Massage is the systematic manipulation of the body's soft tissues, primarily the muscles. Equine sports massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques applied to the horse.
SERVICES
Welcome to Equilibrium Equine Sports Massage
Equine
More than 60% of the horse's body weight is muscle. Small muscle injuries can take up to 90 days to become apparent (by a change in attitude, decreased performance and lameness) by which time they may have caused more serious injury. Prompt attention to these 'minor' muscle injuries not only enhances a horse's performance but also may prevent future problems. Muscle tightening is transmitted from one muscle group to another, so for example, shoulder tension may be transmitted to the muscles of the forearm, resulting in extra stress being placed on the tendons.
Benefits of Massage
Improved gait quality, range of motion and flexibility
Muscles are kept toned, flexible and free of pain
Prevention of muscle spasms
Improved circulation
Relief of tension
Stimulation of waste and toxin elimination
Lengthening of connective tissue
Benefits of Stretching
Reduces strain on tendons and ligaments, maximizing tendon and muscle elasticity
Aids with developing a longer stride as shoulders move with greater freedom, improving range of motion in hips and shoulders allowing for easier lateral work
Improves flexibility in upper arms thus reducing risk of injury during stressful demands, causing less fatigue as muscles and joints are more flexible
Improving circulation to all tissues so less effort is required during warm-up so energy is conserved for athletic exertion
There are few human athletes that would compete without preparing their bodies using massage and stretching exercises, however for the sports horse it is a relatively new concept.
What to expect
All horses can benefit from sports massage. Ideally I would see your horse 2-4 times a year for maintenance massages. Competition horses are usually seen more frequently, for example; monthly or on a pre and post competition basis.
Please allow 1hr 30 mins for your initial visit. I will need to see your horse walked in hand on a hard surface and possibly ridden and or lunged depending on the reason for my visit. Following my assessment I will then begin massage treatment and finish with passive and active stretches as appropriate. We will discuss schooling exercises and stretches that you can do at home to improve performance and if necessary book a follow up visit.
I usually request that if possible your horse is turned out or walked in hand following a massage to prevent him from stiffening up. The majority of horses can resume normal exercise the following day.
After my visit I will write up a report detailing my findings that will be sent to your veterinary surgeon if required.
Holistic Massage
Holistic massage is a bodywork that is specifically designed to relax muscles. By applying deep pressure to muscles and bones, by rubbing concurrently with the circulation towards the heart. Massage purposefully enhances oxygen flow in blood and helps to rid toxins in the muscles. Curtailing recovery time from injuries like muscle sprains, massage helps to flush body tissues of lactic and uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.
Aside from increasing circulation to the heart massage stretches ligaments and tendon making them more flexible. Massage is also known to stimulate the skin and nervous system to reduce emotional and physical stress.
As a qualified equine and human therapist I understand the importance of treating both horse and rider as it is crucial to the optimum performance of both athletes. An imbalance found in either the horse or rider tends to relate to an issue in the other. Therefore the importance of rider assessment both on the ground and in saddle is essential to complete the overall picture and instigate a suitable training regime for both athletes. Rider massage should enable you to ride more fluidly, improve your seat, posture, fitness and ultimately your performance via:
Encouraging strong, flexible muscles that aid rider stability and coordination.
Increasing range of movement
Helping with flexibility of the pelvis to allow the rider to maintain a deep seat.
Improving muscle suppleness.
Improving shoulder flexibility.
Improving rider balance.
Improving muscle strength.
Increasing fitness and performance
I massage people from all walks of life not just horse riders! The benefits that you can expect are:
Increased circulation
Relaxation of muscle spasm
Reduction in tension
Enhanced muscle tone
Increased range of motion
Increased blood supply to the tissues, enhancing natural healing
Improved sleep patterns
Enhanced feelings of relaxation
Service Categories
Animal Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Holistic Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage
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