Equine Therassage

Equine Sports Massage Therapy

 

Becky Bailey - ITEC Dip Equine, ITEC Dip Human, MESMA, MCThA

 

Areas covered include—Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, West Midlands

 

Telephone: 07739 018476                email

Effects and Benefits of Massage

¨ Increase circulatory flow

¨ Improve lymphatic drainage and assist with tissue waste removal

¨ Relax/stimulate the muscles

¨ Relieve tension/reduce pain

¨ Improve muscle tone

¨ Break down scar tissue and adhesions

¨ Prepare muscle for activity

¨ Relax anxious/stressed horse

¨ Promote psychological changes

¨ Help prevent onset of muscle fatigue

¨ Assist recovery from injury

¨ Reduce post exercise/competition recovery time

¨ Improve mobility and flexibility of joints

 

When Should I use Equine Sports Massage?

As discussed previously, massage would ideally be part of an essential body maintenance plan to improve and enhance the muscular performance of your horse.  Regular massage can help prevent injury from muscle strain/tear and delay the onset of muscle fatigue during intensive exercise or competition.

 

If a maintenance plan is not a feasible option for your horse, Sports Massage will be of benefit if any of the following apply to your horse.

            

¨ One sided, preferring one rein                                 

¨ Difficulty striking off on one leg                              

¨ Disunited canter

¨ Poor performance on one diagonal

¨ Resistant to saddling up

¨ Cold backed

¨ Agitated when groomed or girthed up

¨ Difficulty engaging hind quarters

¨ Pulling out stiff

¨ Reduced level of work output to usual

¨ Resistance to exercise in general or a particular movement

¨ Extended recovery period to normal

 

The Veterinary Act of 1966, stipulates that only registered vets can diagnose and treat animals.  If your horse is lame, massage therapists are not qualified nor permitted to diagnose the lameness.  The vet usually responsible for your horse must assess any undiagnosed lameness prior to massage.  Your vet will not approve Sports Massage if there is undiagnosed lameness in your horse and the massage therapist will postponed massage until the veterinary in charge of the horse has made an assessment.

 

Massage therapy is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis and treatment.  If  permission is given by your vet, but during the massage anything of concern is discovered, the massage therapist will recommend and advise veterinary assessment.

 

Veterinary consent has to be sought prior to commencement of Equine Sports Massage therapy, verbally, preferably written.