11/03/2023
What is Equine Sports Massage Therapy ?
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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 your therapist will work with your horse to engage their mind and body to induce relaxation and get the most out of their session.
Each horse is different mentally and physically so your therapist will choose the appropriate techniques to apply based on their assessments on the day. Following their visit you may be advised about adaptions to training routines, environmental factors or exercises that could benefit your horse.
Your horse will be assessed visually, both statically and dynamically, this may include in hand and ridden work. Your therapist will be looking at conformation, posture, muscle asymmetry, hoof balance/shoeing as well as tack/equipment alongside taking a full medical and lifestyle history.
Feeling for areas of tightness/change in muscle tone, inflammation, heat or cold, areas of discomfort or decreased range of movement are a vital part of the assessment as well as using a range of specific soft tissue techniques to aid relaxation and recovery.