Equine Massage Midterm

3rd Degree Tear

surgical tear, but the least painful (complete tear)

1st degree tear

minor sprain/tear/strain

2nd degree tear

most painful sprain/strain/tear

lame, stiffness, poor performance, not themselves, gait/movement abnormalities, over-worked, under-tracking

signs a horse would benefit from a massage

support, stability, allows for motion

what does a ligament do?dec

decrease blood flow/decrease inflammation

what does ice do?

hyperemia (increased blood flow) and heat transfer

why might a horse sweat after massage?

\-decrease spasms

\-increase blood flow

\-improve healing due to increased blood flow

\-increase performance

\-create relaxation

\-improve mood

why do we massage?a

uncontrollable contractile cycle

what is a muscle spasm?

body’s way of protection

what is the purpose of a muscle spasm?

trauma, pain, compensation, dehydration

what causes muscle spasms?

the saddle area

what is the #1 area for muscle spasms in a horse?

adduction

movement of a limb towards midline

abduction

movement of a limb away from midline

strain

an injury to a muscle or tendon

sprain

injury to a ligament

ligament

connective tissue that connects bone to bone

brings healing factors (oxygen, hemoglobin, nutrients)

benefits of increasing blood flowte

tendon

connective tissue that connects bone to muscle

help you move (contracts)

what is the main function of musclem

muscle, tendon, ligament

order of most to least blood flow

ligament, tendon, muscle

order of slowest to fastest to heal

3rd degree

type of tear that is a complete lack of communication as nerves can no longer send or receive signals anymore

move from pressure, pin ears, get mouthy, threaten to kick

how do we know we have the right spot?

gets sleepy, leans into pressure, rattle crossties, gets gassy

how do we know a horse likes it?

stress, not used to it, possible allergy, usually go away by themselves

why might a horse get hives

massage is a form of exercise

why might a horse get sore after a massage?

pain will show up sore somewhere other than the problem area

how does the horse’s ability to compensate involve muscle soreness?

\-no reason not to

\-make sure no reaction

\-allows for opportunity to massage it in

should liniment be used?

depends on individual horse and case

should a horse be worked after a massage

use elbow, stand on step stool, use body weight

how to apply pressure when short and weak

heat

promotes blood flow (good for muscle pain)

fasiculation

involuntary muscle twitching

used as an initial/final technique

\-soothing, relaxing, calming effect

\-used with palms of hands using very light pressure

\-produces an almost sedative effect

stroking

effleurage

move that will be used the most

\-second move

\-gliding movement done with the palm

\-thumb follows the fingers

\-hand should be in full contact with the body part being massaged

circulation of blood and lymph

effleurage with heavy pressure stimulates

petrissage

composed of multiple techniques

\-kneading, compression, muscle squeezing, picking up, wringing up, skin rolling

\-alternative pressure and relaxation

joint

part of the skeletal system that permits parts of the bony frame to articulate (move)

periosteum

strong membrane that covers the bone. Protects the bone for the attachment of joint capsules, ligaments and tendons

18

number of thoracic vertebrae

15-18

number of coccygeal vertebrae

joints

the meeting places between 2 bones

Foramen

the hollow space in the vertebrae

supports the body, protects vital organs

what is the purpose of the skeletal system?

200

equine skeletal system is comprised of over ____ bones

long bones

function as levers and aid in support of weight

\-humerus, femur, tibia, cannon bones

short bones

absorb concussion

\-carpus (knee), tarsus (hock), fetlock (ankle)

flat bones

protect and enclose the cavities containing vital organs, skull and ribs. Also provide large areas for the attachment of bones7

7

number of cervical vertebrae

6

number of lumbar vertebrae

5

number of sacral vertebrae

lordotic curve

curve in the cervical spine is called ____

\-neck support and neck function

flexion, extension, left and right rotation, left and right lateral flexion

6 functions of the neck (range of motion)

atlas

C1 (first vertebrae)

Axis

C2 (second vertebrae)

kyphosis

primary curve of the thoracic spine

\-holds ribs

\-prime area for saddle problems

18 pairs/36 total

number of ribs a horse has

60%

percentage of body weight that the horse’s forelimbs carry

scapula, humerus, radius, carpus, cannon, splints, long and short pasterns, coffin bone

the forelegs are made up of

pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, tarsus, cannon, splints, long and short pasterns, coffin bone

The hindlimb consists of

movement

dependent upon the contraction of muscles and the corresponding articulation of the joints

hyaline cartilage

the ends of bones are lined with _____ which provides a smooth surface between the bones and acts as a shock absorber when compressed

synovial fluid

viscous, lubricating secretion in joints

capsular ligament

joint capsule: also known as ____

\-sealed by the synovial membrane

occiput

the base of the skull where C1 attaches to

occiput on atlas

the “yes” joint

atlas on axis

the “no” joint

intervertebral discs

the spaces between vertebrae

transverse process

a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebrae. The two _____ of each vertebrae function as the site of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine as well as the point of articulation of the ribs in the thoracic spine

vertebral body

flat, upwards part of the spine

facet

the place where the vertebrae meet. Off of this comes the laminae of the spinous process

extensor carpi radialis

extend carpal joint

flexor carpi radialis

flex carpal joint

quadricepta

rear leg flexion

6-9 months

TENDON healing time

strain/muscle pull

Can occur when the muscles/tendons/connective tissues and/or structures are disrupted by excessive stress loads

bowed tendons

typically seen as a swelling at the back of the lower leg. A tearing of the connective tissue fibers of the superficial flexor tendon

suspensory and check ligament pulls

tearing at the proximal sesamoid bones. splits into two branches and each branch has a weaker cross section than the thicker portion. Commonly caused by the foot landing incorrectly.

bursae

provides a thin cushion and reducing friction between the surfaces of surrounding bones

DDD, herniation, radiculopathy

associated pathologies of intervertebral discs

smooth muscles

hollow organs (lungs, spleen, liver)

isometric contraction

muscle contracts without causing any movement (standing)

isotonic contraction

muscle contraction with movement (galloping)

fast twitch red

not as fatigable as white, yet not as much endurance as slow twitch red

proprioception

mind-body connection

scar tissue

____ reduces the muscles tensile strength, flexibility and elasticity

trigger points

combination of lactic acid build up and motor nerve ending irritation, mostly in the fleshy part of the muscle (belly)

rhomboids

moves scapula dorsally (neck/mid-back motion)

trapezius

lifts, flex, extends shoulder

latissimus dorsi

draws foreleg back and flexes shoulder

triceps

\n flex shoulder, extend elbow, locks elbow when stay apparatus is engaged

gluteals

abducts hind limb (if horse has pronounced abduction, it is due to muscle spasms)

adductor muscle

adducts hind limb (if horse has pronounced adduction, it is due to muscle spasms)

pain/spasm/pain cycle

the cycle that the body responds with when an injury occurs

spasm

When pain occurs there is anoxia or reduced blood and oxygen supply that creates an involuntary contraction called a …

splint

body’s way of protecting itself by compensating contraction, which causes additional pain (results in more spasms

inflammation

first step in the healing process. Rids the damaged area of dead or injured muscle fibers and other tissue

regeneration

second step in the healing process. Muscle fibers regenerate, new connective tissue formed, which will create scar tissue

myositis ossificans

the hardening of muscle into bone. also the reason why you should not treat the injured area too soon (alters healing process)

ice

best and cheapest “drug” available. can be used when massage is contraindicated. reduces pain, controls inflammation and promotes healing