 Horses - Equine Massage
Horses, especially the equine athlete, experience stress just like people. They experience bumps, bruises, injuries and trauma. Sometimes even after veterinary treatment they can continue to experience residual negative effects, including poor posture, muscle imbalances, decreased flexibility, headaches and poor circulation. The animals energy and overall health will be affected. A horse in pain can often exhibit sudden behavioral changes (examples: refusing to walk, trot or galop, getting nervous and aggressive while being groomed or saddled, etc.)
Massage is the manipulation of muscles and skin to promote increased circulation to all the organs and tissues in the animal's body. Horses of all ages and conditions can benefit from Massage. It not only feels good, but massage techniques safely affect the whole body by regulating the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems. Massage will relax your horse if it is excitable and stimulate the animal and increase strenght if it is tired. Massage therapy helps to trigger the animals body into getting itself back to optimal health.
Some of the benefits of Massage are:
- opens blood vessels and improves blood flow to the muscles, therefore improving oxygenation of the muscle which speeds up metabolism and leads to enhanced performance and shorter recuperation time
- relaxes tight muscles and increases range of motion
- relieves pain and discomfort by releasing naturally produced endorphins
- prevents stiffness and soreness by increasing venous flow and removal of waste and toxins (post event).
- increases Lymph movement which boosts the immune system
- helps reduce the build up of fibrous tissue adhesions (scar tissue), resulting from inflammation caused by trauma or wounds
- helps older animals suffering from chronic and degenerative disorders
- reduces swelling
- promotes flexibility and prevents injuries
- reduces stress and brings warmth, a feeling of love, comfort, oneness and calm.
I recommend the following Prevention and Maintenance programs for horses:
Athletes (Competing regularly and at high levels of competition):
1. Week One: Every other day (three to four)
2. Weeks Two and Three: Two massages
3. Thereafter: Once a week or post event if more than one event per week
Occasional Competitors (compete somewhat regularly or occasionally):
1. Week One: Three Massages
2. Week Two: Two Massages
3. Weeks Three through Five: once a week
4. Thereafter: Once every two or three weeks or more as needed post event.
Pleasure Horses or light and occasional Competitors:
1. Week One through Five: once a week
2. Thereafter: once a month or as needed
Please note: Massage is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary care. It is a complementary modality to traditional veterinary medicine. Please consult your veterinarian if your horse is sick or injured.
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