Massage Midterm Pt. 1

What is the point of massage

increase blood flow, improve healing, decrease tension, increase flexibility, performance and relaxation, and decrease pain/spasm

what is the function of chiropractics

Improve neurological, skeletal, muscular, and joint function; biomechanics

what is the mechanical effect

The actual physical contact caused by pressure on the body. It is directly

proportional to pressure, stretching tissue will increase blood circulation

will stretch and soften the tissues

what is the mechanical effect good for

▪ Better tissue oxygenation

▪ Good metabolism

▪ Removal of CO2

▪ Lowered blood pressure

what contributes to the release fo endorphins

deep mechanical pressure

endorphins

chemicals that are released by the brain to diminish the awareness

of pain

Where is pressure NOT recommended on a horse since the area is very sensitive and the horse is very protective

the abdomen

this influences only the nervous system; achieved by a very light touch (stroking, light effleurage, very gentle kneading)

pure nervous reflex effect

sends relaxing impulses to the brain, thus letting the horse “let go” of the tension

pure nervous reflex effect

what is the number 1 reason for mid-back pain

improper saddle fit

what is the most common location of muscle spasms

mid back

what happens when the saddle is too wide

it sits on the spinous process

muscle wont stop firing

spasm

myosin mechanism doesn’t stop

actin

why does a muscle go into spasm

hyperextension/hyperflexion; body goes into self preservation mode, trying to prevent injury from further trauma

injury to a ligament

sprains

injury to a tendon/muscle

strain; heals faster than a sprain

minor injury; ice first (72 hours, decrease swelling)

1st degree tear

tears more fibers; most painful

2nd degree tear

surgery; least painful because you’ve torn the most fibers & the nerves are severed; you can’t feel it

3rd degree tear

o Not healthy because they function to mask pain

o No pain = continued stress to injured muscle = increased severity of injury

pain meds

how do you know when to massage

o Lameness

o Stiffness

o Poor function

o Not “him or herself”- personality difference

o Check gait

what do you do when your horse pulls a muscle

o Ice for 20 minutes for the first 48-72 hours

▪ 4 stages

• Cold, tingly, pain, numbness

how do you know you found the right spot

o The horse will tell you

▪ Walks away

▪ Kicks or threatens to kick

▪ Gets mouthy

▪ Pins ears, etc.

o Eventually if they like it they’ll get sleepy and lean on you

why may a horse get hives

▪ Release of histamine, increased blood flow

▪ Possible allergy

▪ Usually go away by themselves

reactions a horse may have to a massage

o Hives

o Involuntary muscle contractions

▪ “fasiculations”- may or may not be spasms

• Skin irritations

• Flies

• Spasm that is visible

o Sweating

▪ Get rid of body heat

o Soreness

▪ Common- massage is a form of exercise

▪ Sore area might be compensating

have liniments been proven to work

no

can you work the horse after a massgae

no let them rest

how to deal with acute injuries

o Cryotherapy (ice)

Used to reduce inflammation.

Ice cools down the area, mildly reduces pain, and reduces swelling.

Use for 20 minutes (after 20 minutes, it has the opposite effect

Use for the first 48 hours

o Hydrotherapy (heat)

Also reduces pain

Increase circulation by dilating blood vessels

Increasing circulation enhances muscle elasticity, cell function and general “tissue tone”, therefore, assists in healing.

Use only after 48 hours or after the inflammation has subsided

bony frame that supports the body; >200 bones

skeletal system

strong membrane which covers the bone; protects the bone for the attachment of joint capsules, ligaments and tendons

periosteum

connect muscle to bone

tendons

connect bone to bone

ligament

what are long bones and what do they do

Function as levers and ain in support of weight; Humerus, femur, tibia, cannon bones

what are short bones

complex joints; knee, hock, fetlock; absorb concussive forces

what do flat bones do

protect and enclose cavities containing organs; skull, ribs

what are the types of curves of the spine

lordosis

kyphosis

which direction does lordosis curve

curves inward

which direction does kyphosis curve

outward curve

lordosis, supports the neck, gives neck range of motion; flexion, extension, right/left rotation, right/left lateral flexion

cervical spine

how are nerves numbered in the cervical spine

Nerves are numbered for the vertebrae BELOW! First nerve between occiput and C1 vertebrae, last nerve (C8) between C7 and T1 vertebrae

Kyphosis, holds ribs, saddle issues lead to problems with thoracic spine, most common location for back pain

thoracic spine

how are nerves numbered in the thoracic spine

Nerves are numbered for the vertebrae ABOVE! First nerve between T1 and T2 vertebrae, last between T17 and T18

what curve does the lumbar spine have

Lordosis

how are nerves numbered in the lumbar spine

Nerves are numbered for the vertebrae ABOVE! First nerve between L1 and L2, last between L6 and L7 (depending on # of vertebrae)

3 sacral vertebrae, 2 illi

sacrum/pelvis

what joint in the sacrum/pelvis is often the origin of back problems

sacroiliac joint

18 vertebrae

coccyx

how much weight does the forelimbs carry

60%; Scapula, humerus, radius, knee, cannon, splints, long/short pasterns, coffin bone

what do the hind legs consist of

Pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, tarsus, cannons, splints, pastern, coffin bone

meeting places between two bones; Movement is dependent on the contraction of muscles and the corresponding articulation of these; act as shock absorber

joints

Some joints aren’t moveable T or F

true

Lines the ends of bone, providing smooth surface between the bones and acting as a shock absorber when compressed; Takeoff or landing while jumping, torque during quick turns

hyaline cartilage

Aka “Capsular ligament;” sealed by the synovial membrane; Membrane produces viscous, lubricating secretion called synovial fluid

joint capsule