Canine & Equine Sports Massage By Lucy Deveney

05/09/2021

This is my 12 year old border terrier, Jazz.
Despite being a super healthy dog now, a few years ago that wasn't the case.

Jazz had an accident, we had no idea what happened but she came in from the garden dragging her back legs behind her. She was paralysed. She had no deep pain reflexes and we really thought we were going to lose her.

The vet told us to keep her on cage rest and give her painkillers. She started to improve, but became very weak behind. Physiotherapy and massage played a massive role in Jazz's recovery, and she made a full recovery and walked again. It was one of the main reasons why I decided to follow the path of physiotherapy and massage.

The importance of physiotherapy and massage can often be overlooked as not necessary. But I don't believe Jazz would be walking today if she wasn't rehabilitated. ❤

16/08/2021

Loved seeing this guy tonight, Barney.
I have been treating him for a few months now as he suffers with a unknown neurological condition.
From being unable to hold a steady standing position and struggling to walk without falling, to now doing laps around the local park and getting stronger everyday.
Couldn't be prouder of Barney and his owners dedication to getting him back on his feet!

04/08/2021

Massage for these two!

Any dog in any discipline will benefit from regular massages. Any injury will result in compensation, which can result in further injury. It doesn't matter if they have had surgery or even just pulled a muscle. It has massive knock on effects that can cause havock within the body!

07/07/2021

Billie has been making some real progress with her rehabilitation!
Regular massages and good ground work has lead us to this point in riding.

Ground work is so important to do before you think about jumping in the saddle! Long lining wherever you can is a great way to start, and then start introducing poles to make them lift their core and work correctly without the weight of a rider on board.

If you need any help with ground work ideas then please drop me a message!

14/05/2021

Equine Massage Kevin

This is Kevin, a true credit to his owners amazing care for him!

He is a 20 year old, TB ex race horse. He lives happily out in the field, hacking out and enjoying himself.

When I visited Kevin, he was showing signs of arthritis behind and pain through his back and shoulders. As horses age, the composition of their muscles change, becoming less elastic and causing discomfort.

During he's session, Kevin was showing many signs of release. Yawning, licking and chewing, snorting and shaking his head were all signs of his releasing tension through the body, which is my aim for every horse I treat!

11/05/2021

This is a great technique that everyone can do!

Horses hold tension in their face, just like we hold tension in our shoulders.

Here, I am gently holding my hand on her upper gum and she is pressing into my hand, moving her bottom jaw and tongue to release tension.

Lots of yawning followed after this and it is really easy for you to try on your own horse!!

06/05/2021

Canine Massage, Poppy

I had the pleasure of treating Poppy! She looks like a 6 month old puppy but she's actually 4 years old, absolutely beautiful!

Poppy was a little unsure of me at first, a stranger is coming into her home and touching her so she was reluctant to come over at first.

But patience and perseverance paid off and she really relaxed into her massage. Her owner takes care of her so well that there wasn't any big problems! Just a few areas of tightness and stiffness from her excitable nature.

Can't wait to see Poppy next month!

04/05/2021

Equine Rehabilitation Series

This equine rehabilitation series is one I am doing on my own horse, Billie.

She is almost 7 years old, 15.2 TB Mare. She has an asymmetrical pelvis which causes weakness through her glutes, especially on the right side.

Billie has had a few weeks out of work due to ulcer treatment and has been slowly coming back into work.

I am going to document her progression, what I do to build muscle, what I feed her and what treatments I give her.

Her progression will show what I give to owners on a daily basis to build up their horses and keep them flexible and well!

23/02/2021

I have written an ebook for all the dog owners out there with pets suffering from arthritis!

This book outlines the issues causes by arthritis and what you can do as an owners to help make your pet your comfortable.

I treat so many dogs with arthritis, but this book will help those people I cannot directly reach.

Link is below! 👇

Canine & Equine Sports Massage by Lucy Deveney - Living With Arthritis eBook

28/01/2021

Why Should Puppies be Massaged?

Sports massage for puppies is a great way for them to start with their massaging experience.

Not only would I be massaging your puppy, I would also be prescribing exercises and tips to help your puppy grow strong and healthy.

Any problems or issues can be identified quickly, and it is a great way for them to start being used to touch and manipulation which is great for their development.

Some puppies also need to have surgeries or treatments at an early age that may affect their development therefore massage is so important for them.

I am offering puppy massages at a discounted price of £25 each so they will get the best start in life. If you would like to book, please just drop me a message!

08/01/2021

COVID 19

As we enter another national lockdown, some of us find we have more time for our animals again. Rather than dwelling on the effects of lockdown, I believe we should turn it into a positive and start doing more with our animals.

For dog owners: use your time to take a new adventure with your dog, try some doggy yoga, teach them a new trick, keep them mobile by hiding treats around a room and letting them sniff them out (the latter is my personal favourite).

For horse owners: I think this is a great time to bond with your horse, there is more time to spend and enjoy them rather than rushing down after work to ride and go home! Take them for a hand graze if you have the facilities. Winter is upon on meaning less turnout, so get them out the stable as much as you can to keep them mobile. Give them a winter trim up, do some carrot stretches, hide treats or hayledge around their stable so they have to move around to eat. Why not try some new groundwork techniques? There are a plethora of videos on YouTube that you can use.

Just use this time to enjoy your animals as much as you can, and stay safe.

27/12/2020

Benefits of Equine Massage part 3

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY HORSE BE MASSAGED? 🐎

Massage should form part of the routine care of your horse. Used during training and pre and post competition massage keeps muscles healthy, builds up those that may have wasted, maintains strength and suppleness and prevents atrophy even during a period of box rest or restricted work.

After exertion massage minimizes stiffness and speeds repair to tissue damaged as an inevitable result of physical stress and fatigue. Passive stretches help to keep or restore joints and muscles to full working capacity.