Massage Info

Equine Massage Therapy in Perspective: Part Four

For the fourth part of this series on equine massage
therapy I have decided to present a glossary of terms
that you may find helpful.

Glossary

Conformation: how a horse's body is put together. A horse's
body shape, configuration of body parts & the relationship
between those parts & how they function. A horse's conforma-
tion determines how he will move & how well/poorly his body
can withstand the effects of various movements, esp. con-
cussion & stress.

Contraction: stimulation of a muscle by a motor nerve. This
stimulation puts an otherwise resting muscle into action to
perform a specific function, for example, flexing the neck.

Contractions- 3 types
1-Isometric Contraction: occures when a muscle contracts without
causing any visible movement. Example: When a horse is stand-
ing isometric contractions of various muscles ensures that the
horse stays upright & stable.
2-Concentric Contraction: occurs when a muscle shortens as it
contracts. Most commonly seen in protraction & retraction of
the limbs and in movements of the back or neck.
3-Eccentric Contraction: this type of contraction aids regular
movements to avoid jerky, unstable actions; it is also involved
in shock absorption during the landing phase of jumping.

Contracture: a condition in which muscle fibers stay contracted
beyond the point when they should have relaxed. The muscle
fibers do not "let go" of their contractile power. A contrac-
ture will become a muscle spasm if it goes on long enough.

Fascia: a type of connective tissue made up of a tough, col-
lagenous fiber. It forms continuous "sheets" throughout the
body connecting skin, muscles, & skeletal structures. It has
a variety of important functions, including protecting,
supporting, & connecting everything throughout the body. Fascia
works as a tension sensor, water storage tissue, communica-
tion network (which conveys bioelectrical signals between
every part of the body) & facilitates movement of structures
by providing a smooth coating which allows various structures
to glide smoothly over each other during movement.

Hypertonicity: refers to the tone of muscle(s) that is
strong & well-used.

Hypotonicity: refers to the tone of a muscle(s) that is weak,
underused & lacking proper tone.

Inflammation: the protective response of tissues to irritation
or injury. This response is characterized by redness, swelling,
pain, & heat.

Ligament: a band of connective tissue that links one bone to another.
Ligaments are made up of collagen fiber & have a limited blood
supply. As a result, they tend to heal slowly if injured. Most
ligaments are located around joints & have limited contractile
power.

Movement Terms
Protraction: forward movement of the limbs.
Retraction: backward movement of the limbs.

Muscle Attachment: 2 types
1-Aponeurosis: a fibrous or membraneous sheet that connects a
muscle to bone
2-Tendon: the part of a muscle that attaches the muscle to bone.
Tendons are made up of dense, fibrous tissue- a type of con-
nective tissue.

Spasm: an involuntary muscle contraction of sudden onset.

Stress Point: most often occur in a muscle's origin tendon, a
stress point is caused by tearing of muscle fibers
which result in a spasm of the affected tissue(s). A stress
point can range from involving only a very small portion of a
muscle (affecting only a few muscle fibers) to a full-blown
spasm affecting the entire muscle.

Stretch Reflex: a protective mechanism within the muscle. The
stretch reflex causes the muscle to contract in order to prevent
its being overstretched  & torn.

Trigger Point: a painful build up of toxins in the belly of a
muscle caused by inadequate circulation.

Touch Shyness: a fear of being touched. This fear may be about
being touched anywhere on the body or may be limited to only
certain parts of the body. For example, being fearful of being
touched on the head or poll.