Belisari Equine Bodywork

27/05/2023

KT practice over the sacrum for sacral iliac support. Getting closer to becoming certified!

19/05/2023

As wildfire season picks up in BC and Alberta, this is an important reminder for anyone regularly riding their horses.
Let’s keep our horses and their sensitive respiratory system safe.

23/04/2023

A new service will be added in the coming months once I finish completing the certification course and advanced certification course in equine kinesiology taping. Always looking to expand my knowledge to help horses. I am really looking forward to using this therapy in conjunction with massage.

A few benefits of kinesiology taping.

1. provides support during movement
2. improves circulation and lymphatic flow
3. reduces pain, inflammation and tension
4. relaxes and assists muscles, releases fascia, and improves joint function.

Allowing for faster and more complete healing and improved movement and positioning!

12/04/2023

Fascia and MyoFascial Release

Undoubtedly one of the most critical tissues in the body is the fascia. Fascia is a layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds muscles., blood vessels and nerves. The tissue allows binding and movement in the body.

Fasciae is dense cognitive tissue containing closely packed bundles of collagen in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull. The flexibility of the tissue and wave pattern allows for resistance of unidirectional tension force until the fibres have been straightened out by the pull force.

In horses, fascia can be treated through myofascial kinetic lines, often referenced in trigger point therapy or equine taping.

Some facts. Fascia requires immense hydration to function properly. And can withstand over 2000 Ibs. of force per square inch.

There are three types of fascia.
Superficial fascia is found blending with the reticular layer of the dermis.
Deep fascia, is found through muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels.
Visceral fascia, suspending organs within cavities and wrapping in layers of connective tissue.

Being embedded in nerve endings and mechanoreceptors, fascia is key to the perception of posture and movement. When movement occurs and triggers mechanoreceptors to deform and activate, the tissue sends messages to the brain which are then relayed to muscles.

As with everything in the body, fascia can become damaged, shorten, solidify and thicken. Damage symptoms can be pain, stiffness, tissue fatigue and reduced performance and function.

When an injury occurs the connective tissue system can be helpful and problematic. Long after a ie. hindquarter injury is healed, the compensation in the diagonal front has a thickening of the fascia tissue and will not go away. In fact, the extra tissue acts the same as hyperactive scar areas and may attract more thickening, which is called fibrosis. The compensation is helpful during an injury but once healed becomes problematic as it results in a reduction of movement and loss of elasticity.

Treatment often includes myofascial release, trigger point therapy and general massage with stretching.

31/03/2023

Back pain is one of the top three reasons bodywork is scheduled for a horse. Common among all ages, disciplines and workloads.

Listed above are the main signs of a horse with back pain but remember some horses can be stoic and still perform well under significant pain. It is important to have a careful examination and listen to your horse.

When evaluating the back, bodyworkers look at a few different areas. One, we look at the longissimus and multifidus muscles. How does the soft tissue respond? Do they palpate sore, spasm, or have a tight feeling with zero give? Has there been an injury?

The longissimus muscles run the entire length of the horse’s back and can easily fatigue if they are asked to support and stabilize the entire spine on their own.

The multifidus muscles form attachments between the individual thoracic vertebrae. Each segment is short and controls only a few vertebrae and the joints between them. This muscle is shorter than the longissimus muscle, effectively having the job of stabilizing and supporting the spine.

Second, we look at the vertebrae. Is there an ultrasound or X-ray of kissing spine or arthritis we need to be made aware of? Are vertebrae out of alignment? Has there been an injury to the vertebrae?

Thirdly, we look at contributing factors. Does the saddle fit? Does the horse have poor hoof angles? Is the horse being trained and encouraged to engage the multifidus muscles? Is there lameness elsewhere in the body? Is the rider unbalanced?

Often bodyworkers will suggest physiotherapy to be applied outside of sessions. This can include hill work at varying degrees of difficulty, pole work at varying degrees of difficulty and training aids such as the equiband. Stretches will also be suggested and taught. But if the owner is physically unable to do so, that’s okay.

31/03/2023

31/03/2023

1. After the acute phase (72 hours after surgery) has passed, massage is effective in stimulating venous and lymphatic return to remove excess fluid from the site.

2. Gentle passive range of motion exercises aid joint healing and help to restore joint function. It can also realign muscle fibres damaged from surgery. Massage stimulates the circulatory system to draw oxygen and nutrients to lubricate and hydrate the fascia, connective tissues, muscles and other soft tissues. Once the soft tissues are warmed, gentle stretching improves the tone and elasticity of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules.

3. Massage eases tension for muscles to function normally and maintain tone. In cases of atrophy, tapotement at a fast pace can stimulate muscle engagement.

4. Weight is distributed unevenly in the initial stages of recovery. Left untreated, overloaded muscles tense and often become a source of pain from compensating for the altered weight of the affected limb.

5. Improved mood and lowered stress levels increase the immune system. Beneficial for the healing phase and fighting infection.

Ask your vet if post-surgical massage or massage for injury is suitable for your horse.

Belisari Equine Bodywork - 250.431.8089

30/03/2023

Hey everyone, I’ll be heading up to Grande Prairie April 22nd. I have availability for 1 horse along the route through highway 93/95. If you have 1 horse and want to save on mileage fee, message me.

19/03/2023

Hey everyone, I’ll be driving to Calgary on the 23rd and back to Creston on the 26th. If anyone along that route wants to book either of those dates, let me know. Mileage fees will be waived for those dates.

01/02/2023

The Belisari Equine Bodywork car is sporting some new decals!

28/01/2023

For 2023 I have decided to introduce a referral program for Belisari Equine Bodywork. For every new referral that is booked, I will offer $10 off the next bodywork session or sheath cleaning. That means if you know 10 people you would recommend me to and they book, I will provide a free bodywork session for your horse!

24/01/2023

Gelding scars and the link between sports performance and discomfort.

To all gelding owners,

From data found through the Osteopathic Vet, a third of geldings will have either scarring, healing difficulties, difficulty urinating after castration, and sport performance issues. In the United States, 2 out of 5 geldings have been found to have scarring adhesions or testicle tube scarring.

But first what is scar tissue?

Scarring is fibrous tissue that forms when normal tissue is destroyed by disease, injury, or surgery. Scar tissue is a collection of cells and collagen that develops at the site of injury to protect during the healing process. When scar tissue is formed, the tissues become less flexible and elastic with less blood circulation. Scar tissue can bind to almost anything in the body, including tissue, bone and organs.

How do we detect gelding scars?

First signs are typically transitions into canter with bucking or bolting, lead preference, difficulty with lateral movements or lifting legs. Gelding scars lead to restrictions in the fascia. Restrictions result in lumbar vertebrae/ sacral vertebrae restrictions or pain, restricted movement through the hind end, TMJ and digestive issues. When one area is impacted, this can have a whole body effect

We can see mild signs in horses not collecting or being resistant, slow moving, and transitional issues of all gaits.

We think of castration as minimally invasive. But remnants of the spermatic cord and the cremaster muscle (which attaches underneath the 17th and 18th rib), during healing can scar to the skin or tissue of the outside abdominal wall or inguinal ring.
As seen in human studies, cremaster pain is debilitating.

When a gelding has been vet checked, with no clear explanation for resistance under saddle, palpating the area to check for scar tissue is a good next step. When palpating, massage therapists feel for ropey tight tissue with a response to pain by gently pulling down on the sc***um tissue. The cremaster muscle will contract in response to pain and pull the skin up.

How do we fix gelding scars?

Treatment can be done external or internal. Internal manipulation is done through the a**s under sedation. However, I prefer external manipulation to reduce scar tissue and tension. Two reasons for this, zero sedation and I can continue to massage surrounding tissues, stretch tissues or adjust vertebrae if needed. External manipulation is done by gently massaging and stretching the scar tissue between the fingers of one hand.

If you think your gelding suffers from a gelding scar or has unexplained performance issues, I can help.
I can be reached at 250-431-8089 call/text or belisarifarms@hotmail.com.

22/12/2022

Happy Holidays!

Thank you to all my wonderful 2022 clients and their horses. You made this year one to remember. I look forward to helping more horses in 2023 through equine massage, vertebral realignment and sheath cleaning.

I will be back to work on January 6th, 2023. Feel free to reach out and discuss how I can help your horse(s). Call/text 250-431-8089, email belisarifarms@hotmail.com.

22/12/2022

Massage gives the body a place to reset and rest. A benefit of massage is the more the muscles are given a chance to relax and stretch, the muscles then relax and stretch on their own afterwards. This is why most horse owners see visible improvement in the following week(s). While I aim to release and align as many muscles and vertebrae as possible in each session, I cannot achieve what massage relaxation does after I leave. This benefit of massage is truly amazing.

Belisari Equine Bodywork
Call/text 250-431-8089
Email belisarifarms@hotmail.com

22/12/2022

With the unpredictable weather of snow and rain, an important safety reminder for those who blanket their horses.

A very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:

"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture."

15/12/2022

What is sheath cleaning and why do we do it?

1. One of the most important reasons for annual sheath cleaning is to inspect the p***s and sheath to look for cancerous lesions. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common equine tumour, and the p***s and sheath are common areas for this type of cancer to be found.

2. Accumulation you see on the p***s is sm**ma, not dirt. This material is continually secreted from the p***s for a very specific purpose, it provides lubrication and a protective covering.

3. The “bean” is accumulated sm**ma in the urethral fossa around the end of the urethral process. Normally a beige colour, ranging in size from a pea to a few inches, and solid.

4. Sheath cleaning does not have to be done regularly. It is recommended 1-2 times a year for horses that form a “bean” regularly. In some cases, a horse will not develop a “bean” and may only need to be lightly cleaned in 1-2+ years. However, it is recommended to have your horse checked annually for lesions.

5. Sheath cleaning can be harmful when done incorrectly or frequently. If done using methods of scrubbing, antibacterial soap or sticking a hose up the sheath to flush, the natural protective covering and healthy bacteria population are removed. This can leave your horse exposed to micro-abrasions, sores and infection. This can be an uncomfortable and painful experience, likely leaving them feeling resistant to the routine cleaning/check.

6. When sheath cleaning, minimal or no sm**ma flakes are removed from the p***s, but rather build up in the sheath is gently cleaned away.

7. When in doubt always have a vet or professional clean and check your horse.

8. Some horse owners may feel the need to clean their horse for appearance before a show. It is advised not to do this as sm**ma is part of a system to keep the p***s protected. As with most things, we’re better off letting horses be horses.

9. Mares aren’t left out either. A build-up can form in between their udder and become crusty. This warrants gentle cleaning too. The most common area for build-up is between the teats.

Belisari Equine Bodywork offers sheath and teat cleaning services. Contact at 250-431-8089 call/text or belisarifarms@hotmail.com.

18/06/2022

I can always be reached at 250-431-8089 call/text or belisarifarms@hotmail.com.