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RUB IT IN
Massage therapy for horses is gaining in popularity.
Does it really work?
BY STEPHANIE STEPHENS
You may be on the fence about massage
therapy, which is gaining in popularity
with owners, trainers and the
integrated team of specialists that
may treat the horses in your care. We
turned to the experts, who tell us it is
much more than a back scratch.
LET’S GET TOGETHER
In both the human and animal realms,
traditional (or conventional) and
alternative medicines are increasingly
shaking hands. True, not every veterinarian
supports what are usually
termed “holistic” modalities, but most
vets find interfacing with alternative
practitioners does benefit overall
equine “wellness.”
If a horse has a serious problem,
only a veterinarian can ultimately
determine the extent of it, with an
examination that may or may not
include radiographs, asserts Leslie
Lopardo of Hampden, Mass., a 13year
massage therapist who also treats
dogs and people. She’s a hunt
seat/dressage trainer at Hampden Valley
Stables who formerly bred and
showed American Quarter Horses.
When it comes to treating horses
in her care, Lopardo is adamant that
her responsibility is only to report
findings regarding tightness, heat and
swelling. Lopardo urges owners and
trainers to be pro-active, to provide as
much information as possible to
those—including her—who examine
and treat their horses.
To do their jobs, massage therapists
“must be dedicated and be in
shape,” says Kevin May, DVM of El
Cajon, Calif., who has a high percentage
of horses in his practice being
treated with massage therapy. He’s
eager, not resistant or resentful, to
read writeups from massage therapists,
whom he says “complement
what I do.” When a report describes a
muscle group being repeatedly sore,
it’s a pattern he doesn’t ignore,
because usually “it’s associated with
another problem.” The massage therapist’s
initial hands-on analysis provides
an excellent starting point for
a comprehensive diagnosis later.
Still, total acceptance of alternative
modalities is still a work in
progress, says Dr. Kimberly Henneman,
DVM, CVA (Certified Veterinary
Acupuncturist), CVC (Certified
Veterinary Chiropractor), of Park
City, Utah, and a competitive threeday
eventer. Some massage therapists
are reluctant to mention a problem
they uncover if the horse’s veterinarian
is hostile to massage. Still, the
sharing of ideas across multiple disciplines
is exciting to many medical
professionals and practitioners of
alternative modalities, since everyone
can’t be an expert on everything.
“The greatest joy is working with
another veterinarian or practitioner
who has skills I don’t have if something
needs fixing,” says Dr. Henneman,
who’s happily found her
practice niche, yet remains current
and conversant on options for conventional
treatment. “I’ve had to let
much of my ‘conventional’ practice
go, to continue my growth and education
in these specialty areas. I do
know whom to call when a surgeon,
radiologist or other specialist is
required.”
HOW DOES MASSAGE HELP?
The nuances matter. “Pay attention to
the horse walking to and from the stall
and while at rest” Lopardo recommends.
“Does the horse always stand
square in his stall, equally weighting
each foot? Or does he always rest the
same hind leg? Does he stand
stretched-out, trying to relieve pain
somewhere? Does he stand with one
front foot out in front of the other?
How about when he walks in and out:
does the horse land heavier on one
foot more so than on others? Does one
hit the ground much lighter? Know
your horse and what is normal for
him, then share your observations.”
Trainers who are keen observers
can pick up subtle differences, she
says, even when a horse attempts to
conceal a problem by tightening a
muscle. “In nature horses are prey
animals that survive by running, and
they’re smart enough to know that a
limping animal will be targeted by the
predator,” Lopardo says.
A horse will tighten a group of
muscles to conceal lameness or
another issue well before an actual
gait change is noted, she says. Notice
this detail early and you can sometimes
prevent escalation of the issue.
Lopardo embraces the range of
problems presented to her, from “the