Softening the Hamstring
Prevent possible injury with regular massage
by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt T
ightness in the hamstring muscle group is common in all athletic horses regardless of discipline, age or breed. Regular massage of your horse’s hamstrings can assist the muscles’ fitness, maximize performance and prevent possible injury associated with physical stress.
Located at the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscle group is made up of:
• the biceps femoris, the most lateral muscle of the group • the semitendinosus, the most medial • the semimembranosus muscles, between the other two They all originate by the sacrum and first few coccygeal vertebrae as well as the sacrosciatic ligament. They insert on either side of the tibia bone, with the biceps femoris on the lateral side and the semitendinosus and semimembranosus on the medial aspect.
The “Origin-Insertion” massage technique will do wonders to keep that muscle group supple. After you warm up the muscle group with the SEW approach (Stroking, Effleurage and Wringing), apply some gentle finger kneading massage movements first over the origin tendon and then on the insertion tendons. Follow with a gentle double-hand friction over the entire muscle bundle. Intersperse with effleurage. Finish with the WES approach (Wringing, Effleurage and Stroking). Repeat on other side. This massage technique will maintain your horse’s hamstring loose and toned.
You should feel the same muscle tonus on both the left and the right hamstring group. If one side is tighter, it is definitely a sign of muscle imbalance and should be investigated.
If within one hamstring group, you feel a different tonus among the 3 muscles, it could be revealing of a joint problem, or possibly a shoeing problem. Consult your veterinarian!
I know this massage approach will help you maintain your horse’s hamstring fit and stress free.
Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, LMT, CEO Animal Awareness, has practiced as a Licensed Massage Terapist since 1983.
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www.holistichorse.com
His Massage Awareness Method® blends ancient traditional techniques and the latest developments in modern massage therapy. On his website
www.animalawareness.com, he offers a free library of articles on relevant topics about young, mature and aging animal care.
A. Biceps femoris B. Vertebral section C. Middle section D. Caudal section E. Semitendinosus F. Semimembranosus G. Fibula H. Tibia
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C D E G H Holistic Horse™ • August/September 2012 • Vol.19, Issue 80
RobinDorn
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