Effleurage Is used to warm the skin and the underlying subcutaneous and muscle tissue. It cleanses the tissues from a build up of toxins which may get released from the massage. It increases venous and lymphatic flow, bringing nutrients and O2 to an area. It allows the masseur to assess the horse for regions of tension or spasm.
	Petrissage This is a deeper massage technique to effleurage. It is a kneading and compressive technique which can release greater developed tensions and again encourages venous and lymphatic flow.
	Tapotement This includes cupping and hacking techniques. It is a double handed technique which stimulates underlying tissue. This is good for building up wasted muscle. The use of the sides of the hands is hacking and the use of the palms is called cupping.
	Dermal lifting Skin rolling is surprisingly gentle and is good for horses that have been exposed to a virus. The skin is picked up and rolled thus increasing circulation and warming the area. It also reduces adhesions between the skin and the underlying tissues.
	Friction Deep pressure is applied across the lie of the tissue structure. This may be used to break down adhesions, to mobilise hardened muscle tissue (knots) or to irritate tissue to stimulate circulation in conditions of chronic recurring injury. This then encourages the natural healing reaction of the body.
	Stretching A stretch can be either active or passive. In a passive stretch the masseur will move the limb in order to create the stretch. An active stretch is where the movement is conducted by the horse which helps it to stretch through the tissues.
	Passive stretches This should follow after exercise or a massage when the tissues are already warmed up. The therapist moves the limb through its normal range of motion a stretch is added when the limb is at end range of movement and a little added pressure is applied to increase the movement range. Great care must be taken so as not to overstretch the limb. Stretching is aimed at maintaining or restoring a normal range of movement together with helping the flexibility of the muscles, thus allowing mobility of joints.
	Active stretches Examples of active stretches include those used to stretch the neck. A titbit such as a carrot can be used to encourage the horses neck into a particular direction and help to increase flexion in the neck.

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