What is Equine Sports Massage Therapy and Why Use It? 

Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue with the aim of loosening tight muscles, joints, tendons, scar tissue, oedema, adhesions and breaking down trigger and stress points.  It also increases blood flow and lymphatic activity/drainage as well as reduces stress.   It is applied using the therapist’s hands, fingers and elbows.

Massage has many benefits, both physical and mental and a massage applied by a qualified Therapist will help:

• loosen tight muscles

• stretch connective tissue

•  relieve muscle spasms and cramps

• decrease muscle fatigue 

• loosen joints

• improve range of movement

• increase muscle strength

• firm up muscle and skin tone

• stimulate circulation

• speed up healing from injury or illness

• improve lymphatic drainage

• calm the nervous system

• relieve stress, anxiety and depression

Whilst Equine Sports Massage Therapy mainly works the muscles, soft tissues and skin, it also has a positive effect on the circulatory system, the lymphatic system and the nervous system.

Massage not only helps to keep muscles healthy, it can also be used to build up muscles which may have wasted away through lack of use due to injury or illness.  It also helps the horse maintain strength and suppleness and can help prevent muscle atrophy during a period of box rest or reduced turn-out.