Sports Massage

Massage is a hands-on therapy that involves assessment and manipulation of the body using a range of soft tissue techniques alongside stretching, joint mobilisations and muscle activations.  During each session I will work with your horse to engage their mind and body to induce relaxation and get the most out of their session.

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Equine Massage Therapy Techniques include the following:

 

• Stroking - a rhythmical light movement using relaxed hands, fingers or thumb tips.  Used to soothe, relax and calm the body by its effects on the nervous system

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• Effleurage - has a mechanical drainage effect.  It is the use of long, slow rhythmic movements used to warm tissue, weave massage movements together or finish massage work by draining the tissues.

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• Petrissage - this is a mixture of kneading, compression, muscle squeezing, picking up, wriinging and skin rolling.  Depending on the rhythm it can be soothing to stimulating.  Petrissage alternates pressure and relaxation

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• Friction - used a lot in sports massage as it breaks down adhesion and scar tissue

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• Tapotement - a series os of soft blows to the body using rhythmical movements.  This technique is great for energising the body.

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• Laying of hands -  a great way of connecting with the horse and can be used where there may be contraindications

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• Vibration -  a move which affects the horses muscles and joints that are just below the superficial surface

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• Shaking - increases circulation add help the horse relax where he may be holding tension

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Benefits of massage include:

• increased range of movement and stride length

• reduced activity of nociceptive pain receptors

• reduced muscle tension and soreness

• reduced muscle spasm

• greater flexibility and range of motion

• increased sense of wellbeing and reduced stress

• enhances blood flow

• improved proprioception

• improved posture, circulation hair coat, muscle tone

• immune system support

• injury prevention

• reduced fatigue

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