General Bodywork FAQ’s
Yes if they’ll let me. Cats are some of the less patient clients I get. Often, even domesticated cats can be difficult to introduce a new person to. They frequently have “off-limit” areas and can be very strict about personal space. However, even in the most extreme cases, I am willing to work with an owner to help reshape the kitty’s association with human contact.
Absolutely. Not only has it been shown to improve flexibility, but it has also shown to regulate heart rate and improve race times. Here is a study done on Arabian racehorses showing significant improvement during the racing season by incorporating 3 massages per week on the equine athletes. “The changes of the parameters throughout the season suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calmer. Moreover, the horses from the experimental group had better race performance records.” Adding Massage to your program could literally improve your sport horse’s performance.
In this study, massage was found to significantly improve a horse’s ability to move their hind limbs away from their body with human assistance, as well as on their own. We all want to show the judges longer, more free-flowing strides. This confirms massage as an exciting addition to the competitive equestrian’s training program before, during and after a competition.
The primary feeling, they will have is relief. I do not believe in forcing muscles to release or stretch which is often results in soreness. I work with your pet to help show them how to relax their own bodies. This process allows for faster recognition of therapeutic techniques in the future and longer-lasting results with each session. It also builds a bond with the animals teaching them to appreciate the healing touch of humans.
A pre-competition Massage will get your horse or dog’s blood moving and muscles warmed up before you even get into the warmup arena. It will help with relaxation and focus. When a horse walks into the arena a pre-competition Massage helps to reduce the risk of injury to legs and back by making sure the muscles are all working together in harmony.
Bowen can be given as often as you would like. If your pet is experiencing an issue, 3 sessions over a ten-day period are recommended to get the most out of the therapy. ***(Need to double-check this one)
Bowen Therapy is a very light manipulation of the fascia that signals the brain to reset body alignment, increase relaxation, stimulate the lymphatic system, release endorphins, interrupt the pain loops in the body, interrupt the muscle spasm loops in the body, improves mobility & works to release emotions retained in muscle memory.
Bodywork is defined as any therapeutic or developmental technique that involves manipulation of the body, breathwork or energetic healing. What we have learned through humans had been adapted to animals and expanded upon because animals are among our greatest teachers.
Canine FAQ’s
Dogs speak to us in many ways. They have probably already told you they needed one.
It depends on the situation. It can be as often as a few times per week or a few times per year depending on the goals of the massage work. For example, if we are working on anxiety it may be once or twice per month. If we are helping to recover from surgery, it may be multiple times per week tapering off to once every month-2 months.
Increased threshold for relaxation, decreased pain, improved range of motion, improved mobility, improved flexibility, increase eagerness for work and for human contact, more thorough recovery after surgery, decreased the risk of injury to non-injured side during recovery from an injury.
It is so wonderful that you spend this quality time with your Pet. As pack animals, dogs crave and respond to petting and touch in a most positive way. This is an underrated tool and I can teach you techniques to incorporate in your day to day to improve your connection with your pet.
If your dog has any of these traits you should look to schedule an appointment with an experienced canine bodyworker:
• Suffers from pain or inflammation,
• Suffers from anxiety (over strangers, nails clipped, thunderstorms, anything)
• Has an overactive personality (mind never stops, muscles are always tense, and the dog is jumpy or hyper)?
• Has an uneven stride
• Is going to have or has already had surgery
• Difficulty handling the animal for vet or grooming appointments
• Strenuous exercise
• Competition level training
Equine FAQ’s
Horses speak to us in many ways. They have probably already told you they needed one.
Horses in light work = as needed depending on the situation
Horses in moderate work = every 4-8 weeks
Horses in intense work = anywhere from multiple times per week to 1x/month
Increased threshold for relaxation, decreased pain, improved range of motion, improved mobility, improved flexibility, increase eagerness for work and for human contact, more thorough recovery after surgery, decreased the risk of injury to non-injured side during recovery from an injury.
I would love for you to be there if possible, but often this does not work into an owner’s schedule. Often, in a boarding barn environment, there is a trusted barn manager or barn owner that can meet me and give me a quick update before a session. I prefer to do massage in a stall, so the horse is free to move and eat hay as they wish, rarely is holding required except in special circumstances.
Absolutely. Bodywork is not just for relaxation although it helps to reach this to the horse. The primary goal at Arena Sports Massage is to increase movement quality and help the horse reconnect to areas that have been segregated due to prolonged muscle tension. This is done in a non-invasive way as to not damage delicate tissues. Your horse will feel better than ever. Enjoy the ride!
If your horse has any of these traits you should look to schedule an appointment with an experienced equine bodyworker:
• Is in moderate to intense exercise
• Regular training has increased
• Competition level training
• Has an uneven stride
• Trips frequently
• Stands unevenly
• Is struggling with certain exercises in training
• Suffers from pain or inflammation,
• Suffers from anxiety (over strangers, human contact, thunderstorms, anything)
• Has an overactive personality (mind never stops, muscles are always tense, and the horse is jumpy or hyper)?
• Just doesn’t know how to relax
• Is going to have or has already had surgery
• Difficulty handling the animal for vet or farrier
• Unusual Strenuous activity
• Unusual behavior traits popping up (bucking, kicking, biting, protective of body, refusing to perform previously compliant tasks)
My goal with my horse Abel is to keep him comfortable and enjoying his work. Lily’s services have kept him moving freely and fluidly during his dressage and jumping riders. He is relaxed, focused, and comfortable in his skin! I’ve noticed an improved range of motion and flexibility since keeping with a regular, therapeutic program with Lily. He always falls into a deep state of relaxation during sessions, which tells me how much he enjoys time with “Aunt Lil!” I would recommend integrating The Vital Horse and Hound into part of your horses’ overall wellness routine.
Lilly and her massage therapy has been amazing for my senior horse Elvis. I can tell if he hasn’t had a session with her in a few days. He’s really stiff and moving slowly. Not eating as well and in general not as comfortable as I would like for him to be. So I now keep him on a regular schedule with her. It makes his life better! Thanks Lilly!!
Lillian is incredible. Her dedication to and focus on rescue animals, is inspiring. Both of our rescues had behavioral challenges and Lillian made a significant impact. Better than any trainer out there!
My horse loves Lil’s therapeutic work. She dotes on all of the animals that she comes in contact with and they show their appreciation of her time, touch, and attention!
Comment: Thank you! You have such a great crew. It’s always my pleasure to work with them.
