About Equine Massage

Equine Massage involves the assessment, hands on therapy and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Equine Sports Massage is becoming increasingly popular due to the may benefits it provides both physically and mentally. Horses respond very well to Equine Sports Massage, and this is evident during Trish's sessions and can be observed by owners.

Equine Sports Massage can help: Improve performance and temperament, Improve suppleness and range of movement, Reduce adverse affects of over-training, Aid your horses recovery after competition, Relieve muscular soreness and stiffness, Aid in the rehabilitation of horses that have suffered a prior injury.

Equine Massage is valuable not only in cases of injury and disease, but also for promoting the general health and well-being of your horse, and preventing it being lowered under modern day conditions of life and competition.

Equine Massage can be beneficial and useful in resolving common presenting complaints such as:

  • Bucking, rearing, napping behavior.
  • Stiffness on one rein.
  • Head tilting.
  • ‘cold backed’ tendencies.
  • Disuniting in canter.
  • Working hollow.
  • Saddle fit problems.
  • Uneven shoe wear.
  • Back pain secondary to a lameness issue.
  • Muscle asymmetry or imbalance.
  • Routine screening/check-ups

Equine Massage involves the use of techniques aimed at either:

  1. Reducing pain either caused by swelling or muscle spasm for example.
  2. Facilitating tissue healing and recovery.
  3. Restoring normal tissue length and joint range of motion.
  4. Promoting muscle strength and function.
  5. Reduction of stress by promoting relaxation during sessions.


 

 Trish offers:

Remedial Massage which aims to soothe sore muscles and to disperse tension and any adhesion's.  This is the massage of choice if you feel your horse is showing signs of muscular tension and stiffness or other problems that could be associated with the musculoskeletal system.

Pre-Competition Massage which aims to prepare the muscles for heavy work / competition. The techniques used incresase blood circulation to nourish and energise the muscles and get them primed ready to perform at their best.

Post-Competition Massage which aims to gently remove lactic acid and toxins from the muscles to reduce stiffness after heavy work/competition. Great for helping to keep your equine athlete fit and healthy for his/her next competition.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

This natural healing device has a wide range of uses. It can be incorporated into a massage session to provide natural non-invasive pain relief. Useful when working on recent injuries. It can also be used to improve blood flow and enhance natural healing, useful when working with older injuries.  The pad that emits the PEMF can be used on legs, neck, shoulders, back and hind quarters. 

Techniques that are used in Massage Therapy include:

Effleurage

Petrissage

Tapotment

Acupressure

Myofascial Release

Craniosacral Release

Spinal Freedom Techniques

Mobilisation techniques including passive and active stretching