Body Mechanic Basics
It is very important for you to pay attention to how you are using your own body during an equine therapy session. You don't want to try to help your horse feel better while causing stress, strain, and fatigue to your own joints and muscles. Please take some time to read through these Body Mechanic Basic Tips. Try to keep them in mind while working with your horse.
Stay Relaxed:
Whatever you do, try to stay relaxed. By staying relaxed, you can prevent muscle fatigue and strain. It also sends a signal to your horse to be relaxed.
Be sure to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed and loose. You will probably find yourself tensing and raising your shoulder. Be sure to be aware this might happen and relax and drop your shoulder as soon as you notice it.
If necessary, "shake off" the tension in your own body before touching your horse.
Keep Proper Alignment:
ALWAYS be aware of keeping your spine in proper alignment.
Do not twist to reach an area on your horse's body by compromising your own. Change the position of your body if you need to.
Stay Behind the Stroke:
Be very careful to keep your wrist at, or less than, a 45 to 60 degree angle.
This photo shows the
correct angle.
If your wrist is at a 90 degree or more angle, you are on top of the stroke.
This photo shows the
incorrect angle.
Applying pressure to your wrist at a 90 degree or more angle will cause a repetitive strain injury to the tendons and ligaments involved with the joint. It will also cause you to push into your horse's muscles rather than allowing the muscle to relax and "open".
Try to avoid using your fingers and thumbs unless it is the
only option.
The joints in your fingers cannot withstand constant compression. Fingers can become fatigued and sore quickly, discouraging you from wanting to apply massage to your horse. Also, you may cause damage to your joints over time.
If you need to use your fingers or thumb, make sure you do
not allow the joints to bend
backward. Always have a forward curve in your fingers and keep your wrists in alignment with your forearm.
Try using one finger to support the other. By placing one finger on top of the other, you will decrease the amount of pressure placed on your fingers.
When using your thumb, allow your other fingers to lay on the horse for support.
When working on large muscle groups, work from your pelvis to get the most leverage.
If applying a two-handed technique, rotate from your pelvis, not your shoulders. Be sure to keep your shoulders loose and relaxed. Keep your spine in proper alignment at all times.
I think body mechanics are hard to describe and a little hard to understand without visual demonstrations. I have tried to get some photos to demonstrate. For those of you who would like to see video demonstrations, I hope to get to them once the weather gets better. Please join the
email list if you would like to be notified when they are available.
