Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

 

Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Massage Technique

 

Laura Hering

 

Rehabilitation

Therapeutic and Sports Massage

 

Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Equine manual lymphatic drainage is a specific massage modality that addresses the lymph system through touch. The Lymph system is a specialized component of the circulatory system responsible for waste disposal and immune response. Lymph nodes are positioned throughout the body with many lymph node centers located at the joints. The movement of the joints pushes the lymph fluid through the system allowing it to filter and cleanse the body of toxins.

The Lymphatic System is integral to the healing process and should be in peak performance to help cleanse the body of waste products resulting from injury, illness, or tissue repair. Often in the face of injury or illness a horse will be put on stall rest or have had surgery requiring the use of anesthesia followed by a long period of stall rest. This is a time when the Lymph system needs to function at its best yet it is hindered due to lack of movement.   

In manual lymphatic drainage the massage therapist manually moves the lymph fluid through the body using a very specific technique that requires education and certification to perform correctly.

It is also used prior to a stressful event such as a medical procedure. It has also shown great results in pre-event scenarios when a horse will travel from its home barn to a show where it will be exposed to lots of other horses and new environmental factors. A session of MLD prior to the travel to the show will benefit the horse greatly.

During acute phases of recovery when a horse is on stall rest, MLD should be performed daily; unless certain medications are being prescribed by the Veterinarian that would be contraindicated for a MLD treatment.

It has been proven to reduce the effects of anesthesia and to speed up the process of recovery. It is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian or have your massage therapist work in close conjunction with your veterinarian to assure the best possible scenario for your horse’s recovery.  MLD can be used to continue to boost the immune system as needed throughout the rehabilitation process.

 

 

I am a certified equine rehabilitation massage therapist. I trained at the NWSAM in Washington. I was a working student and intern at Paxhia Farm for my rehabilitation certification. Manual lymphatic drainage interested me as a modality to specialize my skills because of its proven effectiveness in humans. Much research has been done and its results are documented.  A manual lymphatic drainage session usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. It is easily done in the stall and in most cases does not require a handler. One of the best qualities of this therapeutic modality is the effect it has on the horses not only in the moment but also for how long its effects are felt.  It is extremely soothing to most horses with noticeable change in their demeanor. The work is very specific requiring concentration.  The horse tunes in with me and it is very powerful for healing. Stall rest gets pretty boring to previously active horses. The hour or so that I am there with them; they have something to focus on. I think it sets a good environment to eliminate some of the bad behaviors like cribbing or weaving that result from the stress of stall rest on the mind. Some horses internalize their stress and develop ulcers. Having something to focus on that feels good and helps boost the immune system can be a real asset to the success of a your equine partners recovery.

These are some pictures of a horse name Wyladamir. As you can see he is in full leg wraps in the front and partial in the rear. He is on stall rest with limited hand walking. He will benefit greatly from this session.  I have posted a short video to show the movement of the fluid throughout the body.

 

 

 

To set up an appointment please call Laura at 925-348-4795. I will gladly travel.

 

 

Testimonials

Hi Folks,

Everyone want to know when hiring a professional massage therapist for their horses if that person is good at what they do. If you've ever had a massage yourself by more than one therapist you know that not all therapists are created equal. I must have had 15 massages before I found the right one for me and horses are the same. Some horses will respond differently to each therapist.

I thought I'd take a minute to post a testimonial from a client of mine. I work on her two horses Alejandro and Enchantress.

"Laura Hering recently massaged two of my horses.  She is a competent and skilled professional, and is very  attuned to the needs of the individual horse. In addition, she clearly explained what she was doing and why and taught me simple techniques that I could apply between massages that would be of benefit to my horses.  Both my horses are very different in body type and temperament. She was very perceptive and adjusted her approach and technique to each one.  She was particularly patient with my rambunctious gelding. She read him well and was able to work with him, rather than against him. The next day I rode him in a dressage class and the instructor commented on how much better he moved. Laura also managed my very sensitive and anxious mare with much tact and awareness. The mare was much calmer after her massage.  I highly recommend Laura Hering as an Equine Massage Therapist." - Shelley Chavoor.

Mission Statement

A Length Ahead Equine & Canine Massage

Mission Statement:

As an advocate for equines & canine companions; I strive to provide the highest quality of therapeutic massage to horses and dogs. I will facilitate this with careful attention to my client's needs and their ambitions with their equine & canine partners.

Tessa's Massage

Tessa's Massage

I've been working on Tessa now for a couple of sessions. She is a 7 year old St. Bernard mix that is just starting to show signs of slowing down. She has a shoulder mouse that causes her to limp on her front leg occassionally and this past week it was noticed that she is not tracking well in the hind end swinging her right rear leg out to compensate for weakness or pain.  At first Tessa was a bit worried about the whole process and unsure of the massage. She would look back at me a lot and while she didn't protest; she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do. Slowly she began to relax and accept the great release that massage can produce. When I asked her to turn over so that I could massage the other side, she was worried about it and unsure of herself. However, once I began to massage the other side, she once again relaxed. The second session I worked on her, she not only was completely ready and relaxed right away, but she even turned over for me with no worry or trouble to work her other side. After 2 sessions, Tessa is hooked! Massage is such a wonderful process and I feel honored to be able to see the process be beneficial for my clients. Tessa is moving more comfortably and is tracking better with her hind leg.