Benefits of Equine Sports Massage
- Increased circulation, more nutrients passed to body cells.
- Removal of waste products.
- Releases 'endorphins' - the body's natural pain killer.
- Reduces and removes adhesions.
- Stretches connective tissue.
- Helps reduce inflammation.
- Improves mobility and flexibility.
- Aids relaxation and reduces tension.
- Improves potential performance.
'Magic' aged 26! Atherstone RC ODE.
Receives regular massage and competes
most weekends in show jumping and eventing
Indications that your horse would benefit from massage -
Most horses will appreciate a sports massage at any time - much as we would ourselves!
However, when a horse is suffering from some kind of muscular imbalance it can manifest itself in some kind of physical or behavioural problem, such as -
- Altered behaviour - i.e. more introverted or aggressive.
- Head shaking.
- Cold / sore back.
- Difficult to mount.
- Difficult to saddle or girth up.
- Stiffness or one sidedness.
- Consistent incorrect canter lead.
- Napping.
- Lameness.
'Mickey' - enjoying a sports massage
What to expect from a treatment -
Your horse can be treated in a stable or field, wherever he feels comfortable, I only ask that he is clean and dry.
I can treat your horse before or after he has been exercised, in fact it is usually beneficial to work them straight after a treatment - feel the difference!
The 1st treatment will consist of a free assessment of your horse, including -
- A full history is taken of the horse's health and fitness.
- Thorough conformation analysis.
- Analysis of the walk and trot, in-hand.
- I may see the horse lunged or ridden, depending on the specific problem.
Ex-racehorse 'Strawman' receives specific attention to his tendons to help keep him sound.
Each treatment thereafter will involve -
- An update since the last treatment.
- Test for structural issues using 'Photonic Therapy Diagnosis'.
- Test for muscular problems using 'Stress Point Testing'.
- Full body massage using effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, frictions, etc.
- Passive stretching may be used to enhance the treatments benefits.
- I will give you plenty of feedback plus advise on exercises or treatments which may be beneficial.
Initial treatments will take around 1½ hours, future treatments last around 1 hour - £35
(Price includes travel up to 10 miles from Stoke Golding, a small charge will be added outside this area).
The Veterinary Act.
This Act was passed in order to safeguard sick or injured animals.
It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case, or to whome the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.
However, the Act does permit the treatment of an animal by physiotherapy / massage if carried out under the direction of a registered vet.
This means that Equine Sports Massage is permitted when carried out by a fully qualified and insured practitioner, once the permission of the vet is obtained.
When you book your first treatment I will check which vet you use and make a quick phone call to them if necessary.
'Magic' at the Area 5 Senior Intermediate
Qualifiers at Solihull RC.
Testimonials.
"Since having her massages Strawberry is much calmer in the stable and has a soft, relaxed expression on her face instead of a tight mouth. Out riding she is really swinging through with her shoulders and executing a powerfull extended trot, just as she did before having Sweeny Shoulder - I never thought I would see that again, at 25 years old she has a new lease of life!"
" I believe we have now cured Mickey's problems, since the massage programme he is much more calm and relaxed, he works with me instead of arguing! So much softer in his way of going and his attitude. 2 years of remedial work has finally been capped off with sports massage and I look forward to showing him off as he should be!" (Mrs Watson, Stoke Golding)
"Since having massages Dibley has become more flexible and supple and always enjoys her treatments. Both her farrier and the chiropracter have noticed a difference in Dibley, Thanks Lu!"
(Lisa, Stoke Golding)
