EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
Did you know.....
A traumatized muscle (excessive excerption, or injury) will tighten, a tightened muscle will spasm, a spasm will become a knot, which can cause shortening of the entire muscle and tearing!
** NO AMOUNT OF REST OR ANTI-INFLAMATORY MEDICATION WILL RESOLVE THE KNOT!!**
Furthermore: your chiropractic will not hold if the muscles are tight and keep pulling the bones back out of alignment.
Massage therapy is best used as a preventive measure to prepare muscles for their intended use, but is extremely valuable for relief of effects of injury, stress and strain.
It is vital for your horses full recovery that restricted tissue be broken up. In the injured areas, if not massaged and manipulated, the collagen (the tougher of the connective tissue / fascia) will lay down randomly and will leave the area weaker than original structure. If you work the surrounding tissue, it will lay along the line of the muscle and resolve stronger than before.
A well prepared muscle is less prone to injury and when horses are properly aligned, they will will see less strain and carry fewer restrictions, allow them to perform at thier ultimate best for you.
Rehabilitation
The areas covered under this title are endless, so I will give you a few examples of when I am typically asked to help -- Your vet just left, your horse has pulled or strained a muscle or has a very sore back and you have been told to stay off him, and rest him for a while. Maybe they suggested that chiropractic could help. This is when you start the correct treatment to be sure to give your horse the benefits that will promote a speedy, less painfull and complete recovery.
All the treatments that I perform are wonderful preventive measures as well,
Myofascial Release
This is performed by stretching and elongating restricted fascia (connective tissue). The stretch is held until the the fascia softens and releases. Myofascial release takes the pressure off pain sensitive tissues such as nerves and blood vessels, and restores alignment and mobility to the joints.
Adhesions in the fascia can affect connective tissue in various other parts of the body as well. The inflammatory process makes this worse, and must be controlled. Adhesions, if left unattended, can lead to poor muscular biomechanics, altered structural alignment and decreased strength and endurance.
Benefits of Bodywork and saddle fit together:
If you experience any imbalance or discomfort, it will show up in your horse! If your saddle does not put you in the correct balanced position, you will have backaches and will always be "fighting" to be in position.
You owe it to yourself and your horse to be assessed on a regular basis, especially if you are just starting up after winter. Your horse’s musculature changes as fitness level, age and usage change.
I will examine you and your horse under saddle to offer the best strategies to getting you both comfortable and moving without restriction or pain.
**Note that I reserve the right to waive treatment if it appears that a veterinarian consultation is in order. I do not diagnose.