Belisari Equine Bodywork

27/05/2023

KT practice over the sacrum for sacral iliac support. Getting closer to becoming certified!

19/05/2023

As wildfire season picks up in BC and Alberta, this is an important reminder for anyone regularly riding their horses.
Let’s keep our horses and their sensitive respiratory system safe.

23/04/2023

A new service will be added in the coming months once I finish completing the certification course and advanced certification course in equine kinesiology taping. Always looking to expand my knowledge to help horses. I am really looking forward to using this therapy in conjunction with massage.

A few benefits of kinesiology taping.

1. provides support during movement
2. improves circulation and lymphatic flow
3. reduces pain, inflammation and tension
4. relaxes and assists muscles, releases fascia, and improves joint function.

Allowing for faster and more complete healing and improved movement and positioning!

12/04/2023

Fascia and MyoFascial Release

Undoubtedly one of the most critical tissues in the body is the fascia. Fascia is a layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds muscles., blood vessels and nerves. The tissue allows binding and movement in the body.

Fasciae is dense cognitive tissue containing closely packed bundles of collagen in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull. The flexibility of the tissue and wave pattern allows for resistance of unidirectional tension force until the fibres have been straightened out by the pull force.

In horses, fascia can be treated through myofascial kinetic lines, often referenced in trigger point therapy or equine taping.

Some facts. Fascia requires immense hydration to function properly. And can withstand over 2000 Ibs. of force per square inch.

There are three types of fascia.
Superficial fascia is found blending with the reticular layer of the dermis.
Deep fascia, is found through muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels.
Visceral fascia, suspending organs within cavities and wrapping in layers of connective tissue.

Being embedded in nerve endings and mechanoreceptors, fascia is key to the perception of posture and movement. When movement occurs and triggers mechanoreceptors to deform and activate, the tissue sends messages to the brain which are then relayed to muscles.

As with everything in the body, fascia can become damaged, shorten, solidify and thicken. Damage symptoms can be pain, stiffness, tissue fatigue and reduced performance and function.

When an injury occurs the connective tissue system can be helpful and problematic. Long after a ie. hindquarter injury is healed, the compensation in the diagonal front has a thickening of the fascia tissue and will not go away. In fact, the extra tissue acts the same as hyperactive scar areas and may attract more thickening, which is called fibrosis. The compensation is helpful during an injury but once healed becomes problematic as it results in a reduction of movement and loss of elasticity.

Treatment often includes myofascial release, trigger point therapy and general massage with stretching.

31/03/2023

Back pain is one of the top three reasons bodywork is scheduled for a horse. Common among all ages, disciplines and workloads.

Listed above are the main signs of a horse with back pain but remember some horses can be stoic and still perform well under significant pain. It is important to have a careful examination and listen to your horse.

When evaluating the back, bodyworkers look at a few different areas. One, we look at the longissimus and multifidus muscles. How does the soft tissue respond? Do they palpate sore, spasm, or have a tight feeling with zero give? Has there been an injury?

The longissimus muscles run the entire length of the horse’s back and can easily fatigue if they are asked to support and stabilize the entire spine on their own.

The multifidus muscles form attachments between the individual thoracic vertebrae. Each segment is short and controls only a few vertebrae and the joints between them. This muscle is shorter than the longissimus muscle, effectively having the job of stabilizing and supporting the spine.

Second, we look at the vertebrae. Is there an ultrasound or X-ray of kissing spine or arthritis we need to be made aware of? Are vertebrae out of alignment? Has there been an injury to the vertebrae?

Thirdly, we look at contributing factors. Does the saddle fit? Does the horse have poor hoof angles? Is the horse being trained and encouraged to engage the multifidus muscles? Is there lameness elsewhere in the body? Is the rider unbalanced?

Often bodyworkers will suggest physiotherapy to be applied outside of sessions. This can include hill work at varying degrees of difficulty, pole work at varying degrees of difficulty and training aids such as the equiband. Stretches will also be suggested and taught. But if the owner is physically unable to do so, that’s okay.

31/03/2023

31/03/2023

1. After the acute phase (72 hours after surgery) has passed, massage is effective in stimulating venous and lymphatic return to remove excess fluid from the site.

2. Gentle passive range of motion exercises aid joint healing and help to restore joint function. It can also realign muscle fibres damaged from surgery. Massage stimulates the circulatory system to draw oxygen and nutrients to lubricate and hydrate the fascia, connective tissues, muscles and other soft tissues. Once the soft tissues are warmed, gentle stretching improves the tone and elasticity of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules.

3. Massage eases tension for muscles to function normally and maintain tone. In cases of atrophy, tapotement at a fast pace can stimulate muscle engagement.

4. Weight is distributed unevenly in the initial stages of recovery. Left untreated, overloaded muscles tense and often become a source of pain from compensating for the altered weight of the affected limb.

5. Improved mood and lowered stress levels increase the immune system. Beneficial for the healing phase and fighting infection.

Ask your vet if post-surgical massage or massage for injury is suitable for your horse.

Belisari Equine Bodywork - 250.431.8089

30/03/2023

Hey everyone, I’ll be heading up to Grande Prairie April 22nd. I have availability for 1 horse along the route through highway 93/95. If you have 1 horse and want to save on mileage fee, message me.

19/03/2023

Hey everyone, I’ll be driving to Calgary on the 23rd and back to Creston on the 26th. If anyone along that route wants to book either of those dates, let me know. Mileage fees will be waived for those dates.

01/02/2023

The Belisari Equine Bodywork car is sporting some new decals!

28/01/2023

For 2023 I have decided to introduce a referral program for Belisari Equine Bodywork. For every new referral that is booked, I will offer $10 off the next bodywork session or sheath cleaning. That means if you know 10 people you would recommend me to and they book, I will provide a free bodywork session for your horse!