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Massage Q & A

Q: What is equine massage?
A: Massage is an holistic therapy that involves a range of comprehensive hands on techniques to manipulate the soft tissue and joints, relax and stimulate the horses body promoting overall wellbeing.  The purpose of massage is to help aid the horse during times of stress, rehabilitation from injury, muscle pain, aid muscle tone and enhance range of movement. All horses can benefit from the therapy from youngsters to veterans, happy hackers to elite performance horses.
 
Q: How will massage benefit my horse and what types are available?
A: Massage has a multitude of benefits for your horse from increasing circulation, enhancing muscle tone, general relaxation and improved performance. Treatments can be tailored to suit the horse’s specific needs and can have fantastic results not only to the physical element of the horse but also the psychological. The following headings are examples of benefits that your horse can recieve in area types of massage.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q: Why do I need to check with my vet if my horse can have massage?
A:  Under the requirements of The Veterinary Act 1966, A Equine Massage Practitioner will need permission to proceed treatement from the client’s veterinarian prior to a treatment session. A consent form is available on the day and prior to the day from this web site for your veterianian to fill in and sign. N.B We work within all guidelines of The Veterinary Act and with your veterinarian to enhance your horse’s overall care and comfort. We do however understand that veterianians are busy and sometimes are not able to sign the forms required due to time. As long as verbal consent is obtained from your veterianrian and all partys involved are happy to proceed then treatment can be undertaken.
 
 

When might my Horse need Massage?

 

Horses like humans will present signs or symptoms which indicate they could be in need of massage treatment/s. The following are common characteristics that can present within the horse these signs can occur singularly or as a multiple.

 

  • Shortness or a change within the horses stride
  • Problems maintaining or “striking off” on the correct canter lead
  • Stiffness or lack of flexion on one or both reins
  • Resistance to being or lateral work
  • Coordination issues or tripping
  • Bucking
  • Rearing
  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of balance when jumping
  • Resistance to backing
  • Resistance to saddling or girthing
  • Irritated upon being touched or groomed
  • Kicking out
  • Resistance or issues when being seen to by the farrier
  • Threatening or biting upon touch or tacking up
  • Change within body shape
  • Intermittent lameness
  • Azoturia (Monday Morning Sickness)
  • Delayed recovery from work or performance
  • Fall or injury
  • Recovery from Surgery
  • Change in personality

 

If any of these characteristics sound familiar then please feel free to get in touch for further guidance.

 
 
Q: Can I have massage and other complimentory therapies as well?
A: Yes even if the if the horse is having other treatment regime massage therapy can be of great aid to other therapies such as Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Reiki, Bowen etc....

Full Body Massage

 

  • Relaxes

  • Improves skin & coat

  • Improves muscle tone

  • Removes lactic acid and waste products from muscles which causes fatigue

  • Promotes drainage of the lymph glads

  • Boosts Circulation

  • Mobilizes Joints

  • Reduces tension

  • Releases muscle spasums

  • Increases range of movement and suppleness which can reduce repetavtive strain

  • Reduces crookedness

  • Improves coordination and balance

  • Aids correct muscle development

  • Can improve specific dicipline performace.

Remedial Massage

 

  • Including the benefits of full body plus....

  • Aid the reduction in healing time

  • Relives pain by encouraging the horse to release natural endorphons,

  • Helps aid the removal of scar tissue

  • Prvents muscle wastage after imjury

  • Aids muscle tone upkeep whilst on a period of rest such as box rest

 

Pre Compertition (Up to 1 hour Before)

 

  • Boosts blood circulation and helps drain lymph glands

  • Reduce injury possibilitys by increasing synovial fluid in the joints, working on know stress points, increasing range of movement and tissue elasticity

  • Helps improve mental focus

  • Can calm or stimulate the horse as and when required

Post Compertition (Up to 1 hour after)

 

  • Check for inital muscle trauma

  • Encourange lactic acid removal and the build up of carbon dioxide that causes fatigue

  • Boost blood circulation and promote lymp drainage

  • Reduce build up tension in muscles

  • Releases muscle spasums and stress points developing during the event

  • Prevent stiffness

  • Help aid recovery time.

 

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