Equitouch massage... for the equine sports athlete!

Equitouch massage has many benefits for the high performance horse --- through the non-invasive technique of sports massage therapy, you can improve your equine athlete's performance by increasing circulation and range of motion.  It also relieves tension and those hindering muscle spasms.

Massage increases performance, and treats & prevents injury.  Massage is good maintenance therapy.  Don't wait until your horse strains a muscle or tendon, or sprains a ligament.  Massage is what you do BEFORE that happens.  Check out additional benefits below...

Equine Sports Massage gives you a dynamic tool to use in the care of horses.  Small changes are detected at their earlier stages for intervention and care.  In racehorses, performance horses, as well as the trail horses this knowledge is invaluable.  Joint problems, arthritis, torn or over extended muscles and ligaments, injury and surgery are some of the more common ailments that can benefit from an increase of flexibility and reduced physical and mental stress.  The massage itself will promote socialization, enhance the human-animal bond and help maintain good health for your horse, no matter if the horse is inactive or constantly raced.  During the period of confinement or restricted movement, the body is at rest and the muscles are inactive or stiff when activities are resumed.  Massage improves the flexibility of these muscles and helps to prevent re-injury.  An equine massage should be performed prior to exercise as well as post exercise.

Each muscle will affect other muscles.  We call this the domino effect and the way each muscle works in conjunction with another, as well as with the bones of the body of which they are connected to.  For instance a muscle in the rear leg that has had trauma to it will affect the muscles throughout the back, abdomen, front legs and neck.  This will alter the way in which the animal walks, stands, eats and plays.  It can also alter their behavior.  Medication alone will help control pain and inflammation and even help control the signs of trauma to the muscles.  Massage will help the animal to heal the trauma.  Manipulation of muscles will strengthen the affected muscles and allow the horse to release adhesions and to slowly start using the muscles again.  Equine Sports Massage concentrates on muscles that cannot secure their own release.  Many times muscle sensitivity is a secondary result or symptom to orthopedic-type issues, injuries or illness.  There are times that overuse or overstretching of a muscle can be a primary cause.  A small, adhering bit of tissue of the muscle or joint ligament can make muscles incapable to function properly.  Massage restores the freedom of movement by reducing the resistance to motion.  Less wear and tear on your horse translates to a longer happier life.

Again, massage is never a replacement for veterinary care.  Massage along with quality training techniques enables your horse to perform at his/her best level possible.