Petrissage is probably what most people think of when they picture a massage. That is because petrissage is one of the main movements used in Equine Therapy.

After you have prepared your horse's muscle by using nerve strokes and effleurage, you are now ready to move into working out some muscle tension and restriction problems.

Petrissage is the next step. There are many variations to petrissage, and you can play around and find what works best for you and your horse. The basic stroke of petrissage just needs to be a kneading type movement. It is meant to increase the circulation to the tissue and to help soften the muscle tissue and to help prepare it for deeper equine therapy movements.



Variation 1:

One way I like to apply petrissage is by using the palms of my hands to "pick up" the tissue.

Start by balancing your hand with your fingers touching your horse. Curve your hand so that the heel of your hand is touching your horse and your fingers are being used for balance. Apply pressure to the heel of your hand by "leaning"with your body weight and moving the tissue in a circular motion.

You may do this with either one hand, or two. Be sure to keep both hands on the horse at all times either way.










Variation 2:

Another way to apply petrissage is to use your hands formed into loose fists. Sink your fist into the muscle tissue by "leaning" your body weight into your horse - not pushing.

Start out light at first and work deeper as - and only if - your horse allows. You can pretend like you are kneading bread. It is a very similar movement.

You will alternate from hand to hand, working from your hips/pelvis - not your shoulders. Using your hips is better for your body mechanics. It also helps to keep your movements smooth and rhythmic as well as keeping you from "pushing" into a muscle using your strength instead of leverage.

Always be sure to apply petrissage only to muscle areas. Do not apply them to bony areas. Your horse will not like it!!!

You may also apply petrissage to small areas by using your fingers or thumbs. Just be careful not to fall into using them very often. You will tire quickly and probably have very sore thumbs Please read the section about Proper Body Mechanics for Equine Therapy if you have not already done so.

Petrissage is also used quite often for Equine Sports Massage Therapy since it is a stimulating movement and it's purpose is to increase circulation and release tension in the horse's muscles.



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