EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE

Equine massage is the manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues of the horses body to improve circulation; stamina and to increase range of motion as well as improve the overall health and well-being of the horse.

Massage has been around for thousands of years being used first in China and then adapted to be used for horses.

When the horse has suffered a trauma such as a fall, poorly fitting tack, overstretching or overuse the muscles respond by tightening which in turn results in a shortening of the associated muscle and a decrease in range of motion. A spasm or knot in the muscle will develop and prevent it from working at its optimum level, this will then be transmitted to another group of muscles and is why discomfort can be found away from the actual site of pain.

Equine sports massage can be used for a number of reasons; to treat a specific problem, to treat an injury, to introduce touch to a sensitive horse or to prevent future problems arising and is beneficial to any horse. The treatment involves palpating the muscles to look for areas of tightness, spasm and soreness. As an Equine Body Worker® I will use relevant massage strokes; trigger point therapy and cross fibre friction as well as stretching techniques to allow the muscles to return to their correct range of motion. Muscle injuries can take up to 3 months to become evident, the horse in this time will start to compensate and move differently to reduce the discomfort and pain that it may be in. When the horse compensates it is increasing the risk of injury as it is no longer moving in the correct way. During a massage treatment these spasms and knots will be address and will allow the muscle to work to its full range of motion this then decreases tension and stress on the joints, tendons and ligaments and increases the performance level of the horse.

The diagram below explains the injury cycle, by having an equine sports massage at any of these points we can break the cycle and start the healing process. By allowing your horse to have reular maintenance massage treatments we can detect early symptoms and prevent further problems occurring.

Types of massage treatment:

Maintenance: Used to maintain optimum health, function and performance of muscles and soft tissues. To prevent injury and to aid with the physical development during training. Maintenance treatments also allow early detection of minor problems before they become chronic.

Rehabilitation/box rest: Helps to reduce muscular tension and stiffness particularly when movement is restricted. Massage increases circulation which helps to reduce recovery time in the injured horse and also helps with boredom and depression which is commonly seen in horses that are on box rest.

Pre-competition massage: Releases tension that has built up through exercise in preparation to the competition. Prepares the muscles with a thorough warm up too allow them to work at their optimum level, to decrease the risk of injury and allow your horse to perform to its full potential.

Post competition massage: Removes some of the toxins that are built up during exercise which in turn reduces the recovery time. Muscle soreness or stiffness can be reduced which will allow your horse to return to normal work soon after the competition. Early detection of muscle injuries can also be found and treated preventing secondary problems.