Kelly successfully uses bodywork and massage modalities such as Structural Integration and Neuromuscular Therapy to treat her clients’ abnormal compensatory patterns, myofascial trigger points, and overall knots, aches, and pains. She is trained in Advanced Equine Structural Integration from the Equine Natural Movement School and is on their faculty as a Module 1 Instructor. She is also a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (NCLMBT #14691), having graduated from the Western North Carolina School of Massage where she studied Neuromuscular Therapy, Swedish, and Prenatal Massage. Kelly has also spent time apprenticing with a highly skilled veteran farrier in order to better understand the relationship between hoof imbalances and ACP. As a result of Kelly’s knowledge and training, she is able to identify structural imbalances and restrictions within horses and riders that create painful compensation patterns within the body. These hinder clear communication between the horse and rider which lead to less than ideal rides as a result of movement, and even behavioral, issues.
Neuromuscular Therapy is an extremely specialized, focused approach to releasing painful knots and trigger points within muscles while also improving nervous system function. These knots and trigger points often develop as a result of muscle overuse or muscle trauma.
Structural Integration is a holistic form of therapeutic bodywork that slowly 'melts' restrictions in the soft connective tissue called 'fascia'. The most common sources of these restrictions are hoof imbalance, poor saddle fit, rider imbalance, certain riding and training techniques, injury, and sickness. These restrictions are what often lead to abnormal compensatory postures.
Benefits of Structural Integration:
- Helps overcome physical manifestations of emotional trauma
- Allows for more efficient use of the body, conserving energy
- Improves flexibility
- Improves symmetry and balance
- Connects the horse's front and back
- Allows horse greater freedom of movement
- Helps eliminate behavioral issues caused by pain
- Allows for better communication between horse & rider
- Increases the horse's ability to pick up requested canter leads and improves canter departures
- Allows horse to be able to flex at the poll and accept contact easier
- Lateral work becomes easier
- Provides Relaxation
***Structural Bodywork and Massage are not a substitute for veterinary care! Please call your veterinarian if you feel your horse is ill or injured.***