14/09/2023
Just some of the amazing benefits of massage therapy…
Increased flexibility:
Poor flexibility is usually caused by muscle fatigue, tightness or inflammation. Massage therapy improves flexibility through alignment and rehydration of muscle fibres. Hydrated muscles have more elasticity, and a greater ability to stretch, thus improving flexibility.
Improved suppleness:
Suppleness is a combination of unrestricted movement in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Therapists combine massage with skeletal mobilisation to increase the range of motion in joints, allowing the horse to be more free-flowing and expressive in its movements.
Relieving poll tension:
The horse’s poll is an area in which a lot of tension manifests itself. Stretching and massaging the horse’s poll can relieve build up of tension.
Psychological issues:
Gentle myofascial release work around the horse’s poll and neck can transform the most ill-treated, timid or fear aggressive horse, after just one session of massage therapy.
Aiding muscle recovery:
Massage therapy will ensure pathways to and from muscle bodies are free of adhesions, allowing the effective expulsion of acids which cause fatigue and cramp, as well as giving access to oxygen rich blood cells to replenish depleted stores, and repair torn fibres.
Harmonising horse and rider balance:
A good massage therapist can tell a lot about the rider from the physical tensions felt when palpating the horse. Often, a horse will be one sided through it’s back, if the rider is uneven in their seat. Massage therapy is just as important for the rider!
Increased muscle conditioning:
By eliminating tight muscles, massage therapy removes restrictions which would hinder the recovery period. Unrestricted muscles are more easily reached by nutrients which allows them to more easily grow and adapt to their workload.
Detoxification:
Used in between techniques and at the end of a massage, effleurage is the sweeping motion used to guide toxins towards the lymph nodes, where the body can easily expel them as natural waste. Removing toxins prevents cramping and fatigue, and promotes the hydration and suppleness of muscles.
