When this phrase is uttered to a registered equine massage therapist (REMT) it sparks a challenge for us to help, fix and encourage the proper way of going. If you're the person that mutters this phrase please be prepared to answer a downpour of questions as our mind whirrs and compiles the list of questions with boxes to be neatly checked off one by one.

Questions that will probably be on the list:

"What does his normal gait look like?"
    Every horse has it's own normal. Conformation, injuries and their job all play into how a horse moves and how it's been trained to move. Have you ever seen a naturally lofty moving horse pretend to be a western pleasure horse? Sometimes the only clues we are given is that "the horse just won't canter left" or "sticks his nose right when we stop." Your REMT will most likely ask to see the horse at work on a lunge and under-saddle.

"When did the horse start exhibiting new behavior?"

• Was it at a horse show that's conducted mostly on concrete? Many horses get sore after 4 days of concrete floors and roads with x-number of hours spent balancing in a trailer.

• Was the horse turned out in a field with a few playmates on a muddy day? Geldings typically play too hard and strain muscles when they should be quietly eating grass.
  
• Was it after a tack change? Saddle fit should always be the first thing checked after obvious injuries are ruled out. The next item to be checked tends to a bit change that's irritating the horse.
  
• Has the rider been doing anything different? Is the rider compensating for an injury or tight and painful muscles, sitting a little deeper to the left or right? If the rider is unbalanced it manifests in how the horse moves and ultimately can be the "ah ha!" moment where we discover exactly why the horse is lame on a particular side. This is where being a massage therapist who works on both sides of the fence comes in handy.

"What has been done to treat the horse?"
    Although equine massage is gaining ground as a credible profession in the world we are still a long way away from having a REMT on your speed dial. Many times we are called out as "the last resort" before doing something drastic like nerve blocks or surgery. My favorite challenging case started with "She's already seen the vet and two chiropractors. We just brought her home from Rood & Riddle and they couldn't find anything. Good luck!" I'm happy to report that this particular case is back to full work after 2 treatments. All REMT's are trained to work WITH your healthcare providers. We all have an important role to fill and it's always best when the right hand knows what the left hand is up too.

After all of these questions the REMT will put her hands to their hands on the horse and begin a preliminary examination (temperature fluctuations, edema and texture changes). From this point the therapist will start fitting the pieces together to tell the horse's story and correct what imbalances that exist and let you know of any old injuries and any new injuries that need to be addressed. From here the REMT forms a game-plan with the owner and healthcare team with the horse's well being in mind.

A quick note: There is no substitute for education when it comes to treating an animal that is having any sort of lameness issue. Please be thorough and ask about the equine massage therapists credentials before allowing them to treat your horse. There are some good schools and there are many many one week courses out there that graduate hundreds of "equine massage therapists" every year.  Please see "What do all those letters mean?" for more information.

Post #13/20 for the Blogging with Love challenge

I've started about 6 different articles in the last 2 days and can't seem to complete my thoughts but while lacking focus this morning and singing along to one of my favorite musicals, Wicked, I'm reminded how everyone touches our lives. How each and every person someone changes us. Even if we're only blessed enough to have them by our sides for a blissful summer, or as a best friend during your final year of school or as a guest lecturer in a techniques class.

These people seem to truly touch my heart more than those I see everyday. Maybe it's because they're only in our lives for such a short period of time. Maybe it's because they're sent to teach us a lesson (which sometimes takes a while to sink in). Whatever the reason we are changed for good or bad, it's our decision to make.

This post isn't really meant to say that your massage therapist will become your best friend, but your therapist will touch your life. We may ease the tension in your body and elevate your mood. But it is you who transfers your better mood to your life. When we are happy and feeling good everyone around us feels just a bit better too. Relationships improve.

But this post comes with a challenge. I challenge you to contact someone who has changed your life "for good." Or if you've lost contact, blog about them or write them a letter. Tell them how they've touched your heart. For my horse people this could even be a horse who's left hoof prints on your heart.

I wish I room to post pictures of everyone but I did want to give a shout out too:
Molly Blair, Kathrine Bonai, Amy,  Danielle Schirtzinger, Kory Che, Emily Oxenford, "The Freak Show" (you guys know who you are!), Mark Henry, Dan Totman, Mike Porter, Billy Barber, Jamie & Julia, Jackie Walker, Natalie & Julie, Sue Shaw, Alice Richmond, Jan Marconi

Today I found myself driving up and down a stretch of OH 95 looking for a road that I was sure existed because Google told me so. Then it dawned on me that this is a lot like life.

How many times have you done something because someone told you to do it. That that one particular thing is "your calling." But what is your calling? Is that the right path for you? Do you even know what you want to do with the rest of your life? Am I stressing you out?!

When I finally found the road I was supposedly to turn down the sign read "Road Closed: Bridge Out". This road had once been a nice dirt road that is now so grown over that I drove right by it three times. So many dreams seem to stop at the first hiccup and return to square one only to emerge with a new dream. But to those who are persistent (i.e. like me) there's always another way. It may be the opposite direction of where you THINK you need to be but there seems to be a mysterious way where that experience will lead to another experience (and maybe another and another) until you are where you're meant to be. Where the stars fall into line and everything is suddenly easier.

This weeks life lesson: Stop fighting, stop struggling. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you.

Fibromyalgia and conditions very similar to it have been documented since the late 16th century but it wasn’t until 1987 that fibromyalgia was acknowledged as a distinct syndrome by the American Medical Association. That distinction was quickly followed by the American College of Rheumatology’s definition in 1990 (2). This definition was updated in 2010 and removed the tender points as the focus of diagnosis. (For more information click here: Short Version (3), In Depth Version (4).  Although fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a somewhat common condition not everything is known about the details. Such as what causes FMS, what are the specific symptoms and how these symptoms can be eased or stopped all-together.

That’s a tall order for a little blog, so I’ll offer links where I can to expound upon the ideas presented. If you are so inclined I have also included a works cited section for those of you who are super adventurous.

What is known about FMS:

• It’s the most common non-deforming rheumatic condition
• So far a single cause or cure is unknown.
• The causes are complex and have more than one body process functioning therefore there are many theories as to the exact cause.
• There are several conditions that are commonly associated with FMS whether they are a cause or are caused by FMS remains a hot debate between researchers. Some of these conditions are:

1. ·         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
2. ·         Allergy/Chemical Sensitivity: referred to as “allergic myalgia”
3. ·         Anxiety
4. ·         Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
5. ·         Depression
6. ·         Dysregulation of brain function
7. ·         Sleep Disorders
8. ·         Thyroid Dysfunction
9. ·         Trauma: commonly whiplash
10. ·         Viral Infection

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) seem to be very closely linked, so close in fact that Leon Chaitow often links CFS while writing about the research into FMS.

So what causes fibromyalgia?

Researchers have been hypothesizing about causes for over 50 years and seem to have landed on a few different ideas with various degrees of support from other intelligent minds. The most likely hypothesis seems to be a genetic predisposition to the syndrome. Other hypotheses include:

• Altered biological rhythms: aka chronobiological hypothesis

• Negative effects resulting from an overstimulated immune system: aka Immune dysfunction
• Pain itself may be the cause of FMS: nociceptive hypothesis
• Cortisol deficiency: aka "Stress hormone deficiency"
• Thyroid hormone dysfunction 

So they're not sure what's going on, now what can be done?

Treatments should be focused on enhancing immune function and helping the body to detoxify. Attention should also be paid to reducing all forms of stress on the body including biomechanical and psychogenic. Last but not least is the alleviation of symptoms no matter if they are, or are not, directly linked to FMS (this helps to reduce the stress load on the body)

Basically it's up to the person who suffers from FMS to find out what works for them and what symptom in particular is the most important to alleviate. Once one symptom has been successfully reduced or controlled the next can be addressed.

Most patients with FMS successfully use an overlap between mainstream medicine (with the doctors and the pills) and complementary/alternative health care (massage therapists, acupuncturists etc). What can be gathered from research is that just about any form of treatment, whether it by hypnotherapy, aerobic exercise, massage therapy, stress therapy, medication or nutritional supplements, help someone. All you have to do is try something but keep in mind that all forms of treatment should be seen as a form of stress to the body so start slow and see how the patient responds. (Article: Top Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia)(5)

So you've read this far. Are you wondering why I'm really into this topic?

My mom has fibromyalgia. I have also performed a clinical review of her case and over the last 10 years we have figured out what works for her and what does nothing. She has tried many different therapies over the years and has currently found her"magic recipe." This combination includes quitting smoking (yay mom!), stress management and bi-weekly chiropractic and massage visits (one treatment directly followed by the next). Her flare ups are typically linked to the weather, physical exertion and bad shoes.

Massage Considerations
The application of massage in a normal situation requires skill and these specialized skills are magnified during the treatment of FMS. Patients often request deep tissue work but this type of work is contraindicated (not allowed) when working with FMS due to the body seeing the work as an invasive stressor. Light to moderate work mixed with gentle myofascial release and lymphatic drainage are often used successfully.

Do You Have Fibromyalgia?
Then I highly suggest the addition of massage therapy to your regimen of treatment and see what a skilled massage therapist can do for you. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. Call or text 740-504-0044 or email me at [email protected]

Works Cited

Ah, the time of year when mother nature gives Ohioans a brief break from freezing temperatures and the threat of ice storms. It's also the best time of year when mama nature tricks our mares into dropping their foals earlier that anticipated while our backs are turned enjoying the glorious sunshine.

As you soak your aching joints in sunshine and read this blog you're wondering why my point is. Point A) You may want to watch the foal-cam extra close tonight and B) how massage can help relieve the stresses of pregnancy.

For he lovely mares in your life massage is performed while they stand in their favorite stall and maybe munch a little hay. For those of us with two feet it's a bit more complicated. During a pregnancy massage you will always be placed in a semi-reclining or side-lying position supported by as many pillows as you desire.These positions relieve pressure that the fetus may cause on the aorta and restrict blood flow if you were to be placed on your back or lying face-down. Pillows will also be placed between your needs to help take the strain off of your low back.

In this case massage helps to relieve that pesky low back and hip pain caused by carrying a child. It can also relieve sciatica and help to improve your breathing. Massage is also very important for the mental well-being of the mother, it soothes and relaxes frazzled nerves and the constant worry pregnancy brings.

That is all for today's blog. Go out and enjoy the sunshine! I'm going to attack the flowerbeds!

Post #7? of 20

How is age measured? Its it by years, days, hours, minutes and seconds  or is it measured by experiences and the challenges we have faced over our short time on earth? If the first then I am 25. If the second I am well into my thirties.

Because of my age I am often dismissed as being to young to know my craft. Too young to give advice on how to bring your horse back from that bad slip in the mud even though I was asked to give the advice. If you meet me on the street and ask my age, you'll usually be brushed off with the comment "old enough" and let my work speak for itself.

I have debated about putting the following information out in the great wide world but since I'm from and live in a small community it's easy enough to find out. So here it goes.

For those that think I am too young here's my response.
Dear Sir or Madame,
I am old enough to have loved and lost. I am old enough to be married, to make good decisions as well as the odd dumb mistake. I am old enough to have children and yet only one to hold in my arms. I have better base training that almost any massage therapist in the United States. So if you find that my age stands in the way of you or your horse getting fantastic massage therapy, it's your loss.

For those of you measure age by life experience: I thank you

I currently sit half watching Julie & Julia while composing this blog entry because it embodies not only the essence of the blog challenge I have entered but also my view to life: Give yourself a goal and work toward it. No matter how long it takes, as long as you're moving forward you haven't failed. Don't give up. Ever.

Post #6 of 20

What is it about our society that has many people instiled with the concept "No Pain. No Gain."? Why do we think that something has to be painful in order to be beneficial or effective?

At least once a week a client tells me that "they can take it" and to go ahead and just dig in there. This statement alone tends to get my goat. Maybe it's because I became an equine massage therapist first. Maybe it's because I'm more sensitive. Or maybe it's because that you should NEVER be taken to the upper end of your pain threshold during a massage in my honest opinion.

When your body is sending signals of pain it is unable to relax. It's unable to undo the holding pattern that your body has been maintaining. Muscles are not released only tightened when pain is introduced. It doesn't matter whether you grit your teeth and say "It's okay" and breathe through it or let out a loud "OUCH!". Your brain still recieves the pain signals and responds accordingly with the appropriate chemicals.

I'll be honest, I've had trigger therapy. deep tissue and medical massage done to me personally when I'm looking for a quick fix. While the area that was treated does function better, I was left sore 2-5 days later and the rest of my body was no where near relaxed. Do these modalitles have their place? Yes. Do I practice some of these techniques? Yes. Then how am I any different?

You will not find the "No Pain, No Gain" way of thinking on my table or in the barn. Why? Maybe it's because my early career I soley relied on feedback from my equine clients and owners. If the pressure was too deep too fast feet or teeth were presented in protest. No only was I in a position of bodily harm but I noticed that I would be back to square one and have to start all over to relieve tension in the muscles and regain the horse's trust. There's just no way to tell a 1000 pound animal to "breathe through the pain." That they'll "be okay in just a minute." So instead of asking you to tough it out I blend gentle, yet effective, techniques to achieve your goals. Tigger point therapy is only applied if the area is already warmed up and we are down to the same depth as the TP. This decreases the amount of pain you experience and shortens the duration that a TP need to be "held" in order for the release to occur. Deep tissue techniques are only used when there are no other options left. If the same results can be achieved using swedish massage, myofacial release and active isolated stretching why not use those before causing pain?

Thank you for reading this far and hopefully you can understand my view point.

This has been Kate Meyers REMT, LMT with her honest opinion and post number 5 of 20 in the blogging challenge.

After a long two weeks of clients, chasing a 16 month old, taking care of my man-children (my husband and his gaggle of friends) and keeping up on all that it takes to run a household and busniess, I'm pooped. Tired. Kaput.

But then something magical has happened. A (so-far) good, thoughtful movie was brought home from the library amongst the smattering of Veggie Tales and Disney movies. The little one was eager to go to bed and the men are doing what I can only assume to be manly things in the basement.

So here I sit, sipping on a lovely cup of cocoa, watching the Kings Speech (you thought I wasn't going to tell you) plugging away at this website and blog challenge and sigh a huge sigh of relief. I feel as though I'm on vacation and it's a beautiful thing.

So I remind you to:
Take time for you. Take a moment. A breath. An hour.
Knit. Read a book. Have a quiet dinner with your favorite person.
Get a massage.

Whatever you do, make it count to you.
This is your time. Seize it. Don't let it slip away.

Post #3 of the Blogging Challenge

What do tension headaches, low back pain, heel pain and forelimb lameness all have in common?

If you guessed pain you're a cheeky sort like me, but the real answer is that the pain doesn't originate in these areas. Tension headaches are caused by overly tight muscles in your neck and shoulders. Low back pain is commonly caused by tight glutes and hamstrings. Heel pain can be caused by rock hard calves. Forelimb lameness has a multitude of other causes that are not limited to saddle fit, neck tension and hind end injuries.

It's all connected.
If you've been on my table you've probably heard this phrase. In school we're taught pieces and parts and how they function individually. Without 1+1 we would never figure out that 2 1's = 2. This is also how the body works. Without our tricep to counteract our biceps we wouldn't be able to flex and extend our elbows (you're trying it right now aren't you? Good!). If you remove the deltiod, supraspinatus, trapezius or pectoralis major your shoulder wouldn't function properly.

Your body is an amazing dynamic system that works best in harmony and balance. This is why as a massage therapist I do not just work on "the sore spot." Many people that come through my doors wind up having a completely different section of their body worked on than what they thought was the problem. Once the initial problem is resolved, say neck tension for example, The body will lead us to an older area of tension, followed by an even older area of holding. Your body will focus on the "latest and greatest" of injuries and pain and put older issues on the back burner.

So the next time your massage therapist says that you'll need another session (or two) before you feel 100% better. Stop. Think. And listen to your body. 9 out of 10 therapists are telling you the truth and are not just looking for a fatter paycheck.

For this reason I offer the "Carrot Discount": Keep 3 appointments in a row (no matter the amount of time between them) and get 50% off your third treatment. OR if you need a bigger carrot to keep you motivated I offer your sixth appointment for free.

Post #2 of the 20 posts in 28 days challenge

So it begins. I've done it now. I've signed up and committed myself to 20 posts in 28 days! What am I THINKING! I must be barking mad but those of us that seem to be mad also have flashes of brilliance. I hope to bring at least one flash of brilliance to this project.

So far I only have a small list of topics planned but I would like to hear from you what you would like to learn about! I try to keep the blog focused to massage, health and horses but I do enjoy the odd adventure. Feel free to comment and leave an idea!

Current planned articles:
*"Old Man Winter: Snow & Back Injuries"
*Posture and our lives
*Fibromyalgia & Massage
*Overview of different types of massage: Please comment if you're interested in a particular type and I'll do my best to answer your questions!
*Nutritional Value of Food
*Online booking
*2013 Show Schedule
*Stress Management vs Taxes