Equine Massage System for Owners & Grooms
With time and use the muscles of the horse’s back can become fibrous and sore. Performance drops off and the horse “isn’t quite right”. Sometimes a horse will flinch and show pain even with grooming. There’s nothing to beat regular massage care to keep your horse’s back at its best. With the FascialEdge® system, you can give a thorough deep massage in less than 10 minutes, without straining your hands & fingers. These are some of proven techniques we teach to vets, physios and chiropractors on our professional courses.
Most horses enjoy a good massage but hands and fingers alone simply can’t reach down to the deeper muscles and ligaments of the horse’s back. With the FascialEdge® it’s quick and easy to give a really effective, stimulating massage without strain to your hands and fingers.
Unlike cheaper flat tools the FascialEdge is ergonomically shaped to fit naturally and comfortably in your hands. Its shape concentrates the pressure you apply to give a smooth even massage to the horse. The FascialEdge® is purpose made to follow the curves and contours of the horse’s back. Just a few minutes` work helps revive tired muscles and stop the build up of soreness, especially in the saddle area. Horses simply love this from day one.
Getting started: the FascialEdge® comes with clear instructions and video guides to show you how to hold and use the tool. Easy-to-follow diagrams show you the “Scanlines“ … patterns of strokes that cover the important muscles, fascial tissues and ligaments in the horses’ back.
How does it work?
Put simply, saddle & rider put pressure on the vital chain of the muscles and tissues which stretch from the neck right through to the tail. Many of these kinetic chains cross the spine in the saddle region, where they are put under a lot of stress. In time they can become fibrous and sore. Regular deep massage helps break up fibrosis and restore normal circulation to the tissues. Using the FascialEdge® simply makes this quicker, easier and more thorough.
Do all horses enjoy this?
Just like people , horses enjoy a good massage and will actively lean into the pressure. But make sure to take it easy, especially to start off with. Make sure to let them see the tool in you hand before you make initial contact. Always start gently and sensitively.
How often should I treat my horse?
It`s a good idea to treat your horse a couple of times each week for the first three or four weeks. After that, once a week is plenty. If you are competing, running through the routine the day before can only enhance your performance. The FascialEdge® won’t turn you into a back expert, but it will give you valuable skills to help look after your horse`s back on a regular basis.
Do you recommend the use of oil or some other emolliant?
No. The horse` coat keeps friction to a minimum. We`re aiming to loosen up fibrosed myofascial layers beneath the coat to separate and move as they should. We don`t want too much slip at the surface.
What will my Vet or Back-Person say?
They should be pleased that you are maintaining your horse on a regular basis. The FascialEdge® is widely used by vets, therapists and trainers (see what people say page)
What if my horse`problems don`t get better?
Most horses will make a noticeable improvements with this simple routine but if pain and flinching persist for more than a few weeks, do consult a professional. Your first call should always be your veterinary surgeon, and only then other properly qualified professionals. At the end of the day your horse`s health always comes first.
Doesn’t using a metal tool detract from the human contact?
If used alone, yes. But we recommend that initial touch and palpation is made by hand. In practice, when using the FascialEdge , one or both hands will be on the horse` coat at all times.
How is it possible to palpate using an instrument?
We stress that initial and superficial palpation should be made by hand….there`s no substitute for manual touch. But soft touch sensation (from Merkels discs in the fingertips) is lost when deep pressure is applied. When carrying out deep palpation, the FascialEdge® can give feedback that fingers alone can`t.
The Fascial Edge Kit
Fascial Edge Tool
Super comfortable for horse and handler. Stainless Steel construction for perfect weight and easy skin-glide. One quality tool that will last a lifetime
Free Video Guide
Live footage of every massage move
Graphic illustrations of the Scanlines
Instructions Booklet
Step-by-step photos & descriptions
The Scanlines of the Quarters
Using the long edge of the tool
Working over the biceps femoris tendons
… vital for impulsion