Equine sports massage therapy

What is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?

Equine Sports Massage Therapy is a therapeutic massage designed to address muscle tension, pain, restrictions in range of motion, and muscle compensation patterns. Equine Sports Massage is designed with the equine athlete in mind, however the massage is also beneficial for equine companions and casual competitors. The massage incorporates the treatment of acupressure points in addition to stretching to maximize the benefit of the massage. The massage utilizes light, moderate, and heavy pressure to effectively address restrictions in muscle groups over the full body of the horse. 

BENEFITS OF EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPY

• Enhances muscle tone
• Improves muscle recovery as a result of competition/strenuous exercise
• Increases circulation
• Releases and removes accumulated toxins in the system
• Reduces compensation patters
• Releases tension
• Alleviates pain 
• Improves flow of lymph fluid
• Improves range of motion in joints
• Encourages release of tension
• Improves relaxation in anxious horses
• Alleviates edema in stall bound horses
• Improves flexibility/suppleness

WHAT CAN THE OWNER EXPECT TO SEE DURING AND AFTER A MASSAGE?

During an equine sports massage session an owner can expect to see the horse visibly relax during the session. Some horses are more stoic and some are more expressive with how they are feeling. Owners may observe their horse drop his head lower, relax his ears, lick his lips, close his eyes, yawn, and cock a back leg as he relaxes and releases tension during the massage. 

Every massage session includes stretching at the end of a session. Warm muscles are stretched to increase flexibility and maximize the benefit of the massage. The owner will then be asked to walk the horse for a minimum of five minutes. Walking the horse allows the blood circulation and lymphatic fluid to continue right after the massage. Walking the horse helps promote the elimination of toxins. The horse is also able to experience an increased range-of-motion, increased flexibility, and reduction in pain as it is walked by the owner. The owner is also able to personally observe and feel any changes that have been made by the massage. Oftentimes, owners observe a horse that previously lagged behind them while walking will increase their step or length of stride during the post-massage walk. 

After the massage the owner may observe the horse sleeping more than previously observed. The horse may also be observed to be more relaxed and more willing to engage with their owner. Owners may feel increased stride/range-of-motion under saddle, increased flexibility, and an increased desire to perform certain movements. 

Recommendations for some "days off" after the massage will likely be made by the therapist. It is common that the therapist will recommend 1-3 days off after the massage to allow the muscles and other body systems to achieve maximum benefit from the massage. In general, more time is advised to be given off to the horse after the horse's very first massage, in cases of injury recovery, or if the horse is very tense/sore after competition. Each recommendation is made according to each horse's individuals needs.

IS MY HORSE A CANDIDATE FOR EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY?

The simple answer is, yes. Every horse can benefit from equine sports massage therapy.

Equine Sports Massage Therapy is appropriate for all breeds and all disciplines of horses. The only caveat is that massage should not be applied to a horse competing in dressage competitions the day of the event. Dressage horses rely in part on muscle memory to perform the demanding and intricate movements of dressage. Dressage horses may be massaged post-event. 

Pregnant mares can benefit from massage. Foals are also candidates for massage. A lighter pressure will be used for foals and adjusted as needed to meet each animals' needs. 

Elderly horses can benefit from massage to provide them comfort, relieve pain, and assist with lack of range of motion. Massage may provide an elderly horse increased quality of life.

Horses recovering from injuries can benefit from massage. Massage increases blood flow, removes toxins, and allows additional nutrients to be delivered to the tissues. Stall-bound horses can benefit greatly from massage as massage can assist in the movement of lymphatic fluid and blood circulation that can become stagnant while the horse's movement is restricted.