LONGEVITY COMFORT RESILIENCE
WHAT IS BODYWORK?
Equine bodywork is an essential component of your horse's health and performance. Bodyworkers act as an integral part of your horse's healthcare team and work closely with veterinarians, chiropractors, farriers and other equine healthcare professionals.
Heath Equine Bodywork uses a whole horse approach and focuses on finding your horse's areas of soreness, restriction, poor posture and unwanted compensatory patterns. By utilizing massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, structural integration, acupressure, tension release techniques and stretching we can reset the neuromuscular system to function at its most optimal level.
Each session is customized depending on your horse's needs and begins with a comprehensive static and dynamic assessment which will identify any postural or biomechanical dysfunction. This helps determine WHY there might be a particular pattern of soreness and/or restriction and if there is an overall lack of balance, core strength or stability.
"The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable, and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back."
AMBER SENTI
BODYWORK SESSION
$150
The bodywork session includes a comprehensive assessment of posture and biomechanics, looking for compensatory patterns that can be caused by sore muscles, tight fascia or holdings from prior injuries. This is followed by a 60-90 minute hands-on session in which various bodywork modalities will be used depending on your horse’s needs . You will receive an in-depth session report and recommendations for massage, stretching and exercises to help your horse maintain comfort and balance between sessions.
BENEFITS OF BODYWORK
HORSES THAT CAN BENEFIT
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improve circulation
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relax and/or stimulate the nervous system and muscles
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increase range of motion
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increase oxygen and nutrients to the tissues
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increase mobility, flexibility and pliability of the tissues
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aid in the recovery of muscle injuries
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decrease adhesions or scar tissue
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enhance performance and gait quality
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relieve pain
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promote symmetry and balance
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improve proprioception
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horses in competition (injury prevention)
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horses experiencing a decline in performance
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problems with straightness or reluctance to bend
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aging horses
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horses recovering from injury (with vet approval)
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behavioral problems particularly under saddle
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horses with gait asymmetries
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horses experiencing a stressful situation
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"sensitive" or "high strung" horses
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horses with sleep disturbance
MODALITIES
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is a hands-on technique in which the provider can identify muscle tension, inflammation, asymmetry and apply specific strokes to maximize range of motion and decrease muscle restriction allowing the horse to perform optimally and reduce chance of injury.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE /IASTM
Fascia is a web-like tissue that covers every muscle, bone, nerve, organ and vessel in the body. This tissue can become tight and restricted as a result of trauma and overuse. Myofascial release is a technique in which the provider applies sustained pressure to release these restrictions in the fascia. Also used, is IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), which is similar in that it uses a special tool to identify fascial restrictions and help release them.
TRIGGER POINT RELEASE
Trigger points are areas in the muscle that have accumulated lactic acid (a byproduct of metabolism) which has irritated a motor nerve ending. Most horses in work have trigger points. The practitioner will identify these points by hands-on techniques and by evaluating the horse's response to palpation and release them by applying direct pressure.
KELLY HEATH
EEBW, CEMT
A dedicated human medical professional for the past 20 years and a student of the horse since childhood, Kelly has decided her true calling in life is to serve horses and their humans to forge healthier, happier, harmonious relationships.
Kelly completed her 320+ hour certification process in 2022 through Equinology and is currently studying IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) as well as continuing her education in acupressure, myofascial work and structural integration so that she can help her clients recover from injury, relieve chronic pain or simply to maintain overall health for a long, injury-free life. Kelly is a member of and carries liability insurance through Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
