What to Expect
The horse needs to be in a suitable confined area with their handler present. Please ensure that the horse is clean. Hard feed (grain) is to be withheld for an hour prior to the treatment. It is acceptable for the horse to have hay. The horse is not to be exercised prior to its massage session. You will be asked to sign some paperwork. Please ensure that your veterinary surgeon is aware that the horse/dog will be receiving massage/shiatsu treatment and is happy to consent to this. The first session may be anywhere between 1-2 hours in length. I will be taking a detailed history watch the horse in static and dynamic motion.
Please be sure to inform the therapist prior to the visit if the horse is showing any of the following contraindications:
High temperature
Elevated respiration
Elevated heartbeat
Viral/Bacterial infection
Skin infection
Parasites
Undiagnosed lumps/swellings
Cancer/tumours
Cysts
Fractures
Acute trauma/muscle injury
Diarrhoea
Colitis
Azoturia
Colic
Undiagnosed lameness
Dehydration
Nervous system dysfunction
Pregnancy
Acute arthritis
Severe unexplained pain
Lymphangitis
If the horse is taking phenylbutazone.