Following an assessment, one modality often used during treatment is massage. This helps to ease muscle spasm and pain, which can be caused by different things such as injury, poor posture, or overworked muscles (1).
There are many different massage techniques, the most commonly used are:
Effleurage
Effleurage is a gentle technique in which long slow stroking movements are done in one direction. It promotes relaxation, increases circulation, and improves the drainage and dispersal of any waste products, and is often used at the start of a massage routine to warm up tissues (2,3).
Petrissage
Petrissage is a deep massage technique where the tissues are lifted up, pressed down, squeezed, and rolled. It is used to increase circulation and knead the muscles, which reduces knots and adhesions (2,3).
Tapotement
Tapotement involves rapid hand movements which can be either hacking (using the side of the hand) or cupping (using the palms in a cup shape), and it is a stimulating massage technique. This can be used to invigorate and energise the target area (3).
Friction
Friction consists of quick, repeated movements over a small area. It is used to break up adhesions and knots in muscles (3).
Compression
Compression is a rhythmic movement where constant pressure is applied to an area to temporarily prevent blood flow which then increases circulation once the pressure is released (2). Trigger point therapy is a type of compression massage where pressure is held over a trigger point until the area releases (3).
The massage routine and techniques used can vary depending on the individual case and the findings from the static, dynamic, and palpation assessment.
The benefits for massage have been proved in several studies for both humans and animals; some of these benefits are:
Increased circulation, which leads to improved muscle compliance and reduced muscle stiffness (4)
Increased joint movement and stride length, therefore reducing the number of strides taken over a set distance, subsequently leading to increased gait efficiency (5,6)
Improved recovery following exercise; massage has been found to reduce muscle soreness (7)
Increased muscle growth in areas where muscles have not been used following disuse, which may arise due to injury or poor posture and movement (8)
Decreased heart rate, making horses more relaxed and calm (9)
Improved performance in racehorses who receive regular massage as part of their management (9)
References:
Guyton, A. and Hall, J. 2000. Textbook of medical physiology (10th ed.). Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.
Hampton, L., Lowe, R., Jackson K., O'Reilly, N., Acharya, A., Lopez, L. and Repaja N. Massage. Physiopedia. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Massage
Press Modern Massage. 2023. The Beginner's Guide to Massage. Press Modern Massage. Available from: https://pressmodernmassage.com/blogs/going-deep/how-to-give-a-great-massage#:~:text=Basic%20Massage%20Movements%3F-,The%20five%20basic%20massage%20movements%20are%20effleurage%2C%20petrissage%2C%20tapotement%2C,different%20type%20of%20massage%20experience
Gasibat, Q. 2017. Determining the Benefits of Massage Mechanisms: A Review of Literature. Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences, 2(3), pp.58-67.
Wilson, J.A. 2022. The effects of sports massage on athletic performance and general function. Therapeutic Journal, 41(2), pp.90-101
Hill, C. and Crook, T. 2010. The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction. British Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(38), pp.683-687
Scott, M. Swenson, L.A. 2009. Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 29(9), pp.687-697.
Van Pelt, D.W., Lawrence, M.M., Miller, B.F., Butterfield, T.A. And Depont-Versteegden, E.E. 2021. Massage as a Mechanotherapy for Skeletal Muscle. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, 49(2), pp.107-114.
Kowalik, S., Janczarek, I., Kedzierski, W., Stachurska, A. and Wilk I. 2017. The effect of relaxing massage on heart rate and heart rate variability in purebred Arabian racehorses. Animal Science Journal, 88(4), pp.669-677.
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