Sports Massage

The use of sports massage along with correct stretching allows the greatest range of movement, reducing strain on tendons and ligaments and maximising tendon and muscle elasticity. Thus improving range of motion in the pelvis, shoulders and limbs, allowing for easier lateral work, improving flexibility in upper limbs therefore reducing the risk of injury during stressful demands, causing less fatigue as muscles and joints are more flexible.
Improves circulation to all tissues so that less effort during warm-up is required, so energy is conserved for athletic exertion.

Techniques used during a sports massage:

• Compression and percussion - used to isolate and soften the muscle
• Direct pressure - pressure is exerted onto a specific point in a muscle to soften muscle spasms or adhesions.
• Cross-fibre friction - used after direct pressure once the spasms or adhesions have been softened, so that the affected area can be broken up.
• Stretches - used once the muscles are warmed up to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release works with the fascia (connective tissue) throughout the body using very effective hands-on techniques that provide sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion by allowing collagen fibres to re-align in the appropriate pattern.  This allows maximum strength and function.

Myofascial release is very effective in reducing spasms, tensions, stiffness and scar tissue.  When restriction in fascia is released, it allows muscles to slide smoothly over one another allowing improved dynamic movement and reduction/removal of pain. It can also allow re-alignment of the skeleton (i.e. vertebrae and pelvis).

It is a great form of therapy for nervy, stressed and touch sensitive horses, as it is un-intrusive, non-painful and very calming.

Fascia (connective tissue) is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord.  Every part of the body is connected to every other part by the fascia.

In the normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, surgery or just habitual poor body carriage over time and repetitive stress injuries have cumulative effects. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of the body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion.

Equine sports massage is not a substitute for veterinary care and horses will only be treated with the permission of your veterinary surgeon.