Our Soft Touch philosophy

What it Is

Bodywork is loosely based on the Masterson method. It is employed with hand manipulation to find and release tension. It also includes elements of massage, myofascial release, stretching, and touch-related techniques taken from the growing field of equine therapy. These are used to enhance performance and support post-trauma rehabilitation. Proponents list many positive effects, including the improvement of movement and the reduction of pain and stress responses.  

What Wey Do

We apply soft tissue manipulation to loosen tight muscles, joints, tendons, fascia, and scar tissue; reduce edema, increase blood flow and lymphatic activity, and reduce stress. This technique is used in exercise warm-up, after injury or surgery, and to help resolve pain points affecting behavior and movement. While manipulation is usually by hand, we at times use percussive or other devices depending on your horse's need.

Who do they treat?

Our practice is centered on horses and donkeys. However, we also enjoy working with dogs. Bodywork and myofascial release can work well on any animal, large or small.

What it Does

The benefits of bodywork work have been anecdotally recognized for many years and may deliver a wide range of benefits for horses including: 

• Reduced arthritis symptoms
• Increased flexibility
• Detoxification
• Muscle conditioning
• Stress release
• Range of motion and stride length 
• Physiologic stress responses
• Reduction in behavioral issues

In History

Some historical sources point to similar touch therapies going back to pre-Islamic Arabian equine veterinary practices and even later to some equine techniques found among the peoples of central Asia and the American Indians.

Science Resources

The following links will direct you to just a few of the many resources available regarding studies done on eqbodywork work therapies.

• Western Kentucky University 

• Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy  

• The relationship between massage to the equine caudal  hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction 

• A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Massage to Reduce Stress in the Horse