Equine Massage Therapy has been gaining in popularity in recent years, as interest in the welfare of our equine companions grows. The benefits of applying sports massage principles to the equine athlete are numerous, and include:
Massage therapy is useful for all kinds of horses and for many different reasons. It can be an important part of the maintenance program of a top class equine athlete, keeping the horse performing at its optimum level by alleviating stress and preventing injury. It can be therepeutic to the older horse who suffers from chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis or COPD. It can help to calm the nervous horse, or to provide pain relief and speed healing for the injured or lame horse.
Massage therapy, of course, is not a substitute for regular care by a qualified veterinarian, and you should always consult with one prior to having your horse massaged.
- Increase in recovery time of fatigued muscles
- Increased muscular efficiency, increased muscle tonus (and increase in oxygen carrying capacity); increase in flexibility and range of motion
- Reduction in muscle spasms (knots)
- Reduction in excessive scarring/adhesions and therefore restored extensibility and reduced deformation of the muscle
- Increased circulation which works on the lymphatic system (assists lymph flow, improves detoxification and increases immunity); the cardiovascular system (increases venous system, allows veins/arteries to vasodilate; increase in blood flow reduces blood pressure and decreases heart rate); and the nervous system (massage promotes relaxation which helps to soothe nerves)
- Massage also aids in respiration, digestion, and elimination
Massage therapy is useful for all kinds of horses and for many different reasons. It can be an important part of the maintenance program of a top class equine athlete, keeping the horse performing at its optimum level by alleviating stress and preventing injury. It can be therepeutic to the older horse who suffers from chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis or COPD. It can help to calm the nervous horse, or to provide pain relief and speed healing for the injured or lame horse.
Massage therapy, of course, is not a substitute for regular care by a qualified veterinarian, and you should always consult with one prior to having your horse massaged.