The numerous benefits of sports massage include: • Release of endorphins for pain relief • Warming and cleansing muscle tissue • Break down of adhesions • Increased flexibility and Range of Movement • Increase sporting performance • Enhancing and influencing venous and lymphatic return due to replication of working muscle pressure changes • Increase of blood and metabolism in tissues • Assisting mobility of fluid and cells • Stimulation of underlying tissue • Mobilisation of deep scarring and adherent tissue interfaces • Stimulation of local circulation • Stimulates relaxation response • Extend overall life of sporting career All horses will benefit from Equine Sports Massage Therapy: those who are retired, companions, kids ponies, riding school horses and happy hackers to top level competition horses as well as those recovering from injury. Massage has also been known to be beneficial for horses suffering from respiratory problems, arthritis, joint conditions and laminitis. I offer Equine Sports Massage, Pre and/or Post Event Massage. WHAT TO EXPECT... Full Consultation including case history, static and dynamic assessments followed by PTD and Stress Point Assessment. This ensures the horse is suitable for treatment and helps identify the possible problem areas prior to the massage treatment. Sports Massage An array of different techniques from effleurage, petrissage, tapotements, vibrations, trigger pointing, muscle stripping and passive stretching (if appropriate) are used throughout the treatment. Pre Event Massage This is used to loosen and warm the muscle tissue, stimulate the nervous system and increase circulation. It prepares the horse so it feel ready for work without the need of actual physical function. The treatment lasts no longer than 20 minutes, (10 minutes each side) performed with a fast and vigorous manner. Post Event Massage This is used to encourage the horse to recover much quicker and helps to release tight muscles as well as loosen muscle tissue. This technique helps remove toxins from the body such as lactic acid and metabolic by-products. The massage can also alleviate the delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and help relax/ refresh the horse. ***VETERINARY ACT*** The Veterinary Act 1966 is a Parliamentary Act passed in order to safeguard the welfare of sick or injured animals. It states it is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained. The treatment of an animal by physiotherapy if carried out under the direction of a registered veterinarian who has examined the animal and prescribed such treatment. In order to work legally within these confines an equine masseur must take appropriate steps before treating an equine, such as, gaining the referred vet and owners written permission, ensuring they have adequate insurance in which they abide to the specific insurers terms. It must also be mentioned that no equine masseur is trained as a "medical" masseur and are unable to give diagnosis. However they should keep comprehensive notes of the individual equine, owner and farrier. Based on these notes they are able to suggest activities or rest, however this must be clarified and discussed with the vet on all occasions beforehand. THEREFORE I will request Veterinary permission is gained before seeing any horse, either by the owner and/or myself. © Copyright - Sally Evans 2015 |