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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 reduce the risk of injury, while also helping to reduce stress and improve relaxation.
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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.
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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.
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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
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, which can include 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.
Contact Me
Please don't hesitate to get in contact via the form below or email if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
Connect via the Equigate App - M74813
