Bodywork by Jennifer
CranioSacral Therapy | Animal Neuro-Myofascial | Massage | Kinesiology Tape | Acupressure | Moxibustion | Stretching | Corrective Exercises
WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?
CST is gentle forms of body work that address tension held throughout the skeletal system as well as the rest of the body. This therapy encourages Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) to flow properly throughout the spinal column from the Cranium to the Sacrum. When injuries happen or imbalances are occurring, the natural rhythm of the CSF can become impeded. This can prevent proper flow of fluids.
CranioSacral Therapy can also address facial asymmetries. Cranial bones are held together by sutures which are jigsaw like joints. As the Cerebral Spinal Fluid flows throughout the cranium, these joints typically ebb and flow with the rhythm, allowing for expansion and ‘breathing’. However, these sutures can become fixed in place and as horses get older, they begin to fuse closer together. It’s important to encourage cranial bones into better alignment as asymmetries can cause discomfort and dysfunction.
CRANIAL PRESSURE
Have you ever had a headache that feels like pressure is building up inside your skull? Perhaps a sinus infection? As you likely know, this can be extremely uncomfortable and it may take some time for things to settle into place. When cranial sutures are compromised, this feeling can come and go. Encouraging the cranium to settle into a better place so that CSF can flow better can be tremendously helpful.
TMJ DYSFUNCTION. The TMJ is the most highly innervated joint in the body, meaning that a large number of nerves run by this area, servicing the head, neck and rest of the body. Not only is this joint responsible for proper chewing functions, but it is easily affected due to bits and other equipment we use. Even muscular dysfunction in nearby areas can cause this joint to become impacted and tense. Keeping this joint and surrounding areas happy should be a top priority for your horse!
WHAT COULD CST POSSIBLY HELP WITH?
CST is gentle forms of body work that address tension held throughout the skeletal system as well as the rest of the body. This therapy encourages Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) to flow properly throughout the spinal column from the Cranium to the Sacrum. When injuries happen or imbalances are occurring, the natural rhythm of the CSF can become impeded. This can prevent proper flow of fluids.
CranioSacral Therapy can also address facial asymmetries. Cranial bones are held together by sutures which are jigsaw like joints. As the Cerebral Spinal Fluid flows throughout the cranium, these joints typically ebb and flow with the rhythm, allowing for expansion and ‘breathing’. However, these sutures can become fixed in place and as horses get older, they begin to fuse closer together. It’s important to encourage cranial bones into better alignment as asymmetries can cause discomfort and dysfunction.
CRANIAL PRESSURE
Have you ever had a headache that feels like pressure is building up inside your skull? Perhaps a sinus infection? As you likely know, this can be extremely uncomfortable and it may take some time for things to settle into place. When cranial sutures are compromised, this feeling can come and go. Encouraging the cranium to settle into a better place so that CSF can flow better can be tremendously helpful.
TMJ DYSFUNCTION. The TMJ is the most highly innervated joint in the body, meaning that a large number of nerves run by this area, servicing the head, neck and rest of the body. Not only is this joint responsible for proper chewing functions, but it is easily affected due to bits and other equipment we use. Even muscular dysfunction in nearby areas can cause this joint to become impacted and tense. Keeping this joint and surrounding areas happy should be a top priority for your horse!
WHAT COULD CST POSSIBLY HELP WITH?
- Head Shaking
- Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues
- Facial Nerve Paralysis
- Chewing/Dropping Food/Quidding
- Grinding Teeth
- Sinus Issues, Pressure & Pain
- Cribbing
- Dental Discomfort
- Teeth Asymmetries
- Post Dentistry Work
- Bit Issues
- “Hard Mouth”
- Head Trauma and Injuries
- Ear Shyness and Issues
- Blocked Tear Ducts
- Behavioral Issues
- Emotional Behaviors
- Respiratory Difficulties
- Traumatic Experiences
- Shoulder Dysfunction
- Spinal Injuries
- Lumbar Discomfort
- Hind End Discomfort
- Stifle and Hock Discomfort
- Problems Under Saddle
- Structural Misalignments
- Stress
- Girthy Behaviors
Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release Technique
- Using a specialized tool, this technique releases the soft tissue and also provides specific neurological input, which allows the body to align and balance itself.
- This technique addresses any areas of neurological miscommunication between the brain and the joints of the animal. This technique addresses any muscular hypo or hypertonicities by re-establishing proper neurological input and directly releasing the spasms or trigger points in the muscles.
- This technique aids in releasing the fascia to allow proper movement and decrease any associated pain.
This technique is approved through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and is considered to be a soft tissue technique.
WHAT IS MUSCULAR MASSAGE THERAPY?
Integrating various forms of massage techniques, embracing a sense of stillness is our first priority. As horses fall into a state of relaxation, this allows us to bypass their tendencies of bracing, so we can find and treat areas of imbalance. By addressing adhesions and encouraging oxygen, blood, lymphatic fluid and more into tight and sore muscles, we can provide instant relief to troubled areas that may be contributing to total body misalignment.
Massages techniques consist of swedish massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, shiatsu + meridian balancing, sports massage, deep tissue work, positional releases, stretching and more.
11 Benefits of Equine Massage. Much as in humans, massage therapy for horses has been shown to:
Integrating various forms of massage techniques, embracing a sense of stillness is our first priority. As horses fall into a state of relaxation, this allows us to bypass their tendencies of bracing, so we can find and treat areas of imbalance. By addressing adhesions and encouraging oxygen, blood, lymphatic fluid and more into tight and sore muscles, we can provide instant relief to troubled areas that may be contributing to total body misalignment.
Massages techniques consist of swedish massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, shiatsu + meridian balancing, sports massage, deep tissue work, positional releases, stretching and more.
11 Benefits of Equine Massage. Much as in humans, massage therapy for horses has been shown to:
- Relieve muscular tension, spasms and pain
- Reduce trigger point formation
- Reduce scar tissue
- Increase range of motion
- Improve tone in weak muscles
- Relieve intestinal gas and aid in digestion
- Interrupt the pain cycle by activating sensory receptors
- Increase circulation
- Increase lymphatic circulation and immunity
- Decrease blood pressure and reduce heart rate
- Calm horses – massage increases dopamine and serotonin levels and is linked to decreased stress levels.
KINESIOLOGY TAPE
Kinesio tape is a fascinating tool. Tape can be applied in several ways along certain areas of the body that may be contributing to an imbalance. When used as an anti-inflammatory tool, the tape gently lifts the skin away from the underlying tissues such as fascia, muscles and tissues. This allows for decompression to potentially take place by improving blood flow + lymphatic drainage in the area, without impeding range of motion or balance. Tape can also be applied in a support manner, encouraging proprioceptors and nerves to awaken. Taping may be effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, stiffness and soreness in muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. KT tape may also be effective on trigger points and scar tissue.
How Kinesiology Tape Works:
Kinesiology tape is different than other athletic tapes on the market in that it stretches
along it’s longitudinal axis, but not across it’s width which allows it to move with the
body. This is the only athletic tape that does not restrict range of motion in any way
when it is applied.
When kinesiology tape is applied to the skin (or in the case of animals to the hair), it
mechanically decompresses the skin and the underlying tissues. When tape is applied to
an animal, the tape lifts the hair, which in turn lifts the skin and accomplishes the same
decompression seen in people. The decompression action promotes increased blood and
lymph flow, which decreases inflammation and relieves pressure from free nerve endings.
As the person or animal moves with the tape on, the tape stimulates nerves called
mechanoreceptors with every movement. The tape acts as a natural pain reliever because
stimulation of mechanoreceptors inhibits nociceptors (the pain generators). The more
mechanoreceptors that are stimulated, the less pain will be perceived. Movement with
the tape on also stimulates nerves called prorioceptors, which contribute to the brain’s
sense of where the body’s parts are in space and throughout movement. Often times,
proprioceptive input is altered in people and animals due to past injuries and
misalignments. The tape can help stimulate proper proprioception and in turn promote
proper movement.
Kinesio tape is a fascinating tool. Tape can be applied in several ways along certain areas of the body that may be contributing to an imbalance. When used as an anti-inflammatory tool, the tape gently lifts the skin away from the underlying tissues such as fascia, muscles and tissues. This allows for decompression to potentially take place by improving blood flow + lymphatic drainage in the area, without impeding range of motion or balance. Tape can also be applied in a support manner, encouraging proprioceptors and nerves to awaken. Taping may be effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, stiffness and soreness in muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. KT tape may also be effective on trigger points and scar tissue.
How Kinesiology Tape Works:
Kinesiology tape is different than other athletic tapes on the market in that it stretches
along it’s longitudinal axis, but not across it’s width which allows it to move with the
body. This is the only athletic tape that does not restrict range of motion in any way
when it is applied.
When kinesiology tape is applied to the skin (or in the case of animals to the hair), it
mechanically decompresses the skin and the underlying tissues. When tape is applied to
an animal, the tape lifts the hair, which in turn lifts the skin and accomplishes the same
decompression seen in people. The decompression action promotes increased blood and
lymph flow, which decreases inflammation and relieves pressure from free nerve endings.
As the person or animal moves with the tape on, the tape stimulates nerves called
mechanoreceptors with every movement. The tape acts as a natural pain reliever because
stimulation of mechanoreceptors inhibits nociceptors (the pain generators). The more
mechanoreceptors that are stimulated, the less pain will be perceived. Movement with
the tape on also stimulates nerves called prorioceptors, which contribute to the brain’s
sense of where the body’s parts are in space and throughout movement. Often times,
proprioceptive input is altered in people and animals due to past injuries and
misalignments. The tape can help stimulate proper proprioception and in turn promote
proper movement.
Acupressure:
A non -invasive technique which doesn't cause stress, discomfort or pain , yet yields powerful results. Animals respond intuitively to Acupressure to heal behavioral and physical illnesses and injuries. Once again especially beneficial to needle shy animals.
Acupressure has been proven to:
A non -invasive technique which doesn't cause stress, discomfort or pain , yet yields powerful results. Animals respond intuitively to Acupressure to heal behavioral and physical illnesses and injuries. Once again especially beneficial to needle shy animals.
Acupressure has been proven to:
- Strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones
- Release natural cortisone to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Resolve injuries more readily by increasing blood flow to remove toxins
- Release endorphins to increase energy and reduce pain
- Decrease recovery time from an injury or illness
- Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance.
Tuning Forks on Acupressure Points:
Like adjusting a piano, your horse's body can be tuned to achieve optimal physical balance. Tuning fork therapy is a unique, energy-based, non-invasive technique used to alter the body's biochemistry and bring the nervous system, muscle tone and organs into harmonic balance.
Precision calibrated tuning forks are applied to specific acupressure points to access the body's meridian and chakra energy systems. The sound waves of the forks vibrate and travel deeply into the body along the energy pathways, affecting human/equine physiology. The resonance and vibration of the tuning forks connects with the body's natural frequencies, promoting healing, wellness and deep relaxation.
Tuning forks can also be utilized over the body as a form of sound healing. The basic principle of healing with sound is the concept of resonance, meaning the vibratory frequency of an object. The entire Universe is in a state of vibration, and this includes human beings and horses. Every organ, cell, bone, tissue and fluid of the body, including the electromagnetic field which surrounds the body (what is sometimes called the aura), has a healthy vibratory frequency. Depending on what we are resonating with, our vibratory frequencies can become dissonant and out of harmony ("out of tune"), and can contribute to the creation of dis-ease and illness in our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Through the use of sound we can project the correct resonant frequency toward and into any unhealthy part of ourselves, thus helping to return it to its normal, healthy frequency and promoting healing at all levels. This occurs through sympathetic resonance when one vibrating object influences another vibratory object, causing it to change its vibratory rate.
Like adjusting a piano, your horse's body can be tuned to achieve optimal physical balance. Tuning fork therapy is a unique, energy-based, non-invasive technique used to alter the body's biochemistry and bring the nervous system, muscle tone and organs into harmonic balance.
Precision calibrated tuning forks are applied to specific acupressure points to access the body's meridian and chakra energy systems. The sound waves of the forks vibrate and travel deeply into the body along the energy pathways, affecting human/equine physiology. The resonance and vibration of the tuning forks connects with the body's natural frequencies, promoting healing, wellness and deep relaxation.
Tuning forks can also be utilized over the body as a form of sound healing. The basic principle of healing with sound is the concept of resonance, meaning the vibratory frequency of an object. The entire Universe is in a state of vibration, and this includes human beings and horses. Every organ, cell, bone, tissue and fluid of the body, including the electromagnetic field which surrounds the body (what is sometimes called the aura), has a healthy vibratory frequency. Depending on what we are resonating with, our vibratory frequencies can become dissonant and out of harmony ("out of tune"), and can contribute to the creation of dis-ease and illness in our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Through the use of sound we can project the correct resonant frequency toward and into any unhealthy part of ourselves, thus helping to return it to its normal, healthy frequency and promoting healing at all levels. This occurs through sympathetic resonance when one vibrating object influences another vibratory object, causing it to change its vibratory rate.
Moxibustion (Heat derivative to help release tension)
Moxibustion (Pinyin jiu) involves the burning of moxa, or the herb mug wort, which is applied to certain acupuncture points on the body.
Moxibustion can be used for disease prevention and health maintenance. Plus, pain relief, improve circulation, an immune system boost, enhances vitality, reduces blood flow to tumours, etc. And, it has a good effect on skin lesions, and poor wound healing. Various acupuncture points that are stimulated by moxa have an internal visceral effect right down to the organs.
Moxibustion (Pinyin jiu) involves the burning of moxa, or the herb mug wort, which is applied to certain acupuncture points on the body.
Moxibustion can be used for disease prevention and health maintenance. Plus, pain relief, improve circulation, an immune system boost, enhances vitality, reduces blood flow to tumours, etc. And, it has a good effect on skin lesions, and poor wound healing. Various acupuncture points that are stimulated by moxa have an internal visceral effect right down to the organs.
Stretching
Core stretching and strengthening exercises also prepare your horse to go back into work faster and stronger than ever before.
Core stretching and strengthening exercises also prepare your horse to go back into work faster and stronger than ever before.
Corrective Exercise
WHAT ARE CORRECTIVE EXERCISES?
Groundwork, stretching, strengthening, lengthening and many other similar exercises, even under saddle, can be used as forms of rehabbing the body. They also serve as a great way to bond with your horse!
Treatment plans will be recommended, established and updated over time as we are able to analyze compensation patterns. They play an important role in the neuromuscular reprogramming and prevent the reoccurrence of old patterns taking shape yet again.
Think of corrective exercises as your homework between sessions!
WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Facilitating the body to continue moving correctly after addressing imbalances is a large piece of the puzzle. When the body learns to move in a certain way, after however long of compensating, these patterns are programmed by the brain as a default movement pattern. Even though we may do a lot of work releasing the stuck pieces, it can be tremendously helpful to engage what has been quiet for so long. This allows for new programming to begin taking place in the brain and new default patterns to be established.
Corrective exercises work for several reasons, but here are the primary ones:
WHAT ARE CORRECTIVE EXERCISES?
Groundwork, stretching, strengthening, lengthening and many other similar exercises, even under saddle, can be used as forms of rehabbing the body. They also serve as a great way to bond with your horse!
Treatment plans will be recommended, established and updated over time as we are able to analyze compensation patterns. They play an important role in the neuromuscular reprogramming and prevent the reoccurrence of old patterns taking shape yet again.
Think of corrective exercises as your homework between sessions!
WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Facilitating the body to continue moving correctly after addressing imbalances is a large piece of the puzzle. When the body learns to move in a certain way, after however long of compensating, these patterns are programmed by the brain as a default movement pattern. Even though we may do a lot of work releasing the stuck pieces, it can be tremendously helpful to engage what has been quiet for so long. This allows for new programming to begin taking place in the brain and new default patterns to be established.
Corrective exercises work for several reasons, but here are the primary ones:
- Reduce the percentage of time spent in unhelpful movement patterns, so that good habits become more the norm.
- Increase range of motion in joints, which in turn creates reflexive “releases” and looseness through the horse system-wide.
- Recruit postural muscles, often referred to as core muscles. This recruitment allows the limbs to move more freely, resulting in engagement.
- Develop new postural habits with minimal confusion, tension, or anxiety in the horse.
Why do we use essential oils in massage therapy?
Essential oils and massage therapy go hand in hand. By applying safe dilutions of therapeutic grade oils to an animal’s musculature, we enhance the physical act of massage by encouraging the body to respond appropriately. We will use different oils depending upon what we’re trying to accomplish, but they help to increase blood flow, relax tense muscles, and cool and ease pain in joints and ligaments to name a few outcomes. Essential oils simply come alongside of what the body is trying to accomplish and assist in that process.
EO’s aren’t just for massage therapy
Although essential oils are used extensively in massage therapy, they are incredibly versatile in their usefulness. You can apply them topically, diffuse into the air, add them to food and beverages, make cleaning solutions with them, and use them for medicinal purposes to name a few. They’re an all natural solution to innumerable household and lifestyle quandaries.
Essential oils and massage therapy go hand in hand. By applying safe dilutions of therapeutic grade oils to an animal’s musculature, we enhance the physical act of massage by encouraging the body to respond appropriately. We will use different oils depending upon what we’re trying to accomplish, but they help to increase blood flow, relax tense muscles, and cool and ease pain in joints and ligaments to name a few outcomes. Essential oils simply come alongside of what the body is trying to accomplish and assist in that process.
EO’s aren’t just for massage therapy
Although essential oils are used extensively in massage therapy, they are incredibly versatile in their usefulness. You can apply them topically, diffuse into the air, add them to food and beverages, make cleaning solutions with them, and use them for medicinal purposes to name a few. They’re an all natural solution to innumerable household and lifestyle quandaries.
Disclaimer: All Spa wellness therapies mentioned herein is a non-invasive modality intended to enhance well-being in the healthy horse (or dog) – it is not designed to replace proper veterinary care. If in doubt regarding the physical health of your horse, please consult your veterinarian. JRs staff will NOT treat an injured horse (or dog) without a veterinarian approval. The FDA has not evaluated the statements made throughout this website. JRs Equine Spa & Retreat’s services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individuals with questions or concerns regarding any medical or other condition should consult a health care professional. Use of this site or our products are subject to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice.