisa. In addition, massage may have therapeutic effects. "By improving circulation" she says, "massage helps relieve muscle soreness and can speed recovery from strains and trauma." Although she stresses that massage should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care, during a massage session Lisa is often able to pick up problems caused by poorly fitting equipment or improper riding technique and to suggest massage techniques to help alleviate these problems.

To help limber up, relax, and alleviate soreness in your horse, Lisa suggests the following 8 basic massage techniques. Each technique should be performed at least 3 times, but may be repeated up to 20 times except for leg circles (exercise 8) which should be repeated only once in each direction.

1. Lateral Neck Stretch: Position your horse with his right side parallel and very close to a wall so that his right hip cannot fall out as he performs this exercise. Then holding a carrot or other treat along your horses left side make him stretch his neck as far as he can to the left to get the treat. Repeat at least two times and then reverse sides.

2. Vertical Neck Stretch: Hold a carrot or other treat under your horses belly and between his legs making him to stretch his neck down between his legs to get the treat Repeat at least two times.

3. V-Spread Standing on the left side of your horse and using your right hand, spread your thumb away from your other fingers, forming a V. Place your hand palm side down along the large muscle in your horse's neck, with your thumb resting in the groove and the rest of your had stretching over the muscle.. Starting at the base of the neck (shoulder) and using medium pressure run your had up the long muscle of the neck towards his head. . Do this at least 3 times on the left side and the repeat on the right side using your right hand.

4. Scapula Massage Standing on the left side of the horse and using your left hand, place the side of your hand (little finger side) at the base of your horses shoulder (scapula). Using medium pressure, run your hand up along scapula. Repeat 3 times on the left and then reverse sides running your right hand along the scapula on his right side.

5. Back Compressions. Standing on a stool if necessary, and using whichever hand feels most comfortable, drape your fingers over your horses spine laying your palm flat on his back. Using medium pressure and keeping your fingers in place, press upwards toward the spine (towards your fingers) with the palm of your hand massaging the muscles alongside the spine. . Start near the withers, and then move your hand slightly down his spine and repeat . Continue moving your hand down his spine and repeating this exercise until you have reached the end of the rib cage. (just before the kidney area and hip). Repeat the process at least 3 times on each side. This is an excellent technique to use both before and after riding, especially on horses who tend to develop sore backs.

6. Raking: Cup both hands slightly and place the fingertips along your horses side at a distance of about 2 hand widths down from your horse's spine.. Applying medium pressure "rake" your fingertips up your horse's side to his spine, then flatten your hands and "drag" them back to the starting position. As with back compressions, start near the withers and continue down his back until you reach the end of the rib cage. Repeat.at least 3 times on each side.

7. Belly Lifts. Slightly cup both hands and,with palms facing up, place your fingertips at the center line of your horse's belly. Using soft pressure, gently lift up and draw your hands toward you. This should cause your horse to lift and soften his back. Repeat. at least 3 times on each side.

8. Shoulder and hip release : Pick up one of your horses front legs as you would if you were going to pick his feet. Being careful not to torque the leg to the side ( keep the leg in line with the shoulder -- don't pull it out to the side as the Farrier might do when he shoes the horse) slowly circle the leg counterclockwise one time and then clockwise one time. Repeat with the other 3 legs. This is a good limbering exercise to use both before and after a ride.

Lisa lives with her 2 collies, 7 cats, 9 sheep and 6 horses in Denmark, Wisconsin, about 20 miles south of Green Bay. A certified equine massage therapist, registered massage therapist and body worker, and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, she regularly travels to homes and stables within a 1-hour radius of her home to perform massage for both people and horses. Massage sessions last from 45 to 90 minutes and cost $45.00. (Travel exceeding more than one hour by car from her home costs an additional $10 -$20 per hour of travel.) To schedule a massage session, or for more information, contact Lisa at 920-864-7338.