Treatment and the benefits

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Have you noticed that your horse is not performing as they would normally? Is your horse displaying signs of pain or discomfort when being exercised? Has your horse developed a reluctance to be tacked up or ridden? 

These may all be signs that your horse has restrictions in their muscles and is therefore experiencing discomfort and pain.

An Initial Assessment will allow me to assess your horse dynamically to understand any potential issues and devise a treatment plan to help your horse to get back to their normal selves and optimal performance.  I will then provide the initial treatment part of the appointment which will include various different strokes and techniques as well as stretches.

Benefits of an initial assessment and treatment include:

• Identification of problem areas
• Initial treatment of any problem areas
• Begin to release any built-up tension or stress
• Support recovery from previous injury
• Reduce any swelling and fluid retention
• Relieve psychological stress
• Increase flexibility & range of movement
• Improve posture and stance

If any musculoskeletal problems are identified during the initial assessment, I may suggest a remedial massage course with regular treatments over a series of weeks. During this time, the expertise of farriers, saddlers, chiropractors etc, may also be recommended as required. Please note, that massage is not a substitute for veterinary attention.

Benefits of a course of massage treatments include:

• Reduces healing time and supports recovery
• Removes lactic acid from the muscles
• Helps to mobilise joints
• Reduces and relaxes muscle tension
• Releases stress points, which can be the sole cause of other problems and often take more than one treatment to fully release
• Increases the horse’s range of movement and suppleness
• Reduces crookedness and helps develop muscles more evenly
• Prevents muscles shortening, which can occur after muscle injury
• Reduces scar tissue 
• Prevents muscle wastage after injury

If your horse has no specific restrictions or areas of tension found in their initial assessment, or if they have completed a remedial course and are now in good shape, they will benefit greatly from regular maintenance treatments to help them remain in peak condition to therefor be able to perform at their best.

Benefits of regular massage treatments include:

• Removal of lactic acid which causes muscle fatigue
• Releases muscle spasms or trigger points
• Improves muscle tone
• Improves muscle flexibility, suppleness and elasticity
• Reduces risk of pulled muscles
• Reduces risk of repetitive strain and overuse 
• Minimises stiffness
• Improves and reduces muscle atrophy
• Induces rapid cell renewal and tissue repair
• Speeds up recovery
• Increases flexibility and range of movement
• Helps ease painful, sore joints
• Relaxes the nervous system
• Improves co-ordination and balance
• Relaxes the horse’s mind and body
• Improves coat and skin condition