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Questions and Answers
Q.
How long does a massage take?
How long does a massage take?A.The first massage usually takes about 1 ½ hours. Subsequent massages take about an hour.
The first massage usually takes about 1 ½ hours. Subsequent massages take about an hour.Q.Why a full body massage?
Why a full body massage?A.Massage brings the entire body back into balance on many levels so it’s vital to apply a full body massage for maximum effectiveness.
Massage brings the entire body back into balance on many levels so it’s vital to apply a full body massage for maximum effectiveness. Q.How long do the benefits of a massage last?
How long do the benefits of a massage last?A.Since Massage gets to the root of the problem, there is almost always significant improvement after the first massage. However, one massage rarely takes care of everything that needs attention. There are specific plans for each discipline/situation. A maintenance and prevention program is recommended and usually once a horse is restored properly, a 3 to 6 month program is recommended for the lightly used horse, and more often for the professional, heavily used horse. Each horse has its own specific needs.
Since Massage gets to the root of the problem, there is almost always significant improvement after the first massage. However, one massage rarely takes care of everything that needs attention. There are specific plans for each discipline/situation. A maintenance and prevention program is recommended and usually once a horse is restored properly, a 3 to 6 month program is recommended for the lightly used horse, and more often for the professional, heavily used horse. Each horse has its own specific needs. Q.What if it’s a chronic situation that has been long held? Any hope?
What if it’s a chronic situation that has been long held? Any hope?A.Yes, these often take about 3 massages or more to work out the initial problems, with a continual evaluation of the horse’s condition and a specific treatment plan in place. It’s a process that often reveals different issues that need attention. Massage can also relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis and other conditions, to keep the horse more comfortable. Our Seniors especially benefit after years of service to us.
Yes, these often take about 3 massages or more to work out the initial problems, with a continual evaluation of the horse’s condition and a specific treatment plan in place. It’s a process that often reveals different issues that need attention. Massage can also relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis and other conditions, to keep the horse more comfortable. Our Seniors especially benefit after years of service to us. Q.When can I ride my horse after a massage?
When can I ride my horse after a massage? A.Your horse is warmed up and ready to go immediately after a routine full body massage. If there are other considerations at hand, check with your equine massage therapist.
Your horse is warmed up and ready to go immediately after a routine full body massage. If there are other considerations at hand, check with your equine massage therapist. Q.What are the standard needs of equine professional athletes: (competitors, such a race horses, hunter/jumpers/ dressage/ropers/ barrel racers/cutting horses/reiners, endurance/ polo ponies/ the hard working ranch hand/ dude ranch equine workers, etc.)?
What are the standard needs of equine professional athletes: (competitors, such a race horses, hunter/jumpers/ dressage/ropers/ barrel racers/cutting horses/reiners, endurance/ polo ponies/ the hard working ranch hand/ dude ranch equine workers, etc.)?A.This depends on their workload. The ideal is a pre and post massage. Massage warms up the muscles and prepares your horse for activity. Post massage assists in the cool down process and promotes proper restoration, with attention to any injury or problem area immediately to reduce further problems. There is a basic recommended treatment plan for each discipline to be determined with evaluations.
This depends on their workload. The ideal is a pre and post massage. Massage warms up the muscles and prepares your horse for activity. Post massage assists in the cool down process and promotes proper restoration, with attention to any injury or problem area immediately to reduce further problems. There is a basic recommended treatment plan for each discipline to be determined with evaluations.Q.What about the horse that has “some problem” but no one can seem to find the source or solution?
What about the horse that has “some problem” but no one can seem to find the source or solution?A. If it’s a muscular/soft tissue issue, usually after 3 massages there will be significant improvement. If not, then other equine health professionals need to be called in. I always recommend working closely with all vital equine professionals before applying massage in these situations to rule out infection, cancer or some other issue where massage would be inappropriate. *
If it’s a muscular/soft tissue issue, usually after 3 massages there will be significant improvement. If not, then other equine health professionals need to be called in. I always recommend working closely with all vital equine professionals before applying massage in these situations to rule out infection, cancer or some other issue where massage would be inappropriate. **Please remember Equine massage is not intended to diagnose, nor be a substitute for veterinary medicine*
Q.Is there anything I can do or learn to improve my skills in this area?
Is there anything I can do or learn to improve my skills in this area?A.Absolutely! There are many simple techniques you can learn, apply and incorporate as part of your daily routine and training program that can make a huge difference in your understanding of and relationship to your horse or the horses you handle.
Absolutely! There are many simple techniques you can learn, apply and incorporate as part of your daily routine and training program that can make a huge difference in your understanding of and relationship to your horse or the horses you handle. Q. Are there any exercises to support the process aftera massage?
A. Yes. Remedial exercises are tailored to meet the individual needs of the horse.
Q. How important is relaxation to the well being of the horse?
A. Extremely important as tension creates pain and pain creates tension. Relaxation is key for both horse and rider for optimal health, performance and longevity.
Q. Do you think chiropractic and massage work well together?
Do you think chiropractic and massage work well together?A.Absolutely. A good massage before an adjustment can assist in the quality of adjustment and reduce pain. Continued massage after an adjustment helps address the muscular memory issue as well as restoring proper function and range of motion. Always consult your equine massage therapist and equine chiropractor for the best program for your horses’ particular issues.
Absolutely. A good massage before an adjustment can assist in the quality of adjustment and reduce pain. Continued massage after an adjustment helps address the muscular memory issue as well as restoring proper function and range of motion. Always consult your equine massage therapist and equine chiropractor for the best program for your horses’ particular issues.Q.Any simple tips?
Any simple tips?A.Breathe! Keep the tension out of your horse and listen to what your horse is telling you.
Breathe! Keep the tension out of your horse and listen to what your horse is telling you.Patience. Give nature adequate time to heal.
Q.What are the standard needs of equine professional athletes: (competitors, such a race horses, hunter/jumpers/ dressage/ropers/ barrel racers/ cutting horses/reiners, endurance/ polo ponies/ the hard working ranch hand/ dude ranch equine workers, etc.)?
What are the standard needs of equine professional athletes: (competitors, such a race horses, hunter/jumpers/ dressage/ropers/ barrel racers/ cutting horses/reiners, endurance/ polo ponies/ the hard working ranch hand/ dude ranch equine workers, etc.)?
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Questions and Answers
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Equine CranioSacral
Equine Massage/Bodywork and Support Services
Trudi Rioux
Certified Equine Massage Therapist Equine CranioSacral Practitioner
