Massage
Massage uses various Swedish Massage techniques such as Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotements, Vibes, Shakings, Strokings and Specialized Techniques. Rehabilitation massages are used in conjunction with the horse’s veterinarian, to treat an injury or pathology by promoting proper healing, and a smoother recovery for the horse.
 
Effleurage: is a gliding movement that accustoms the horse to the therapist’s touch and has its greatest effect on circulation. Its main effects are on the skin, superficial fascia, arterial, venous and lymphatic circulations in and around the area.

Petrissage: is a group of manipulations that use alternate pressures and relaxations in a “pump” like action. Tissues are either pressed against or lifted away from underlying structures. The main effect is on muscle, circulation, and subcutaneous tissue.

Tapotements: consists of a series of springy blows to the body. This is a stimulating manipulation that is rhythmic and rapidly applied to produce its mechanical effects.

Vibes: are quivering movements performed by either the hands or fingertips. Its main effects are on the nerves and deep seated organs, helps to dissipate fluid in congested/ swollen areas.

Shakings: are performed with one or both hands, used by grasping the area being treated and shaken rhythmically. This manipulation affects the nerves and deeply seated organs, and has a similar effect as Tapotements

Strokings: are done in any direction with no obvious pressure. They affect the skin and minor muscles to produce a relaxed or stimulated effect.

Specialized Techniques includes:
Nerve Manipulations
Diagnostic Massage
Origin and Insertion Technique
Swelling Technique
Ice Massage
Friction Therapy
Trigger point Therapy
Fascial work
 
Examples of what massage can treat:
Swelling
Muscle Spasm
Atrophy
Sprains/ Strains
Neuralgia
Scaring/ Adhesions
Repetitive Stress injuries
 
Contraindications to Massage:
There may be cases that the horse is not treatable, the list below includes examples of non-treatable instances, if there are any questions or concerns as to if your horse is treatable, your Veterinarian maybe contacted.
            Systemic Infectious Disease (ex. EVA, EEE, WEE, VEE)
            Contagious Disease (ex. Ring worm)
            Post Surgery (wait 4-6 weeks)
            Severe Trauma
            Metastatic Cancers
            Colic
            Acute Tying up
            Open Wounds
            Fever
            Shock