Equine Bodywork
Your equine bodywork session implements a customized blend of modalities based on the needs of your individual horse.
Sports Massage
A specific form of massage therapy designed to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and promote recovery. It involves techniques such as deep tissue work, stretching, and targeted pressure to address muscle tension, improve flexibility, and increase blood flow.
Myofascial Release
A specialized massage technique applying slow and gentle pressure to the fascia, the lining that encases muscle tissue. By identifying and releasing restrictions, myofascial release allows muscles to move more freely, reducing pain and tightness and increasing range of motion.
PEMF Therapy
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy is a non-invasive treatment using electromagnetic waves to stimulate and promote healing in cells and tissues. It works by generating pulses of energy that increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair.
KT Taping
Kinesiology tape works synergistically with other modalities. Properly applied tape supports muscles and fascia and allows room for the lymphatic system to flow. This can reduce recovery time, alleviate pain and tension, and improve joint and muscle function.
What to Expect From a Session
- We’ll begin by going over your horse’s history and intake forms, taking note of any observations and/or concerns. If this isn’t your first session, we’ll briefly review the last session as well.
- The next portion is the static/dynamic observation. Looking at the way your horse stands and moves helps to lay out a plan for this and for future sessions.
- Your horse’s hands-on bodywork session will last about 60 minutes. Michelle may combine a mixture of modalities, including sports massage and myofascial release. Every session will likely look a little different as your horse’s needs change over time. We’ll be looking at muscle and fascia responses to touch and pressure, and your horse’s reactions and releases.
- If applicable, Michelle will demonstrate stretches and/or massage strokes to perform as homework in between sessions.
- Following your session, you’ll receive an in-depth session report. This will include: initial observations, modalities utilized in the session, noted reactions, recommended homework, and a plan of action for next session(s).
- Michelle is always available between sessions for questions or comments. We love hearing how your horse is feeling after a session!
- We’ll begin by going over your horse’s history and intake forms, taking note of any observations and/or concerns. If this isn’t your first session, we’ll briefly review the last session as well.
- Michelle will do a brief scan of your horse and use this, along with your observations, to create a focus plan for this session.
- Your horse’s PEMF session will last about 45-60 minutes for full body and 20-30 minutes for a focus session. This time may overlap with bodywork if part of a package as both can be performed simultaneously on different parts of the body. Every session will likely look a little different as your horse’s needs change over time. We’ll be looking at muscle and fascia responses, and your horse’s reactions and releases.
- If applicable, Michelle will demonstrate stretches and/or massage strokes to perform as homework in between sessions.
- Following your session, you’ll receive an in-depth session report. This will include: initial observations, modalities utilized in the session, noted reactions, recommended homework, and a plan of action for next session(s).
- Michelle is always available between sessions for questions or comments. We love hearing how your horse is feeling after a session!
- Kinesiology tape is used in addition to bodywork and/or PEMF sessions, and not available as a standalone service.
- We will review your horse’s focus area for KT tape and plan of action.
- Taping takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on the area and amount of tape rquired.
- You will receive aftercare instructions along with your bodywork and/or PEMF session report.
FAQ
You can find the answers to my most commonly asked questions here.
Not answered? Feel free to reach out!
Most horses can benefit from bodywork, but here are some signs that targeted bodywork could be really beneficial to your horse:
- You notice stiffness, tightness, or tension in movement
- They are unwilling to perform certain movements or gaits
- They are “girthy” or show anxiety around tacking up
- They feel unbalanced under saddle
- They seem unable to utilize their body correctly (collection, etc)
- They are resistant to contact
- They are rearing, bucking, or showing other signs of tension
- They show signs of stress (tail swishing, head shaking, nipping, pawing, pinning ears) especially when being tacked or worked
- They struggle with jumping, circles, or tight turns
Always consult your veterinarian and rule out any medical concerns prior to scheduling bodywork. A bodyworker does not diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease.
- Review of your horse’s history, concerns, focuses, and goals
- Static and dynamic assessments of posture and movement
- Bodywork (massage, stretching, myofascial release) and/or PEMF
- KT tape application, if opted into your session
- Homework stretches and exercises
- A detailed session report with observations, notes, and plans
- Ongoing communication with Michelle for any questions or comments
Reach out to Michelle to inquire about scheduling your horse’s bodywork.
(832) 555 – 0000 (text preferred)
vitalisbodywork@gmail.com
- Try to schedule your session at a day and time that won’t interfere with something else your horse has going on, such as feeding time, lessons, or close to a horse show.
- If you plan to ride your horse the day of their session, please ride prior to the session and try to keep the work light.
- Make sure your horse is caught, clean, dry, and fed. An anxious, hungry, or dirty horse will not get the benefit out of the session.
- Make sure your horse has not had any fly spray or coat sheen sprayed on them. I know flies can be awful, but this makes them slippery, and massage may be impossible.
- They are welcome to snack on hay while being worked on, but please refrain from treats as this can distract your horse.
- Please have prepared a clean, calm area for your horse to be worked on. Crossties are ideal. For safety reasons, sessions will not be performed in stalls.
- Please have someone, if not yourself, available to hold and jog your horse for assessments and hand walk or turn them out afterward.
- All horses are required to have a signed form (provided) on file from their veterinarian confirming they have no contraindications to bodywork.
It is recommended to turn out or hand walk your horse immediately following a bodywork session. In the following 24 hours, turnout and rest or very light flat work is best. Keep an eye on how your horse is feeling and anything new that is noticed.
This is highly dependent on the horse and best determined after an initial session. Most horses do best with a more frequent initial series, followed by regular maintenance sessions that are more spaced out as needed. Client feedback is crucial to determining frequency of bodywork sessions.
To best serve your horse, all clients are required to have a signed form (provided) on file from their veterinarian confirming they have no contraindications to bodywork. These contraindications include but are not limited to:
- Any signs of acute illness
- Certain chronic conditions such as cancer
- Injury, unless cleared by their veterinarian
- Lameness, swelling, or heat
- Drastic behavior changes
- Other procedures being performed (dental, farrier, vaccines, etc)
Nope! Horses can benefit from bodywork regardless of their current level of work. Sessions are tailored to your horse whether they are in active competition, casually ridden, or a retired best friend.
Services are provided in the west Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, and Richmond areas. The first 25 miles of travel are included in your session. After the first 25 miles, travel fees are $1/mile.
Group Discount: When booking 3 or more horses at the same location on the same day, each receives $10 off their session. Travel fee may also be split between owners, if applicable.
Referral Discount: If you refer a new client, and they have at least one session completed, receive $10 off your horse’s next session.
Discounts subject to change at any time.