Questions & Answers
How does massage reduce the incidence of injury?
When a muscle gets tired or injured it stops working properly and no longer produces the amount of movement it should. Other muscles need to compensate for this weak muscle by working harder, often taking on too great a work load or doing a job they were not designed to do. These compensatory muscles can get tired or injured too and this cycle can continue. A once isolated problem without resolution can become widespread. Sports massage therapy restores the health of the muscle and associated soft tissues and prevents further damage and keeps the problem isolated.
Will it help for my horse to have sports massage therapy pre-competition?
Yes, pre-competition sessions are designed to warm up muscles and other soft tissues to prepare your horse for high intensity activity. Ensuring that your horses muscles feel supple prior to competition can aid your warm-up session and reduce the incidence of injuries.
Does massage help after a competition?
Yes, it can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain and help get your horse back into training as soon as possible.
Does my horse need to be in competition to require a massage?
No, massage is beneficial for any type of horse, regardless of breed, age or discipline or workload.
Will I need to be there while my horse is being treated?
For the initial assessment and therapy session you will need to be there. For following treatments depending on the horse and situation I can work with your horse without you there.
How often will my horse need a treatment?
This depends on your horse, what the therapy sessions are for and the level of work, but a monthly maintenance treatment is recommended to keep your horse in optimum condition, more regularly if a high level of performance is required.
When will an improvement be noticeable?
Each horse's response to a therapy session is different, but usually in a relaxed or sensitive horse an improvement is observed after one or two sessions. If the problem is deeper or has been manifesting for a long period of time it will take longer. A rehabilitation program may be necessary if your horse is showing moderate to severe asymmetry and uneven muscle development.
No improvement yet?
If there is a continuation of the condition with no improvement I will recommend an alternative practitioner such as a veterinarian, osteopath, dentist and / or saddler.
Where does the therapy take place?
It is best conducted in the horse's stable or a place where the horse is most relaxed.
Do I need to contact my vet before massage sessions?
Working within the Veterinary Act regulations, if your horse has suffered an injury, illness or surgery prior to you requesting massage therapy, your vet needs to be contacted and permission sort before performing equine sports massage therapy.
If your horse is healthy and uninjured, and requires maintenance equine sports massage, pre-competition or post-competition then that decision is the owners. It is your decision to request your horse be massaged. If we discover anything during a routine massage session that might require veterinary intervention or diagnosis veterinary then I will refer the owner to their vet. Only Veterinarians are eligible to diagnose injuries, conditions and illness in animals.