Sports massage sessions promote immune system health and function and overall well-being through combined mechanical, physiological, and psychological therapeutic effects.
During a session, I use a combination of massage strokes and acupressure to locate and treat reactive areas of the muscle. I am beginning to incorporate essential oils into my sessions and horses seem to respond well certain oils based on where they are in training and their overall health.
During a session, I use a combination of massage strokes and acupressure to locate and treat reactive areas of the muscle. I am beginning to incorporate essential oils into my sessions and horses seem to respond well certain oils based on where they are in training and their overall health.
Sports massage benefits the horse by:
Benefits of acupressure treatment include:
The relaxation response can be quite apparent when a horse is observed during a session. Common reactions include yawning, licking, chewing and alternating weight distribution while resting the back legs.
The relaxation experienced during a massage also has tremendous effect on the equine cardiovascular system. Blood vessels are dilated, circulation is increased, and nutritive materials are replenished. Areas of decreased blood circulation, or ischemia, are benefited by the increased blood flow massage provides. The increased lymphatic circulation experienced helps flush toxins from various systems in the body, as well as to decrease edema, or swelling.
- Increasing range of motion - A horse that moves better has a more efficient stride. Less wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and tendons equates to a longer performance life.
- Improving stamina - By increasing the range of motion, your horse will work in a more efficient manner which improves stamina as well as performance.
- Improving disposition - A horse in pain, will often times act out by nipping, kicking, or overall having a meaner disposition. This is their way of attempting to communicate. Removing the source of pain can help change behavior and attitude.
- Aiding in recovery of muscle injury - Massage benefits rehabilitation following an injury and aids in reducing swelling. After the injury is healed, massage, stretching and proper exercise can help the recovery process by encouraging the dissipation of scar tissue. Reducing any amount of scar tissue helps restore the muscle and allows better performance.
- Increasing flexibility - A healthy, relaxed muscle allows for a greater elasticity of the muscles, tendons and ligaments which allows for greater levels of flexibility and agility.
- Preventing injury - The increased flexibility gained will allow greater ease of movements helping prevent serious injury.
Benefits of acupressure treatment include:
- Resolving injuries more readily by removing toxins and increasing blood supply.
- Released endorphins necessary to reduce pain.
- Released natural cortisone to reduce swelling prompting the body to heal itself.
- Enhanced mental clarity required for focus in training and performance.
The relaxation response can be quite apparent when a horse is observed during a session. Common reactions include yawning, licking, chewing and alternating weight distribution while resting the back legs.
The relaxation experienced during a massage also has tremendous effect on the equine cardiovascular system. Blood vessels are dilated, circulation is increased, and nutritive materials are replenished. Areas of decreased blood circulation, or ischemia, are benefited by the increased blood flow massage provides. The increased lymphatic circulation experienced helps flush toxins from various systems in the body, as well as to decrease edema, or swelling.
Contact me for more information or to schedule a massage session for your equine partner.
