Equine & Canine Therapy

Massage & Rehabilitation

Growing up in the country I was surrounded by all types of animals, but particularly horses and dogs. From pony club, show jumping and junior eventing, I spent all my free time riding half-breds and working TB’s, even making it to the track for a charity race in my college days.
I pursued this passion in my professional life, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from UCD and a post graduate Diploma in Equine Studies.

I gained extensive experience over several years working for a bloodstock agency and subsequently gaining international equine experience in Australia. I also worked for several years as a Project Manager within the Telecoms industry, gaining valuable European corporate experience.

Two things were certain- animals had always been an integral part of my life and I wanted to work for myself! I was fortunate enough to meet with Equi-Ed in the RDS in 2019 and instantly knew that a qualification in Equine Physical Therapy would be a perfect fit for me. After extensive study, class time and case studies, I received my qualification in Equine Physical Therapy with Distinction in March 2021. Since qualifying I have added Professional Kinesiology Taping, Advanced Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Bit and Bridle and Saddle assessment, Equine First Aid, Water Treadmill and Biosecurity to my Equine Therapist qualifications.

In early 2022 I was asked to return to Equi-Ed but this time as an instructor, teaching both owner workshops and future professional therapists, which I absolutely love doing.

In September 2022 I completed my Canine Therapy and Rehabilitation qualification with Distinction allowing me to add dogs to my client list.

I currently divide my time between being a Mum of four boys of ever-increasing height, treating horses and dogs as a therapist, teaching the next generation of therapists for Equi-Ed and competing in riding club competitions with my own horse. At home, our animal family includes two horses, two ponies, two dogs, two cats, five hens, three ducks and an axolotl!

Pre/Post Event Massage

Pre event massage must be performed within 2 hours of competing and concentrates on stimulating and preparing the muscles for competition or high intensity exercise. A post event massage can speed up the recovery process, minimise muscle soreness and reduce swelling and stiffness in the tissues, all caused by the build-up of lactic acid which occurs after strenuous exercise.

Sports/Therapeutic Massage

Full body massage with particular concentration on areas of tension using techniques such as advanced myofascial release, deep tissue muscle release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and passive stretching. A session includes static and dynamic assessment, full body palpation, massage and post session exercises. (Full disclosure of previous injuries/conditions is vital before commencing a session)

Post Session Exercises

Post session exercises specific to the individual horses'/dogs' requirements are advised post session. This will allow an owner to prolong the positive effects of the massage session, help to speed the recovery process and also aid in improving postural muscles ultimately improving the overall performance of the animal.

Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (EMLD)

EMLD is a powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain relieving massage with immunological effects. It is a highly specific massage technique which will help horses with: Allergies Swelling in lower limbs Swollen glands Acidity/gastric ulcers Bites/Stings Laminitis Lymphedema Lymphangitis Box rest (as lymph system is naturally stimulated by exercise)

Kenesiology Taping

Kinesiology Taping can be used after a physical therapy session to support and promote the positive effects. K-Tape when applied correctly can be used for: Pressure Relief Pain Relief Circulation Improvement Support of Joint Mobility Support of Muscle Activity Improvement of Proprioception

Photizo Application

The Photizo Vetcare is an LED device that emits red and infrared light that penetrates the skin to stimulate energy production and other metabolic processes in targeted areas. Infrared light is one of the only physical therapies that act to create a healing affect and cells that are injured can be rejuvenated. The Photizo Vetcare can be used to treat: Arthritis, tendonitis, ligament/tendon sprain/strain, neck and back injuries, muscle injuries, and trigger points. It may also be used to treat skin conditions such as wounds, lacerations, abscesses, saddles sores, proud flesh, bruising, allergies and eczema.

Elayne recently worked on my 12 yr old gelding who was recovering after he had pulled a muscle in his hind end. Gooch wasn’t always treated the best and is suspicious of new people, Elayne was quiet and patient with him throughout the session. She identified tightness and soreness in his head and neck which I wasn’t aware of. Since her visit Gooch is feeling great in himself and we have made so much progress with our flatwork. I would not hesitate to recommend Elayne!
Laura Reid
Owner

Had Elayne out to the horses during the week -very impressed with her knowledge and skills . Highly recommend her services.
Eamonn Moore
Owner

Elayne was absolutely outstanding with my boy he was in pain and wasn’t himself and 3 days after he was back to his normal self if not even better I can’t thank Elayne enough for coming to me so quickly and so happy with the after effect Thanks so much!
Emma Murphy
Owner

Highly recommend Elayne - as a result of regular massage therapy from Elayne my 2 are on top form. Elayne provided me with excellent rehab exercises after my horse had a sacroiliac issue. She has a great eye for spotting issues and her love of horses is very obvious in how she handles and treats them. Definitely 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emer Farrelly
Owner

Elayne has treated my 21 year old arthritic gelding 4 times. River has gone from being on the brink of retirement to being back in work and us having fun together again. When Elayne walks into the yard River whinnies hello and enjoys every minute of his treatment. Highly recommend Elayne and we will use her in the future for all of our horses ...
Samantha Kenny
Owner

Elayne is a kind and effective therapist; my cob has been moving and feeling so much better since she has been working with him 🙂
Karen Kiely
Owner

Elayne has recently started treating our dog. He is 11 now and has started to slow down a bit due to arthritis. Since Elayne has been working on him he is much happier and much more comfortable. Also Seb loves to see Elayne as she has a great way with dogs. Would highly recommend 👍
Aidan O'Dea

Had Elayne today with my thoroughbred and she was amazing. Did such a thorough session and he’s feeling so much better. Highly recommend 🌸💛
Poppy Connolly-Carew

So delighted with the work Elayne has done with Sven. Definitely going to make sure we are one of her regulars. Prevention is better than cure 😉.
Ceara McNeela Banner

How do I know my horse needs to see a therapist?

All horses whatever their job will benefit from a sports/therapeutic massage but some of signs that your horse is experiencing muscular pain or tension include:

Reduced performance
Shortened stride length/not tracking up
Bad behaviour
Stiffness/Not bending correctly
Unable to strike off on correct lead
Changing leg behind when on a small circle or in front of a jump
Knocking/refusing fences
Not working in an outline, hollow back
Tossing head and swishing tail during transitions
Turning away when sees tack

Why Massage Your Dogs and Horses

Relaxing effect on tight muscles.
Helps muscles to work at maximum efficiency.
Improves muscle tone.
Helps to relieve fatigue and decrease recovery time after a strenuous event.
Helps mobilize joints.
Helps to painful sore joints, keeping them supple and mobile.
Increases blood supply which helps increase cell renewal.
Helps detoxify by increasing lymphatic drainage.
Improves skin circulation, coat appears glossier.
Calming and soothing effect on tense nervous pathways.
Promotes endorphin release which is the body's natural painkiller.

Why would I use Kenesiology tape?

Kinesiology tape is applied with varying amounts of stretch depending on the application and lifts the outer layer of the skin increasing the space in the layer underneath, allowing blood and lymphatic fluid to flow more easily. Waste products will be washed out and new blood with nutrients and oxygen can flow in, improving circulation.

K taping can be used for both dogs and horses to help with:

Muscular Issues
Swelling
Joint Instability
Trigger Points
Scar Tissue
Tendon Injuries
Fascial Tension
Pain
Muscle Training

How often should my horse see a therapist?

This is one of the most common questions and can be one of the hardest to answer! All ridden horses are athletes regardless of the level they are ridden at and should be treated as such, they are also all individuals, and some will require more regular sessions than others.

Regular maintenance therapy will help to ensure that your horse's muscles are working at optimum efficiency by reducing tension, ensuring there are no adhesions and that joints are functioning correctly. Ideally all ridden horses should receive a sports massage at least every 3-6 months.

Other reasons to give your therapist a call include:

Loss of performance
Unwanted behaviour such as bucking/napping/rearing
Returning to work after injury
An increase to the intensity of work
Change of body shape
Signs of pain

What is physical therapy for dogs?

Canine Physical Therapy uses specially adapted massage techniques to increase function and mobility of joints and muscles in dogs. Canine rehabilitation can reduce pain and enhance recovery from injury, surgery, degenerative diseases, age-related diseases, and obesity.

Canine Massage will have a:

Relaxing effect on tight muscles following injury.
Helps muscles to work at maximum efficiency.
Improves muscle tone, may be necessary post op.
Helps to improve poor posture caused by injury or medical condition.
Helps to relieve fatigue (helps decrease recovery time after strenuous activity).
Helps mobilize joints, especially helpful in older arthritic dogs.
Increases blood supply which helps increase cell renewal.
Improves skin circulation, coat appears glossier.
Helps detoxify the body removing lactic acid and preventing constipation.
Calming and soothing effect on tense nerve pathways.
Promotes endorphin release (body’s natural painkiller).

Are there any reasons not to massage?

Yes, reasons not to massage are called contraindications and include:

If an animal has just eaten, wait a minimum of one hour and preferably two until food is fully digested.
If an animal has recently exercised, the body should be allowed to return to homeostasis which is its resting state and all vital signs should be normal.
If an animal is exhausted or in shock.
If there is an acute injury, while massage can help when used at the correct time during the injury cycle it should not be introduced during the acute phase (48/72 hours post injury).
If an animal has a fever, massage will increase blood circulation and make the situation worse.
If there are skin conditions that may spread.
If the animal is suffering from an infectious disease.
If there is a substantial open wound.
If the animal is suffering with cancer.
Early/late stages of pregnancy.
If there are neurological issues.
If there is a bacterial infection.
If an animal is very lame and has not been seen by a vet.

As a therapist I will always ask about a horse's/dog's recent and past medical history and is important to include as much information as possible.

Rathcoffey, County Kildare, Ireland