Services
Benefits
Enhances muscle tone and increases range of movement
Increases flexibility
Improves skin and coat condition
Reduces crookedness and helps develop muscles more evenly
Stimulates circulation and endorphin release which helps to relieve pain, reduce stress and helps to lower blood pressure
Behavioural improvements
Soft tissue therapy is manual, meaning it is hands on bodywork. Through tactile stimulation (touch), nerves and sensory receptors are stimulated thus acting on the autonomic nervous system.
As therapist it is important to recognise behavioural signs which relate to the nervous system. For example, nociceptors are pain receptors which can be stimulated. During palpation and massage not only will muscle tone be assessed but also the way in which the horse reacts to pressure. The mechanical nociceptic threshold is the threshold of which pressure becomes painful and so if a horse reacts negatively this is a sign that this threshold has been met. Massage aims to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to relax and calm the horse.
Equine sports massage can be extremely beneficial during training and rehabilitation to help release tension and aid mental relaxation. In addition, for horses on box rest or restricted movement massage can help increase circulation, help to prevent muscle atrophy and improve mental wellbeing. Massage is beneficial for all horses from the happy hacker to the competition horse.