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.