Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Howell Equestrian Library (Paperback)) - Softcover

Hourdebaigt LMT, Jean–Pierre

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470073381 ISBN 13: 9780470073384

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2007

Synopsis

A long–awaited update of the classic equine massage reference



Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step–by–step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes:
∗ An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
∗ Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy
∗ Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting
∗ A conformation check–up routine
∗ Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations
∗ A handy comb–bound format that lays flat for convenient use in the stable


Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you′ll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention. Equine Massage, Second Edition is truly a hands–on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse′s well–being.

About this title

About the Author

JEAN–PIERRE HOURDEBAIGT, a Licensed Massage Therapist, is internationally renowned for his unique Massage Awareness Method. He travels the world teaching his techniques, which are used by competitive and recreational riders, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, farriers, trainers, and breeders. He can be found at www.massageawareness.com.

From the Back Cover

A long–awaited update of the classic equine massage reference

Fully revised and updated, this new edition provides step–by–step instructions and more than 180 photographs and diagrams to help riders and professionals alike master equine massage techniques. This authoritative guide provides detailed information about massage movements, pressures, rhythms, and sequences. It includes:

• An introduction to equine anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
• Practical information on stretching and hydrotherapy
• Four new chapters covering equine myofascial massage, Equine TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction Syndrome, Equine Muscular Compensation Phenomenon, and saddle fitting
• A conformation check–up routine
• Information about areas of stress specific to each discipline and different massage techniques and routines for different situations
• A handy comb–bound format that lays flat for convenient use in the stable

Equine massage enhances the performance and quality of life of horses by increasing flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving attitude, and shortening recovery time from injury. In addition to its many health benefits, equine massage strengthens the bond between the horse and his owner, trainer, or groom. Using these techniques, you′ll learn to "see" with your hands and sense areas that need special attention. Equine Massage, Second Edition is truly a hands–on guide to proven massage techniques that improve a horse′s well–being.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Equine Massage

A Practical GuideBy Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt

John Wiley & Sons

Copyright © 2007 Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-470-07338-4

Chapter One

Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse

For massage therapy to be effective, its practitioner must have a good knowledge of a horse's makeup. In this chapter, we will examine the systems of the horse and the way in which these systems work together to promote the horse's health. To begin, we have:

* The nervous system (brain, spinal cord, sensory and motor nerves), which controls all the other systems. * The respiratory system (trachea and lungs), which transmits oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide.

* The cardiovascular system (heart, blood, arteries, and veins), which conveys nutrients, oxygen and other essential components throughout the body.

* The lymphatic system (lymph channels and lymph glands), which provides a cleansing, filtering, and defense mechanism to deal with anything that could have a toxic effect on the body (lactic acid, bacteria, and viruses).

* The endocrine system, which is composed of glands that permit a range of functions in the body systems.

* The digestive system (mouth, stomach, intestines, and bowel), which extracts nutrients from food and eliminates waste.

* The urinary system (bladder and kidneys), which removes excess water and unwanted substances by filtering the blood through the kidneys.

* The reproductive system, which ensures the continuance of the species.

* The skeletal system, which is the bony frame that supports the body. Within the skeletal system there are joints which permit part of the bony frame to articulate (move).

* The muscular system, which provides the power and means to move the bony frame.

These systems are described briefly so that you can understand how each functions and relates to the other systems. More detailed information is beyond the scope of this book.

The Nervous System

The nervous system integrates and controls every body function; it processes all information and governs all commands to the body. In the nervous system we find:

* The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which perform very specific functions. The CNS is often compared to a complex computer.

* The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of numerous pairs of nerves that exit the spinal column at the vertebral level (spinal bones). There are sensory nerves (or afferent nerves) which carry information from the body to the CNS, and there are motor nerves (or efferent nerves) which carry information from the CNS to the body parts.

* The specialized sensory organs.

Complex in their makeup, nerve tissues are composed of many filaments that are very susceptible to pressure. In a case of severe trauma, when significant or strong pressure is applied to a nerve, nerve impulses can stop traveling along it. As a consequence, two things can happen: a loss of sensation or feedback from the nerve area to the CNS; and degeneration with eventual shrinking of the tissue in the immediate area of the affected nerve, as a result of lost motor nerve impulses from the CNS to the body part.

A sweeney is a typical example of a loss of motor nerve conduction. It is caused by a direct trauma to the point of the horse's shoulder. In this case, the suprascapular nerve that activates the muscles of the scapula is damaged.

The functioning of the nervous system is ensured by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which maintains a stable internal environment. The ANS governs the vital organs and their complex functions that are normally carried out involuntarily, such as breathing, circulation, digestion, elimination, and the immune response. This system has two major divisions: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. Both originate in the brain.

The sympathetic division causes the body to respond to danger, Adversity, stress, anger, and pleasure by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, air exchange volume, and blood flowing to muscles-all of which are needed for the horse to spring into action. The sympathetic division is responsible for the horse's "fight or flight" reaction. General stimulation of the sympathetic division results in mobilization of resources to prepare the body to act or to deal with emergencies. (The warm-up routine in chapter 6 is designed to stimulate the nervous system.) The parasympathetic division monitors body functions during times of rest, sleep, digestion, and elimination, when the body is not ready to go into action. General stimulation of the parasympathetic division promotes relaxation and vegetative functions of the body such as breathing, circulation, digestion, immune response, and reproduction. (The relaxation routine in chapter 6 is designed to relax the nervous system.)

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, windpipe (or trachea), bronchial tubes, and lungs.

* The larynx is the organ of the voice. * The lungs are somewhat elastic (expandable) and filled with numerous sacs (pulmonary alveoli) like a sponge. In the lungs, the blood takes on oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide (or waste).

* The diaphragm is a large, flat, muscular organ that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Its action aids inhalation, expiration, and defecation.

Proper breathing is essential for good body metabolism. An exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is necessary for the body to remain vital and healthy. The horse's respiratory system also plays an important role in regulating his body heat and in maintaining the acid-base pH balance.

Oxygen is integral to the anabolic and catabolic processes that occur naturally in all structures. The oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange rate depends on how clean the lung tissues are, the depth of respiration, the animal's temperature (which causes expansion or dilation of blood vessels in tissues), and the rate of respiration. The rate of breathing for a horse at rest is around 12 to 16 breaths per minute; during heavy exercise, the rate is between 120 and 180. A cool-down period after strenuous exercise is essential to allow more time for the lungs to exchange gases, release toxins, and take in fresh oxygen.

Depth of respiration is very important. A girth that is too tight restricts the expansion of the rib cage. An improperly fitted saddle and a rider's tense legs also restrict the expansion of the rib cage, consequently limiting lung capacity.

Muscular problems such as chronic stress points (small spasms) and trigger points (areas of lactic acid build-up) will restrict the muscle action required to expand and contract the rib cage. (The recuperation massage routine in chapter 6 is designed to assist this problem.) Massage will help release any undue tension and relieve stress and trigger points around the rib cage, thus allowing for deeper breathing. (The stress point check-up massage routine in chapter 10 is designed to help you recognize potential stress point locations in and around the rib cage area.)

Massage indirectly assists in the oxygenation of tissues by increasing circulation throughout the body. Massage also relaxes the nervous system, thus allowing for deeper and steadier breathing, and better oxygen/C[O.sub.2] gas exchange.

The Circulatory System

The circulatory system consists of the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. Circulation has a number of functions:

* Distributing oxygen and nutrients to every cell of a horse's body.

* Carrying antibodies to fight infections that invade the body.

* Removing metabolic waste and carbon dioxide.

* Distributing heat throughout the body, thereby regulating the horse's temperature.

The Cardiovascular System

The bulk of circulatory work is done by the cardiovascular system, which is made up of the heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, and the blood that flows through them. This is a closed-circuit system.

Arterial blood carries oxygen, nutrients, immune defense agents, glandular secretions, and blood-clotting agents throughout the body. Arterial blood circulation is generated by the pumping action of the heart and the contraction of the arterial wall muscles.

The normal heart rate at rest is 28 to 40 beats per minute, and up to between 210 and 280 beats per minute during exercise. The heart forces blood into the arteries, to the arterioles (smaller arteries) and then to the capillaries (minute blood vessels in the tissues), where the oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrients/waste exchanges occur.

The blood returns via the venules (small veins) to the veins, to the heart, to the lungs, then back again to the heart for another cycle into the arteries. The venous blood transports metabolic waste and carbon dioxide from the cells of the tissues to the heart and lungs (where the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange takes place). The venous return of blood is assisted by the movement of the large locomotor muscle groups of the body. Veins are equipped with little cuplike valves to prevent the backward flow of blood. Each muscle contraction squeezes the venous blood in one direction, toward the heart.

Normal functioning of all body tissue depends on the proper circulation of blood. However, after an injury it is even more important that an adequate supply of blood-bearing nutrients, oxygen, and healing material-reaches the site of injury. The blood will also remove waste, debris, or any toxins formed as a result of the injury.

The circulatory system controls the horse's body temperature. When the body is cold, the capillaries in those parts of the body farthest away from the heart constrict. Blood circulation is therefore reduced in the extremities, keeping most of the blood at the body's core in order to warm vital organs (brain, heart, and lungs.) Conversely, if the body is hot, the capillaries dilate, allowing more blood through the capillaries that are near the surface of the skin. Therefore, heat from the core of the body is released through the skin.

The pressure of massage movements has an effect on the circulation of blood throughout the body. Chapter 6 contains massage routines that can be used to deal with problems related to, or caused by, poor circulation.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body's defense mechanism in that it contains lymphocytes (white blood cells that aid in fighting viral and bacterial infections). It is the body's first line of defense. When the body is injured, an increase of lymphatic fluid occurs at the site of trauma and produces swelling.

The lymphatic system consists of a network of small vessels containing lymphatic fluid and structures called lymph nodes (which are like miniature cleansing factories). There are twice as many lymph vessels as there are blood vessels. This system also filters and removes debris and waste material.

The lymphatic system sends fluid in only one direction-from the periphery of the body toward the heart. The circulation of the lymphatic fluid is slow, almost sluggish. Like veins, lymph vessels are equipped with cup-shaped valves to prevent backflow of the fluid. Muscle activity, breathing movements, and peristaltic activity of the bowels all contribute to the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Lack of exercise can contribute to lymphatic congestion, which results in swelling in the limbs. Overloading the lymphatic system as a result of too much exercise can cause a buildup of toxins, which leads to an inflammation of the lymph vessels and lymph nodes.

Following an injury, reduced muscular activity contributes to the slowing of lymphatic circulation. Massage with light drainage (effleurage movements) will assist lymphatic circulation. (Chapter 6 offers a recuperation routine that can help speed up recovery. Basically, the purpose of the recuperation routine is to prevent lactic acid buildup after heavy training, racing, or competition. This routine will help prevent muscle stiffness, cramps, or tying up.) Massage does not directly affect the following four systems, but it does assist with the circulation of fluids (blood and lymph), allowing more nutrients and oxygen to reach the associated tissues. Massage also relaxes the central nervous system, contributing to an improved overall functioning of these four systems.

The Endocrine System

Made up of glands and associated organs, the endocrine system produces and releases hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate growth, development, and a variety of other functions, including reproduction and metabolism.

The Digestive System

The digestive system alters the chemical and physical composition of food so it can be absorbed and utilized by the horse's body. The gastrointestinal tract is a musculo-membranous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus (approximately 100 feet long). The digestive organs of the horse are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, and anus. A healthy digestive tract is vital for the efficient assimilation of food. A balanced diet is very important for good performance and general well-being.

The Urinary System

The urinary system maintains the balance of fluids in the body and eliminates waste products from the body. The urinary system consists of a pair of kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The kidneys provide a blood-filtering system to remove many waste products, and to control water balance, pH, and the level of many electrolytes. The kidney filtrate is urine, which is conveyed to the bladder by the 2 ureters. From there it is evacuated via the urethra. Proper urinary functioning avoids kidney failure and all its consequences: swelling, toxicity, and weight loss.

The Reproductive System

The reproductive system ensures the continuation of the species. The male reproductive system consists of the testicles, the accessory glands and ducts, and the external genital organ. The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia. Proper fluid circulation and relaxation of the nervous system will ensure peak performance for reproduction purposes.

The Skeletal System

The skeletal system serves as a framework for the horse's body, giving the muscles something to work against, and defining the animal's overall size and shape. The skeleton also protects the horse's vital internal tissues and organs. For example, the skull protects the brain; the rib cage protects the lungs and heart; the vertebral column protects the spinal cord. The skeleton is made up of over 200 bones.

Bones

Bones vary in size and shape according to their function. With the exception of the enamel-covered teeth, bones are the body's hardest substances and can withstand great compression, torque, and tension. A tough membrane called the periosteum covers and protects the bones and provides for the attachment of the joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons. Injury to the periosteum may result in undesirable bone growths such as splints, spavin, and ringbone. Bones are held together by ligaments; muscles are attached to the bones by tendons.

The articulating surface of the bone is covered with a thick, smooth cartilage that diminishes concussion and friction.

Long bones are found in the limbs; short bones in the joints; flat bones in the rib cage, skull, and shoulder; and irregularly shaped bones in the spinal column and limbs.

The long bones of the limbs (humerus, radius, femur, tibia, cannon bones) function mainly as levers and aid in the support of weight.

Short bones, found in complex joints such as the knee (carpus), hock (tarsus), and ankle (fetlock), absorb concussion.

Flat bones protect and enclose the cavities containing vital organs: skull (brain) and ribs (heart and lungs). Flat bones also provide large areas for the attachment of muscles.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Equine Massageby Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt Copyright © 2007 by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0470073381
• ISBN 13: 9780470073384
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 352