Effleurage is a stroke used, initially to relax the animal & to introduce the masseur as a non-threatening and trustworthy figure. Effleurage then moves on; to provide a vital role in the routine, to relax the animal both physiologically and psychologically & as a tool to enable the masseur to start evaluating the body tissue. All Swedish routines both for human and equine start and finish with this technique. Effleurage is the use of long, rhythmic, gliding, slow strokes.
• Induces physiological and psychological relaxation
• Warms superficial tissue, resulting in increased localized temperature
• Relieves pain (natural release of endorphins)
• Increases Circulation, assisting in delivery of nutrients and O2 and removal of waste products, CO2
• Increases Lymphatic flow, assisting in removal of waste
• Slow rhythmical strokes achieve relaxation
• Rapid strokes stimulate the body
Petrissage is a technique used once the tissues have warmed up and have started to relax. It is a compressive technique using finger compressions. Local compression is followed by release, thus influencing the deep tissues. Techniques performed to deliver Petrissage are; kneading, picking up, wringing, squeezing, shaking, skin rolling and deep vibrations.
• Increases blood and O2 supply to muscles
• Slow movements relax nervous system
• Increase glandular activity of skin
• Affects proprioception
• Assists the bodies natural healing mechanisms to broaden and separate muscle fibres
• These techniques are aimed at replicating pressure changes within tissue, which occur naturally during muscle movement.

The method of application of Tapotment is a double-handed technique that “Stimulates” the tissue. The techniques used include; hacking, clapping, tapping, cupping and pounding. When using the sides of the hands, this is known as “Hacking”. When using loosely cupped palms, the technique is known as “cupping” or “clapping”. Tapotment must be performed in a rhythmic motion; as one hand makes contact with the subject, the other is lifted. When clapping/cupping is performed, the resulting sound should be “Hollow”. Therefore ensuring air is trapped between the hands of the masseur and the tissue being targeted. Tapotment should never be performed over bony landmarks/prominences and is a superficial application only, used to stimulate the body.
• Used to relax deep area prior to work
• Delivers stimulatory signals to the tissues
• Brisk application to stimulate horse
• Increases body temperature, thus resulting in increased circulatory and and lymphatic returns
• Enables the body’s natural mechanisms to promote the cleansing and healing processes
• Stimulates nervous system
• Stimulates muscular system
• Enhances muscle tone and stimulates tired muscles
• Increases gaseous exchange
• Stimulates skin and glandular activity
• Loosens mucus in the thoracic cavity
Friction
Friction is a technique applied transversely over the muscle fibres. Local compressions separate the fibres and break up any adhesions. The technique is performed using a single fingertip, or by one fingertip supported by a second. Deep pressure is applied to move the underlying tissue across the muscle fibres and to “irritate” the area being massaged.
• To irritate and stimulate tissue
• Assists bodies natural healing mechanisms to break down adhesions within the muscle tissue, resulting in re-establishing the body’s natural cleansing and healing processes
• Reduces muscle spasms and pain
• Assists to broaden and separate muscle fibres
• Used for deep tissue work
• Assists to mobilise deep scaring
• Assists to mobilise adherent tissue interfaces
• Relaxes tense muscles
• Increase circulation, blood & O2 supply to muscles and removal of waste products
Passive Movement
The movement of a joint or joints, within its normal anatomical range, specific to its anatomical construction. Performed without any muscular involvement on the part of the subject. The joints are moved through their normal anatomical range, held in a non weight bearing position.
Passive Stretch
Movement of a joint or joints as applied for passive movements, however at the end of range marginal over-pressure is applied to increase range and stretch all involved structures; Capsule, ligaments and muscles.
• Assists in re-education of movement patterns.
• Affects propriorceptor sensors and improves muscle function.
• Improved recoil of fibres and as a result improved function.
• Reduces muscle tension.
• Improves circulation.
• Stimulates nervous system.
• Enhances and improves movement.
• Effects soft tissue structures.
• Assists joint lubrication.
• Effects kinematic / recoil energy.
• Improve muscle flexibility
• Restores and maintains normal range of movement
Passive stretches should be performed by a qualified masseur, the tissues should be prepared prior to stretching – either through massage or warm up i.e race horse walked in parade ring prior to stretching. The normal range and plane of movement must be understood and appreciated with the limb being supported correctly and comfortably. Joints should be move slowly, with stretches being repeated three to five times. Joints should never be overstretched.