My best answer is to focus on prevention before cure. Bodywork is most effective as a preventative and maintenance-oriented strategy. Consider this: if your horse's bodywork regimen keeps him supple and able to avoid injury, you have gained months or even years of progressive training that may otherwise have been spent rehabbing. 

The following is a guideline for horses of varying levels of activity:

•       Elite athletes (horses in specialized training programs and/or regular competition):Horses trained 5-6 days a week, and those who participate monthly in high-intensity activities (e.g., clinics or competition) benefit from bodywork 2-4 times a month. After exertion, frequent sessions ensure regular muscle development, maximum efficiency, and shorter recovery time. In addition, a consistent bodywork regimen keeps you and your horse's wellness team informed of any irregularities in your musculoskeletal system. This way, adjustments can be made so your horse can safely perform at his highest athletic potential and enjoy a long and comfortable career.
•       Athletes (horses in moderate training programs and/or periodic competition): Horses rode 4-5 days a week, and those participating in monthly clinics or events will benefit from bodywork 1-2 times a month.
•       Pleasure horses and weekend warriors:Horses are ridden lightly 2-4 days a week and benefit from an initial bodywork and a tuneup every 4-6 weeks after that and surrounding particularly rigorous events.

•        Horses resuming work after time off: If your horse is coming back to work after a period of inactivity, regular bodywork serves as a wonderful circulatory aid as he gets those creaky joints working again! After vet clearance, plan to schedule your horse's first bodywork about a week into his/her new training program, and continue with regular bodywork once every two weeks for three months (special pricing is available). Once a work routine has been established, continue with bodywork based upon need and workload

Have your horse in and groomed (if possible). I prefer to work with the horse in a stall (or closed area) and not cross ties. 

If possible, do not ride on the day of the session. If this is not feasible, please allow enough time for the horse to cool down entirely.

It is ideal for turning a horse out after a bodywork session. This allows them to move, roll, stretch, etc. If this is not an option, hand walking your horse for 5-10 minutes afterward works.

If you cannot attend the session, please make arrangements for someone to be there before and after your horse's session.

VERY IMPORTANT: Remove food and hay from the stall before the bodywork session.