Where the Masterson Method® Fits Among Other Modalities: Chiropractic, Massage & Energy Work for Horses
A comparison of chiropractic, massage, energy work, and the Masterson Method® – arrows showing the overlaps in supporting your horse’s mobility, relaxation, and overall well-being.
When it comes to helping horses feel and perform their best, there are many different approaches. Owners often wonder: What’s the difference between Masterson Method® bodywork, chiropractic care, massage and energy work?
The short answer is: there is some overlap but it also has its own unique place.
Chiropractic? No.
Simply put, chiropractic work focuses on realigning bones and joints. It is typically performed by licensed veterinarians. Adjustments are quick and aimed at restoring alignment where things have gone “out”.
Instead of moving bones back into place or realigning joints, I focus on keeping them moving through their natural range of motion and softening the surrounding tissue, helping prevent stiffness and supporting the horse’s overall mobility.
Massage? Yes and more!
Traditional massage focuses on soft tissue: muscles, fascia, and circulation. By applying pressure and strokes, it can help tight muscles relax and improve blood flow.
Massage is already a part of the Masterson Method®, but people often imagine kneading a horse from head to tail, and in our sessions traditional massage only happens in specific areas of the body. Moving at the horse’s pace and following their body language allows them to actively release tension not just in muscles but connective tissue as well – often more deeply than through direct pressure alone.
Did you know? I also trained at the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Massage and Acupressure to deepen my understanding of massage and be able to combine techniques whenever it benefits the horse.
Energy Work? Similar.
Energy-based approaches, like Reiki, involve channeling energy through gentle touch to support the horse’s natural healing processes and promote physical and emotional well-being.
The Masterson Method® is not an energy modality in that sense but making the horse feel truly seen by following their body language can create a similar sense of trust, connection and relaxation.
Where the Masterson Method® Fits
The Masterson Method® is a manual therapy combining joint mobility, soft tissue release, and sensitivity to small cues in the horse’s body. It’s a bodywork approach that complements other therapies.
Chiro? It’s not chiropractic. Instead of adjusting or realigning joints, it improves and maintains natural joint mobility.
Massage? Like massage, it helps soften muscles and fascia and beyond that, can release tension in connective tissues, tendons and ligaments.
Energy Work? Instead of channeling energy, it builds trust and invites relaxation by following the horse’s subtle body language, making the horse feel seen.
Many owners and practitioners find that chiropractic care and other approaches are more effective when underlying tension patterns have been released through Masterson Method® sessions before and after.
The Takeaway
Every horse is unique, and no single method is “the one answer.” The Masterson Method® offers a gentle, collaborative way to peel back layers of tension and help horses move, feel, and live better – whether on its own or alongside other care modalities.
Next week in this series: “Discovering the Masterson Method: The Body Scan or Bladder Meridian”
