Effects of equine sportsmassage

Equine sportsmassage therapy is

stimulating

  • blood circulation (local increase, dilation of the capillary vessels, warming and dilatation of the surrounding tissue)
  • metabolism (improved uptake of substances, rapid removal of substances
  • vegetative nerve system (release of hormones and transmitters, pain reducing, relaxing of muscles, skin and connective tissue)
  • the proprioception

preventive

  • restrictions in motion (for example due to muscle trauma, muscle sore or rupture of the muscle fiber)
  • early detection and treatment of muscle tensions
  • stress reduction which provides a stable nervous constitution
  • fast recovery of the muscles in between hard training intervals or after competitions
  • elasticity of muscles and tendons

healing

  • release of agglutination and scarf tissue
  • improved and increased wound healing
  • mental relaxation and mental trauma release

Holistic aspect of massage therapy increases 

  • general konstitution
  • mental and physical potential and performance

Massage therapy is useful

  • as a warm-up before workout
  • as a cool down and relaxation after workout (not directly after workout)
  • prevention against muscle and tendency trauma

Indicator that you should call me for an equine sportsmassage treatment?

  • irregular rhythm
  • frequent stumbling
  • tail inclination
  • resistant when lifting hoof
  • resistant during training
  • irritated reactions when groomed, touched and/or saddling

And after the treatment? 
After the first massage or at deep muscular tension, the symptoms of exercise pain may occur. This is not uncommon and you should not do any workout the first two days after the massage. If the symptoms of an exercise pain occur, after 2 or a maximum of 3 days, a further massage must be performed to relieve these symptoms. Directly after the treatment the horse should be offered water and hay, but also a short walk as a “leg stretcher” is a good idea.

Contra indications for a massage:

  • if the horse is lame or halt
  • if an inflammation is ongoing
  • if the horse is undergoing veterinary treatment
  • if the horse is undergoing medicine treatment or pain relieving medicine
  • if the horse is suffering from colic
  • if the horse suffers from a contagious disease
  • if the horse is in foal
  • if the horse has an abscess in the hoof
  • if the horse suffers from a laminitis

Massage is no compensation for a veterinary treatment!