How and why will my horse benefit from equine Sports Massage?
Diane Daynes , certified Master Equine Body Worker will answer those burning issues!
Massage has more benefits than just loosening tight muscles and providing a feeling of well-being for humans. It is considered and proven by Athletes and sports person’s by the support and involvement of trainers, physio’s and masseurs to achieve their goals and this also applies to our horses..
The manipulation of the body’s soft tissues encourages the muscle to relax, stretches and loosens the tissue fibres and promotes flexibility, which results in an increased range of motion.
Body work benefits the nervous, muscular and circulatory systems, aids the self-healing system of the body and works as a preventative measure for the equine athlete.
Muscles form the largest group of tissue in the horse. A muscle is a contractile organ made up of elongated fibres that cross at least one joint and attach two bones to create movement. Contraction is activated by nerve stimulation, without a nerve supply the muscle would atrophy (decrease in size). Disease, injury and other factors can cause lack of nerve supply. Overdeveloped muscles are caused by forced activity.
Muscle sensitivity can also be present due to over use, fatigued muscles are susceptible to injury,
ill-fitting tack or equipment, unbalanced feet or a secondary result to an underlying orthopaedic issue or injury.
If a muscle is tight and shortened it is a victim to strain. When the ability to function is reduced or impaired for what ever reason other muscles will compensate to assist. Stress or tension in any part of the body will have an adverse effect - this can be expressed by a behavioural issue or physical problem, a change of temperament, by favouring one rein or canter lead, a change in performance or ability.
As an Equine Body Worker I apply a variety of non-invasive hands-on techniques allowing me to feel and recognise abnormalities or changes within the soft tissue structures, much of which is indicated by the reaction of the horse. Regular body work sessions act as prevention for injury and promote:
Improved gait quality, performance, range of motion and flexibility
Conditioning maintenance of the whole body
Improved circulation
Induction of relaxation and relief of tension
Lengthening connective tissue through soft-tissue manipulation and passive stretching
Enhanced muscle tone
Body work benefits every horse regardless of shape or size, within every discipline from your hairy happy hacks to performance horses. It is how ever not a substitute for veterinary care or medicine. Veterinary permission is required prior to a consultation.
For further details or appointment please do not hesitate contact me.
How and why will my horse benefit from equine Sports Massage?
