The horse's latissimus dorsi is a large, powerful "swing" muscle that plays a huge role in movement, it's also where we as riders sit and it's also where the girth . When I treat this muscle I am mindful to ensure that I approach it in such a way that maximising relaxation & the release of tension is always priority. Ensuring the area is warmed up prior to any treatment is a must to maximise the treatment responses and success.
The Latissimus Dorsi's Muscle (see diagram):
Origin - Thoracolumbar Fascia, Supraspinous Ligamant.
Insertion - Teres Major Tuberosity of the Humerus.
Function - Responsible for retracting the forelimb. It also assists with the flexion of the shoulder. When the horse plants the forelimb on the ground this muscle pulls the body forward.
The following steps are how I treat this muscle:
Step 1. Warm The Area
This is accomplished by long, slow, gliding movements to create heat and relaxation. These movements also aid in bringing blood to the tissue which is required to bring fresh blood and nutrients to the area. What is also being accomplished is preparing the muscle for deeper work with a slow increase in pressure. Perform this action several times along the back and slowly progressing down the ribs and behind the front leg.
Step 2. Release Tension
Once the muscle has warmed up and become more pliable, the use of compression techniques allow us to apply a little more pressure into the muscle fibres. With compression, we’re applying sustained pressure to target and release any tight spots or knots. This helps release toxins that build up in the muscle tissue due to stress or overuse.
The latissimus dorsi can often hold tension due to it being involved in so many of the horse’s movements. These range from flexing to extending their back and shoulders. When using compression its perfectly ok to use the palm of your hand in a static position for up to 2 minutes. It is however very important that you monitor the horse's responses. If they appear to be calm and settled then you can apply a little more pressure. If they start to fidgit or show other signs of being uncomfortable then ease back on the applied pressure. REMEMBER always monitor you horse's responses thoughout.
Step 3. Muscle Health & Toxin Release
By using the above techniques, what we are trying to achieve is allowing the Latissimus Muscle to basically reset. The warming strokes applied at the beginning flush fresh blood and nutrients directly into the area, with the compression squeezing out any built-up waste products such as lactic acid.
Vasoconstriction and Vasodilation are two physiological responses that occur within the horse’s body that help to regulate blood flow, body temperature and oxygen/nutrient delivery to tissues and organs.
VASOCONSTRICTION: Describes a narrowing of the blood vessels.
VASODILATION: Describes a widening of the blood vessels.
When we use Compression techniques it creates temporary ischemia (vasoconstriction), stimulating mechanoreceptors within the horse’s skin and muscles providing therapeutic effects, which includes reduced pain, improved muscle health, and relaxation. When that compression is released it triggers a influx of blood to the area (reactive hyperemia or vasodilation). This in turn flushes out toxins, reduces pain and stimulates recovery of the muscles.
After any massage treatment you must "close" the area with similar strokes and glides as in the inital warming of the area. These now act as "drainage strokes".
