Equine Rehab Alternative therapies- Massage

Question 1

list and describe the main physiological effects of massage

Answer 1

1. increased peripheral blood flow
   - by mechanical pressure and nervous system triggering dilation of blood vessels
   - delivery of oxygenated blood carrying nutrients for tissue repair
2. increased lymphatic drainage
   - carries waste away from tissues and passes through lymph nodes which act as filtering valves
   - eliminates toxins and reduces oedema
3. physical separation of adhesion in muscle fibres
   - free adhesions, break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation thereby increasing range of motion and elasticity of the skin
4. stimulation of motor neurons
   - breaking down scar tissue and stimulating the nerves through physical manipulation can aid regeneration

Question 2

what are the stages of tissue repair

Answer 2

1. bleeding/haemostasis
   - often skin is not damaged despite sigfig damage to underlying structures
   - rupture of blood vessels results in bleeding clotting factors are activated and the bleeding stops
2. inflammation
   - aims to defend the body against harmful substances
   - dispose of dead or dying tissue
   - promote the renewal of normal tissue
3. proliferation/ granulation
   - in tendons, ligaments and muscle, cells start producing collagen that organises initially in irregular pattern
   - most important time for rehabilitation to occur
4. remodelling/maturation
   - maturation of newly formed myofibrils

Question 3

Discuss Scientific evidence for massage

Answer 3

• results from published literature supports both human and horse massage
• rigorous scientific studies in equine massage therapy is lacking
• difficult to measure results as it is primarily subjective measures

Question 4

What are the benefits of massage?

Answer 4

Enables the horse to perform to its full potential by:

• Increasing and improving circulation
• Enhance muscle tone
• Relax muscle spasm
• Prevent and relieve adhesions
• Increase the range of movement

Benefits the well being, releases tension and aid in mental relaxation.

Question 5

List and describe the techniques of massage

Answer 5

1. Effleurage
   - long soothing motion using whole hand
2. Petrissage
   - friction against the direction of muscle fibres
   - compression
3. Tapotment
   - cupping
   - hacking
   - pounding

Question 6

when is massage indicated as part of a rehabilitation program?

Answer 6

types of injury influences by massage include;

• soft tissue sprain or strain
• contusion
• fascial injury
• exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying up)

Question 7

what body systems can massage benefit?

Answer 7

• Muscle
• Skin
• CNS
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory
• Lymphatic
• Endocrine

Question 8

describe timing of management of massage therapy

Answer 8

48 hrs - 1 weeks
- important phase for early incorporation of massage
- inflammation need to be monitored
- massage light and only aim to stimulate the surrounding areas to increase blood and lymph flow
1-3 weeks post injury
- massage focus on deeper tissues and breaking down adhesions

Question 9

when would massage therapy be contraindicated?

Answer 9

- at 0-48 hours post: haemostasis and start of inflammatory phase
incases of:
- acute inflammation 
- infection
open wounds
severe unexplained pain
- bone fracture
- colic
- high temp
- early pregnancy
- immediately following feed
- skin conditions 
- cancer

Question 10

when should veterinary treatment be sought?

Answer 10

to confirm a disorder, such as confirming exertional rhabdomyolysis