Below are descriptions of some of the therapies
used:
Sports Massage is
used as a maintenance and preventative routine to keep your horse in prime
condition. It is also used as a vehicle to assess the horse for stress and
trigger points and muscle spasm requiring release.
- Should
be performed every 4 to 6 weeks on healthy muscle.
- During
show/event season it should be performed every 2 to 4 weeks.
Deep tissue is
the same sequence of sports massage, and is performed with a deeper weight of
hand for the equine that enjoys a heavier touch.
Sports or Deep tissue massage should be performed
approximately one week prior to a show or event to increase circulation
throughout the body and to release stress or target points.
Recuperation Massage
- Used
primarily to increase circulation of the blood and lymph systems to
eliminate waste and toxins.
- Helps
the body to heal more quickly and more efficiently.
- Relieves
stress on compensatory muscles.
Pre-Event Massage
- Readies
the horse for his event by loosening and warming the muscles.
- This
is 20 to 30 minute session and should be performed 30 minutes prior to
the event, followed by walk.
- A
light stretch can also be done at this time.
Post-Event Massage
- Relieves
muscle pain and stiffness by helping muscles return to their original
length and helping the body eliminate lactic acid to prevent fatigue and
soreness.
- Performed
approximately 15 minutes the event and is a 15 to 20 minute session.
- A
light stretch can also be done at this time.
Hydrotherapy is
the application of either cold or hot water to the horse either prior or
during massage. Depending upon the temperature of the water, this technique
will increase the effectiveness of the massage by either numbing or soothing
the nerve endings.
Stretching improves muscle tone and increases
elasticity of ligaments and joints. It also increases the horses awareness of
his body. There are a number of stretching exercises which compliment and
facilitate massage. Those used will depend upon the needs of your horse and
will be a way to enhance your relationship with your equine as you
follow-through on those stretches.
Myofascial Release: Fascia
is known as the "organ of form" and is the substance that gives us
our shape. Fascial connective tissue in the equine, forms the web from head to tail and
surrounds and connects every muscle, bone, nerve and cell. When the equine is
injured, the fascia will tighten and thicken as a protective response.
Myofascial release is a sustained, gentle pressure which will elongate
the compromised tissue restoring freedom of movement and the horse's natural
ability of coordination, strength and power. HOURS & RATES
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