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ABOUT EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE
BENEFITS
Equine sports massage benefits horses of all ages, sizes, and disciplines, from a foal, to a mini, to an active eventer, to a senior companion. Because 60% of the horse's body is muscle, it only makes sense that the muscle therapy provided by sports massage would be a valuable component in maintaining the overall health of the horse.
Sports massage can efficiently help the body reach its full potential, with the ability to raise it from 20% all the way to 100%, making it an especially vital therapy for regular competitors.
Equine sports massage:
-Improves circulation, which prompts existing injuries to heal faster.
-Increased circulation stimulates the lymphatic system and hastens the elimination of toxins from the body.
-Eases muscle spasms.
-Adds muscle tone and increases range of motion.
-Improves endurance and athletic performance.
-Increases the production of synovial fluid in the joints, reducing the friction between cartilage and other tissues.
-Reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, relieving pain
-Alleviates tension.
-Lengthens connective tissue, breaking down/preventing the formation of adhesions, and reducing the risk of fibrosis.
-Enhances the horse's overall health, and lengthens the horse's athletic career.
And, after reaping the above benefits, the horse will begin to exhibit a positive change in attitude.
WHEN YOUR HORSE SHOULD BE MASSAGED
Any horse, no matter what age or activity level, will benefit greatly from a massage. Horses exhibiting changes in attitude or movement will usually return to normal after no more than three massages (if they do not show great improvement after the third massage, please call a vet, farrier, or equine dentist as this indicates that the problem is not muscular). the following signs are a just a few indicators that your horse needs a massage: stiffness, head tossing, and uneven gaits.
Horses showing signs of colic should receive the colic massage sequence IMMEDIATELY to get the digestive system working properly again. The colic sequence has so far been 100% effective in treating colic.
HOW OFTEN YOUR HORSE SHOULD BE MASSAGED
Sports massage can be administered before an event, after an event, or any time for maintenance of health. There are 4 recommended massage programs depending upon the activity level of the horse:
Plan #1 - For horse at extremely high levels of competition/activity
Week One: 3 massages
Week Two: 2 massages
And one massage per week from then on
Plan #2 - For regularly competing/very active horses
One massage every two weeks
Plan #3 - For active horses/occasionally competing
Weeks 1 - 6: 1 massage every two weeks
And then as needed
Plan #4 - For horses lightly ridden
Massages as needed
For horses with special conditions or health problems (with the exception of those listed below), massages can be administered as needed to improve well-being, not to exceed 3 per week.
WHEN YOUR HORSE SHOULD NOT BE MASSAGED
-Your horse should not be massaged if he has a fever.
-Your horse should not be massaged if he is suffering from shock.
-Your horse should not be massaged if he is on Lasix (or other strong diuretic)
-If your horse has cancer - be aware that massage speeds up metabolism, which can bring cancer out of remission. However, it is up to the owner as to whether a horse with cancer should receive a massage. Many opt for a massage to improve the horse's quality of life, while others do not want to risk aggravating the condition.
* Please keep in mind that while massage therapy improves the overall health of the horse, it is not a substitute for vet or farrier care. If your horse is exhibiting signs of serious health issues, please call your vet or farrier.* |
