Moore Sports Massage
Providing Equine Sports Massage Therapy in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Kelly Moore is a qualified Equine Sports Massage Therapist and Human Soft Tissue Therapist.
Registered with Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA) and the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR).
Fully insured to treat both horses and humans.
Equine Sports Massage
The horse can be affected by many factors, all of which can potentially lead to muscle tightness and sensitivity and have an impact on the horse's performance, training, behaviour and general well being. By identifying these areas of concern as early as possible and assessing the horse as a whole, hands on massage therapy helps to prevent further issues, enabling the horse to move optimally and reduces the risk of injury, while also helping to reduce stress and improve relaxation.
Assessment of the horse will be completed during each visit, this will be done statically and dynamically. A variety of techniques can then be used on the horse depending on how they present and respond on the day, all of which are aimed at aiding relaxation and recovery. Taking a full history of the horse is part of the assessment process as it helps the therapist piece together the horse as a whole and can provide further indication of underlying musculoskeletal issues. The horse is remarkable in it's ability to keep moving and doing as we ask as riders and owners. This can often mean that they adapt their movement patterns to accommodate areas of discomfort or weakness, which if repeated over time can lead to increased muscle tension and imbalance, reduced mobility and soft tissue sensitivity.
Touch can be a powerful technique when applied correctly and with sensitivity. There are many nerve endings present within the skin and the underlying soft tissues. Using hands on massage techniques can stimulate the nervous system which the horse typically responds very well to and uses subtle signs to provide feedback to the therapist. The neurological pathways present within the fascial network of the body are interconnected, therefore when stimulated by soft tissue therapy the mobility of muscle tissue is enhanced.
Equine sports massage therapy can help to:
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Improve performance
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Improve flexibility
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Reduce stress and increase relaxation
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Reduce muscle tension
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Reduce discomfort and sensitivity
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Improve posture
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Speed up recovery
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Reduce risk of injury
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Improve soft tissue asymmetry
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Improve overall wellbeing
About Me
Having always been surrounded by horses since before I was able to walk, it was only natural I developed a love of horses and a keen interest in their anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. I then went on to gain a degree in BSc (Hons) Equine Science. During this time I was able to further develop my passion for understanding anatomy and movement of the horse and rider, this led me onto complete a BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy and became an ISRM accredited Soft Tissue Therapist. This enabled me to work as the sports therapist for a rugby team in the Cotswolds for several seasons alongside treating private clients from various sporting and non-sporting backgrounds, helping each individual overcome specific soft tissue injuries and providing rehabilitation plans.
With my heart always leaning towards horses, I was finally in a position to be able to complete a Level 3 Diploma Equine Sports Massage course at the highly regarded Animal Therapy Solutions in Devon (previously the well renown Mary Bromiley course). This enabled me to become a registered therapist with Equine Sports Massage Association (ESMA). Not only is this course the only one in the UK which requires human sports massage as a prerequisite, it is also an intensive course which includes over 100 hours of practical hands on treating, in addition to face to face supervised and guided tuition on assessing and treating the individual horse as a whole. This for me, tied in nicely with my successful approach to treating humans. I can safely say it was a truly life changing course which enabled me to bring all of my passions together. Now I can use my soft tissue skills on horses. The feedback they provide never fails to inspire and motivate me!
During 2023 the opportunity arose to further this qualification and become a Level 4 accredited Equine Sports Massage therapist, which would then be recognised by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and be registered on the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR). This has allowed me to further develop my knowledge and understanding so I can confidently provide the best possible treatments and aftercare advice to each and every horse. I take into consideration the individual requirements of each horse and any previous injuries or pathologies, as well as working together with the owner/rider and their professional team, to achieve future performance goals.
What to expect
Before the visit
I will provide you with an electronic Pre-Appointment for completion. This provides details of your horse and your registered vet. It also confirms that you give consent for me to contact your vet and inform them of the maintenance massage treatment that has been requested. Should your vet raise any concerns with your horse receiving maintenance massage treatment, this can be further discussed on an individual basis when required.
Initial Consultation
During this first visit I will take a detailed history of the horse prior to assessment, this is to help understand their routine and behaviour along with any recent changes.
The first visit can often take approx 90mins. Any follow up treatments normally last approx 60mins.
Each appointment will involve a static and dynamic assessment as well as hands on palpation and massage treatment.
Assessment
Static assessment is done with the horse standing square on a firm flat surface, photos will be taken which are used solely for assessing and checking back on the progress achieved. During the static assessment, palpation may also be done along with any passive range of movement tests that may be relevant.
Dynamic assessment will require the horse to be walked and trotted in a straight line on a firm flat surface. In addition to this, your horse may be asked to walk in a circle and backwards.
Treatment
Treatment should take place in a space where the horse is comfortable and can feel relaxed. The horse should also be clean and dry. The treatment is likely to include a variety of hands on massage techniques, trigger point therapy, myofascial work, active and passive stretches and mobility movements. A close focus on the horse's response and feedback will be maintained throughout the treatment and is part of ensuring each treatment is tailored to the individual horse.
After Care
Aftercare advice is given with all treatments. It will always be advised that the horse has access to clean fresh water after the treatment and that they have 24-48hrs rest, with this including turnout or gentle hacking. Where required, some stretches or exercises may be suggested to help assist the horse with any areas of muscle tightness or asymmetry that may have been found during the treatment.
Horse Response
For some horses it can take a few sessions for them to be willing to relax during a treatment, especially if they have not experienced hands on massage previously. There may be some occasions where the horse may show signs of discomfort, which can often occur if a muscle is particularly tight or an area holds a lot of tension, this is a normal response. Most horses are likely to show signs of relaxation with lots of yawning and licking as well as softening the eyes. As with humans, every horse is different to how they respond and their willingness to relax during a treatment.
Other Services
Soft Tissue Therapy
I am a fully qualified and insured Soft Tissue therapist currently offering mobile sports massage. I can bring my massage table to your location to provide a tailored sports massage treatment in the comfort of your own space. Treatment typically includes assessing the individual as a whole and using a variety of hands on methods. This can include massage, muscle energy techniques, soft tissue release and trigger point work to help ease muscular tension and improve range of movement. In addition to this kinesiology taping can be used to support where relevant, along with providing exercises and stretches to further support the treatment provided.
FAQs
What should I expect from my first session?
During your first visit full details will be taken of the history of the horse and then do a full static and dynamic assessment. Treatment may typically include a variety of hands on techniques, passive and active mobilisations and stretches. Aftercare advice will be also be provided to support the treatment.
When would my horse benefit from a sport massage treatment?
All horses can benefit from massage treatment at any time, particularly if they are in regular training and if their level of training has increased intensity. It can also be beneficial prior to competing to help them perform to the best of their ability. Post competition treatment can also be beneficial to help aid with muscle recovery. Massage is also beneficial as a preventative measure, especially for the ridden horse as it can help prevent any muscular tension developing which may be compensating for rider asymmetries.
How often does my horse need a maintenance massage?
This depends entirely on the individual horse, this can be discussed with the therapist during your session.
Some horses benefit from receiving a maintenance massage monthly whereas others may need it more often, especially if they are working hard in training or regularly competing. Some ridden horses which may develop particular areas of tension as a a result of their confirmation can also benefit from more regular treatments to support them when ridden.
Can I ride my horse after they receive a massage?
It is recommended that your horse has 24-48 hours rest after receiving a treatment to enable them to get the most benefit from it. If your horse is due to compete please allow for this. It is also recommended that if you receive your first treatment prior to a competition, that you allow extra time so that your horse has time to adapt and respond to the treatment received, as each horse can react differently.
Can you treat the rider?
Yes! I have a mobile massage table that I can use to treat the rider as long as you have a suitable space available which can be used. It can be beneficial for both the horse and rider to be treated as there is often a correlation between an area of muscle tension and/or restriction in the rider which also can present in the horse.
Contact Me
Please don't hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.