Make a fist with your hand, and place the flat surface between your knuckles and your finger joints against your skin. Slowly and firmly press into the skin and muscle, squashing it under your hand. Keeping the muscle squashed, gently rotate your wrist and forearm so that the skin under your fist is stretched into a twist. Once the skin has moved as much as it’s able to, slowly release the pressure, unwinding your fist and the skin underneath it as you do so, and move your fist a few centimetres to a new area, then begin again. Work anywhere between your wrist and your elbow, in no particular pattern.
Being sure to support your partner, make a fist with your hand, and place the flat surface between your knuckles and your finger joints against your partner’s clothing on their low back. Slowly and firmly press into the clothing, skin and muscle, squashing it under your hand. Keeping the muscle squashed, gently rotate your wrist and forearm so that the skin under your fist is stretched into a twist. Once the skin has moved as much as it’s able to, slowly release the pressure, unwinding your fist and the skin underneath it as you do so, move your fist a few centimetres to a new area, and begin again. Work anywhere on your partner’s lower back, in no particular pattern. In most cases, it is not comfortable for you to work between the shoulder blades, because the width of your fist is wider than the width between the spine and the inside of the shoulder blade. Because of this you would be massaging over a bony area, which is unpleasant for the person being massaged.
As with many of the other techniques I’ve described here, think of kneading as a four second move. Take around one second to squash the skin, around one second to twist the skin, around one second to relax and unwind the skin, and around one second to gently slide to your next spot. As in the compression technique, move slowly and smoothly for maximum comfort and benefit.
It’s tempting to try and twist further than the skin is able to stretch in this move. Some areas of skin have very little movement. Try using your finger to move the skin on the back of your hand in a circle, and then try the same on the palm of your hand, and notice the difference. There is much more ‘skin slack’ on the back of your hand, which means that you can cause much more movement there. Bear this in mind when you’re using the kneading technique, and only twist the skin as far as it’s able to stretch.
If you use the joints that project when you make a fist to carry out this massage technique, it could be very uncomfortable, particularly on areas where you are working close to the bone. Make a fist, and use the flat surface of your fingers rather than your knuckles or the joints in your fingers.
Stones from rings could dig into the skin, potentially causing discomfort and an adverse reaction from your partner or horse! Rings can also press into your own fingers, which you might find uncomfortable. If possible, it’s best to take any rings off before you start, and put them somewhere safe while you are massaging.
Kneading should come from your shoulder and your entire arm, not just from your wrist. The aim is to make a fist with your hand, and keep your wrist as straight as possible, to minimise any strain through it. Wrists are prone to repetitive strain injuries, and you could aggravate these if you massage with your wrist flexed during this technique. Depending on where you are massaging, and the height of the person or horse that you’re massaging, this means you will probably need to move your elbow, and even your body. In particular, if you are massaging the back muscles of a partner who is lying face down, or the very top of the quarters, you will need to bring your elbow directly above the area that you’re massaging in order for your wrist to stay straight. When you’re working with a tall horse, this can be very difficult!
For more information and to order your copy of ‘Horse Massage For Horse Owners’ today, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.
”This book is a must for anyone who would like to improve the health, wellbeing or performance of their horse. Practical, educational and easy to follow, the author shares with you the knowledge and skills you need to massage your own horse. Learn about equine anatomy, massage techniques, and how to combine the moves to develop a complete massage routine. With the emphasis on how you can work with your own horse, Sue offers an insight into how to reduce pain and stiffness in your horse as well as improve performance. Massaging your horse gives something back in return for all he does for you, and will help you and your horse to truly enjoy the time that you spend together.”
“I was really impressed by this book. Written clearly, with relevant illustrations that reinforce the text, it tells you what to do and explains why. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the horse’s anatomy and it made it easier to understand the massage. The techniques do take some practice – my forearm and partner are as well massaged as the horse! – but they get easier. My older mare certainly enjoys the sessions and it seems to give me feedback on how she’s feeling. I think she’s moving more easily too. Our horses have benefitted from treatment from both physiotherapists and osteopaths previously and this would in no way replace their expertise, but would hopefully be a useful adjunct. The FAQs are informative and the prompt section a useful idea. The book is great for amateurs like me but I feel that professional riders may find it of interest as well.”
Publisher: J.A.Allen & Co Ltd; Illustrated edition (30 Aug. 2012)
Language: English
Paperback: 128 pages
ISBN-10: 0851319998
ISBN-13: 978-0851319995
Dimensions: 19.05 x 1.27 x 24.13 cm
For more information and to order your copy of ‘Horse Massage For Horse Owners’ today, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.
© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021
Treating your horse with care, connection, curiosity and compassion
