Techniques used in a basic
sports massage session

Direct Pressure
As the name suggests, direct pressure technique involves using pressure directly on the horse’s muscles. It may be used for an initial scan for muscles pain and tension at stress points. It is also used to treat trigger points and stress points. By placing direct pressure on the point, it creates a lack of blood in the area. When released, the blood rushes back in and can amplify the healing process. The increase in blood circulation helps the muscle heal and the healing helps the blood circulation. There is also a release of histamine and acetylcholine for up to hours after the session.

https://veteriankey.com/forelimb-function/

Cross Fiber Friction
Again, as the name suggests, this technique applies friction perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers (or across the fibers). It therapeutically separates fibers that have adhered together so that the muscles can act more freely during activity. For this treatment, it is important to know the direction of the muscle fibers. While not as effective, if in doubt of fiber direction, circular friction can be used.

Compression
This technique aims to relax the whole body of the muscle that was tight. It involves rhythmic squeezing, sliding, or thrusting of the hand or fingers down the length of the muscle. Spasms are caused by tight muscles, to encourage the spasm to remain inactive, the whole muscle must be addressed and not just the one knot/spasm/trigger point. 

Effleurage 
If a horse is reluctant to be touched, this technique helps introduce massage treatment to him. It can also be used to assess the condition of the skin and muscle as well as warm up the muscle to prepare it for deeper or different technique. It is used in a gliding motion that follows the body contours of the horse. Effleurage is also used in treating lymph flow more than the other techniques. 

Petrissage
Like compression strokes, petrissage uses rhythmic stokes, this time lifting the skin or muscles and squeezing it. The idea is to help flush the metabolic waste from that area and encourage blood and oxygen flow to the trouble are. To fully flush the toxins, petrissage needs to be followed with a few effleurage strokes in the correct direction.  

Side note, my favorite technique of all is a subset of petrissage called the skin roll, which is exactly as it sounds. This technique is especially helpful for horses whose fascia under the skin on their neck is very tight. Treating the neck with skin rolling multiple times during week can help muscle function of the poll, neck, and shoulder. Ask me how to do it!

Tapotment
Another way to prepare the muscle for deeper massage  (by adding kinetic energy and therefore warming the muscle) is “taping” it, or tapotoment. As this is a striking motion, it will help stimulate a weak muscle, increase blood flow in a localized areas, and help desensitize a ticklish spot. This is not a technique to be used after a work out as it might put muscle spindles into spasm.

Vibration 
Another technique named for how it is done- the area in question is vibrated by a rapid shaking or rocking movement. While sounding simple it does require practice and coordination and identification of the correct area to work, more so than the other techniques. Done correctly, it has many benefits including, but not limited to: increasing circulation, mobilizing skin adhered to fascia, pain relief, stimulation of muscle fibers, and gas movement.

Myofascial Release
The slowest massage technique is the one that works at the deepest layers of the horse. Fascia is the binding that holds all the muscles and tissues together, as well as separates them from each other. When the fascia get sticky, the muscle can’t glide. There has been recent studies on the under valued importance of fascia and it is becoming a hot topic to help address poor biomechanics of moment, chronic pain and compensation, decreased strength/endurance, and altered skeletal alignment.