Allow your Horse to be Brilliant

Mechanics for the Equine Athlete utilizes a variety of modalities to achieve optimum results. Our program is unique and it is effective, resulting in a remarkable success rate. We are results driven and we take great pride in our successes. Heidi Pichotta's goal is to not only allow your horse to be the best possible athlete he can be but to keep him performing at his best. The therapy that Heidi peforms is exclusively non-invasive, soft tissue manipulation. Her speciality is deep tissue, addressing all muscle layers versus only the superficial layer, as well as re-education.

Heidi Pichotta's therapy sessions are tailored to address each patient's individual needs, based on their case history and any veterinarian recommendations.

The opinions and suggestions of Mechanics for the Equine Athlete are not a diagnosis and should never be considered a substitute for proper veterinary care.

Below you will find a brief overview of the modalities we utilize in our practice and where our methods are derived from.

Modalities Defined

Sports Massage Therapy: Sports massage is unique among massage techniques in that it focuses on the cause of muscle injury with the intent of relieving muscular pain and providing stimulation to prevent future injuries. Massage increases elasticity of muscles and connective tissues, it improves circulation and promotes rapid healing of injuries, will increase range of motion, diminish stress and tension, release contracted muscles, decrease muscular tension and stiffness, restore mental clarity, lubricate joints and increase ability to heal and function harmoniously.

Massage can do a great deal to aid in the healing process after an injury, and it can do a great deal to help prevent an injury. 

Structural Intergration: Structural Integration aims to align the body in the gravitational field. [ The benefit is that the increased use of balance at finer levels of the neuro-fascial-musculo-skeletal system allows for increased physical adaptability, resilience, as well as reducing biomechanically caused pain. Connective tissue is manipulated to allow body segments to shift to a more balanced position. Re-education of the body's movement patterns are utilized to improve structural alignment.

Applied Kinesiology: Applied kinesiology (AK) is a technique in which muscle testing is used as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how the body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of AK will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care.

Laser Therapy: Laser Therapy works on the principle of inducing a biological response through energy transfer, in that the photonic energy delivered into the tissue by the laser modulates the biological processes within that tissue, and those within the biological system of which that tissue is a part.

Myofascial Release: Myofascial Mobilization/Release is a technique, based on osteopathic methods, that releases chronic restrictions in the body's fascia. Myofascial Release frees restrictions/blockages in the fascia and alleviates problems with connective tissue scarring or injury. After trauma to the tissues, the body heals by forming adhesions. They are a necessary part of the healing process, but they exert tremendous tension on the tissues where they form. Adhesions and scar tissue remain long after the accident that caused them. They may adhere the injured tissues to nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, or organs, which may cause decreased movement or pain.

Myofascial Release utilizes gentle, non-invasive manipulations that stretch, soften, lengthen, and realign fascia. Disruptions of the fascial network are released and tension on bones, muscles, joints, and nerves is relieved. Myofascial release restores complete balance back to the body.

NeuroMuscular Thearpy: NeuroMuscular Therapy is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homoeostatic balance and often eliminates the cause of acute to chronic myofascial pain and dysfunction. Intergative NeuroMuscular Therapy is a comprehensive system of soft tissue manipulation techniques. It enhances the fuction of joints, muscles, and biomechanics of the body and balances the central nervous system with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system.

Acupressure: Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands. There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. - Michael Reed Gach, PhD

CranioSacral Therapy: The craniosacral system surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. The practitioner utilizes the subtle rhythm of spinal fluid motion as it is transmitted along fascial planes throughout the body to detect and treat. Craniosacral therapy is a system of evaluation and treatment viewing the individual as an integrated totality and uses gentle, non-invasive techniques.

To schedule an appointment, event or clinic, please contact Heidi at hjpichotta@yahoo.com

The right treatment works because it has to work.  The wrong treatment doesn't work because it can't work." - Jack Meagher