Introduction to Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymphatic issues are very common in horses, we often see complaints such as:

  • Cutaneous Lymphangitis (both infectious & non infectious) - which is essentially lymph fluid leaking out through the skin

  • Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (also known as CPL)

  • Lymphadenopathy (enlarged swelling)

  • Lymphoma (particularly in grey horses)

  • Bacterial infections (such as Strangles, Staphylococcus, Strep, Cellulitis)

  • Viral Infections (such as Equine Flu)

Lymphatic Pooling (where the Lymph fluid settles in certain areas of the body) can also be caused by:

  • Mites

  • Bites

  • Aged & Degenerative conditions

  • Trauma & Injury

  • Emotional Trauma

  • Stable dwelling & confinement

  • Allergies

Common areas in the horse’s body for Lymph pooling include:

  • The Parotid Glands (commonly known as the grass glands) - these are on the jaw line just below the ear

  • The inside of the Mandible (jaw line)

  • The chin

  • Along the Sternum of the horse, between the front legs and under the abdominals - often known as a Ventral Edema

  • The Sheath area in stallions/geldings

  • The lower limb - more often seen in the hind limbs

Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy works to restore the flow of Lymph Fluid throughout the body and assist the body in elimination of waste products that have built up in the body’s Interstitial Fluid and/or begun pooling in the Lymph Nodes.

Application

This is a very gentle technique following a very specific routine through the horse’s body. Using hands on touch as well as circular motions and stroking techniques.

Jess will work from head to toe on the horse, the technique is very slow and the session will take at least 1 hour.

Most horses react very well to this therapy, thoroughly relaxing throughout.

Following the routine your horse will be mobilised throughout their body and limbs to continue stimulation and activation of Lymphatic system.

You will then be required to take your horse for a brisk 10 minute walk to complete the process.

Benefits

Benefits of Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy include:

  • Reduction of swelling due to Lymph pooling

  • Rehydrating the Lymphatic Fluid, helping to restore normal flow and function

  • Assisting the body in elimination of waste products and/or toxins

  • Aiding Cellular communication

  • Aiding hormone synthesis

  • Transporting antibodies - aiding the body’s defence/immune system

  • Aiding metabolism - assisting with metabolic disorders such as EMS & Laminitis

  • Improved energy due to an increase in cellular oxygenation and nourishment

  • Pain relief and/or improvement of overall comfort levels

If your horse requires a Lymphatic Drainage treatment this will be performed as a stand alone session. Once Lymphatic function has been restored other modalities can be considered for treating your horse at a further session.