Equine massage involves the application of hands-on massage techniques which are designed to relieve muscular pain and tension, assist in recovery after an injury, and enhance the physical fitness of a horse.
Though equine massage is considered a relatively new field of massage therapy, the practice dates back to ancient Greece, when horses were massaged prior to battle and during the Olympic games as a means of improving their performance, equine massage is recommended for a number of reasons including rehabilitation and pain relief.
Many of the benefits which horses get from massage therapy are the same benefits that humans get from hands-on treatment. This is not a surprise considering the fact we share many of the same muscle groups and biological processes as horses. Equine massage is usually performed by a Professional Qualified Equine Therapist.
Equine massage is most often performed on horses involved in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping, and horse racing. However, horses are used only for recreational riding or retired horses also benefit from massage.
Benefits of Equine Massage
Equine Therapy is both restorative and preventative. Therapy assists in restoring functions lost due to strain or injury so the horse can function optimally while also helping to develop and maintain the horse's physical health to prevent future injuries from occurring.
Specifically, it produces these effects in the following ways:
The physical manipulation of muscle tissue reduces pain and tension, which allows the horse to move with greater ease and fluidity. Massage also stimulates the release of endorphins which help reduce the perception of pain. As massage helps to keep muscles relaxed and supple, it lowers the risk of injury significantly.
Equine massage improves muscle tone and elongates connective tissue (fascia). This results in an expanded range of motion—longer strides, faster speeds, and increased endurance, all of which enhance the athletic capability of the horse. Massage also helps in preventing muscle atrophy during long periods of inactivity resulting from illness.
By increasing the flow of nutrient-rich blood to muscles, massage helps to speed up the healing process after an injury, reduces recovery time after competition or strenuous exercise, and flushes out toxins as well as excess fluids that have accumulated in the muscle tissues. Massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, this is essential for fighting disease.
The main benefits of Equine Massage Therapy Include:
1. Pain relief
This is the most common reason people seek out equine massage. However, there is no doubt that many people find it beneficial for various different ailments and conditions.
For example, many older arthritic horses may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Gentle massaging of the joints and surrounding limbs can help in alleviating this joint pain.
2. Relaxation
The link between massage and relaxation is well documented. Horses are extremely emotional animals and can feel stress, depression, and anxiety very similar to humans. A massage may be the perfect way in alleviating these issues. During an equine massage, blood pressure is reduced and breathing rate is slowed which helps the horse to relax. The heat generated in massage can also help to encourage a feeling of calm and well-being which will ultimately improve the overall relaxation of the horse.
3. Trust
Trust between horses and humans is essential if the horse is to be trained or ridden effectively.
However many horses can have trust issues for different reasons. Some horses may have been previously mistreated and react badly when introduced to new riders. Equine massage is an excellent way of helping to change a horse's perception of human contact. Starting off with a very gentle massage trust and confidence can slowly be built through numerous sessions. Over time the horse will hopefully become less tentative when around new people and even new surroundings.
4. Stimulation of the lymphatic system
Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system in order to help reduce localized swelling in the body. The lymphatic system is a collection of slow-moving vessels that transports cellular waste to the liver to then be processed. Some health conditions can cause these health conditions to interrupt the normal flow of lymph, resulting in the lymph fluid building up. This build-up often occurs in the arms and legs and can lead to nasty swelling and even pain.
Lymphatic drainage is a very specific technique that is normally only done by a practitioner with specific training in that area. Many people feel that lymphatic drainage can aid in the recovery from laminitis.
5. Increased joint mobility and flexibility
Many horses spend the majority of their day stuck inside a stable and only get turned out once a day for an hour or two. As a result of this, they can develop significant muscle tension and reduced flexibility.
Older horses are also more likely to develop stiffness when then they begin to slow down or stop work. Just like humans their mobility slowly declines. Massage can be an excellent way to keep the joints supple and ensure that a horse's range of movement is maintained or even improved. Many horses will have a reduced range of movement after an injury. A massage can help to regain this mobility over the course of a number of therapy sessions and good aftercare.
Precautions for Equine Massage
Despite the many benefits of equine massage, the practice is not recommended as a substitute for veterinary care. As is the case with human massage, equine massage may actually be harmful in some cases of severe injury or muscle tears.
Sufficient time must be allowed to pass between an injury and a massage session: If the horse’s blood vessels do not adequately heal, massage could lead to muscle bleeding, which might further delay the healing process.
Similarly, if the horse has an open wound, it is best to wait until the wound has healed before performing/booking a massage.
Given that massage increases metabolism, it could also make an existing fever worse and is, therefore, best avoided until the fever has gone down.
If a horse has been engaged in intense physical activity, such as competition, exercise, or training, it is recommended therapists wait between one and three hours before initiating massage.
Conclusion
Horse owners often note an improvement in the emotional health and behavior of horses the following massage, in addition to the physical benefits massage often yields.
For example, massage therapy can induce relaxation in stressed, agitated, and anxious horses, including those with a history of abuse. Reducing muscular pain, stiffness, and discomfort also means the horse may be less fearful and more willing to perform.
Regular Maintenance Equine Therapy makes it easier to prevent an injury from happening in the first place than to repair the damage after the injury has happened. Horses that are in routine work tend to use the same muscles repeatedly in order for them to perform their intended job. Because of this, their muscles start to develop tension patterns.
This is also another reason why it is important to add regular maintenance therapy sessions to their calendar and another reason why I recommend follow-up sessions.
Hannah
Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. We work closely with you, your vet, & farrier to fully benefit the whole horse. We are happy to answer any questions you may have or book an appointment, email Hannah at hannahegan.eq@gmail.com
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