Muscles being discussed: Splenius
Location: The splenius muscle is located in the horses neck. This muscle originates behind a horse’s poll (3rd vertebrae through the 5th vertebrae) and ends at the trapezius muscles (wither).
Function: Extends, bends (laterally), and elevates the neck.
Symptoms of tension:
· Sensitivity at the poll
· Tilting of the head
· Stiffness in the neck (reluctance to bend/flex neck)
· Resistance lifting neck
Causes of tension:
· Disciplines/training that involves an abundance of lateral flexion (ex: Reining, Dressage, and Pleasure horse disciplines)
· Compensation from lameness
· Heavy hands
· Injury (ex: fall)
How massage can help: Massage is a great way to address tension in the splenius muscle. By addressing knots and breaking up adhesions in the muscle tissue, massage can help loosen up tense muscle fibers allowing your horse to have better flexion and movement. I’ll use multiple massage techniques such as compression, trigger point therapy, and cross fiber friction to address these issues.
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