Benefits
of Bodywork
All About Equine Massage
Equine massage therapy is rooted in human sports performance massage. A variety of techniques are utilized in equine massage including Swedish massage, myofascial release massage, and Shiatsu to manipulate the soft tissues. Through these techniques, muscle fiber adhesions and toxins present in stress points along the body are mechanically released to relieve pain and tension.
Equine massage therapy has many incredible benefits for horses of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds including:
Increased blood & lymph circulation
Boosts the flow of synovial fluid to lubricate joints
Decreases inflammation in soft tissues
Breaks up muscle adhesions, scar tissue & points of toxin buildup
Amplified muscle tone, condition & function
Enhanced range of motion, flexibility & stride length
Improved proprioception & body awareness
Reduced muscle pain, soreness, stress & tension
Increased endorphin release & relaxation
Aids in recovery, rehabilitation & injury prevention
Improved athletic performance
Does your horse need a bodywork session?
Horses present tension and stress in many ways depending on their discipline, workload, and personality. Here are some common signs your horse may benefit from bodywork:
Difficulty picking up or changing leads
Bucking, rearing, or stopping
Struggling to bend or collect
Drifting to one side
Hollowed back or topline
Lacking engagement in the hind end
Heavy or pulling on the bit
Negative shift in attitude
Knocking rails or poles
What is Whole Body Vibration?
Similar to massage, whole body vibration for our equine partners is based in physical therapy for humans. By standing on a mechanically vibrating plate, referred to as the TheraPlate, muscles in the body undergo very small contractions and relaxations in order to maintain their posture. The frequency of vibration can be adjusted to create a custom, beneficial program tailored to each individual horse's needs. Whole body vibration is a wonderful tool utilized for rehabilitation, conditioning, and relaxation.
Studies have shown that whole body vibration is able to:
Decrease levels of stress hormones in blood
Increase hoof growth
Maintain bone mineralization & thickness
Increase muscle area & symmetry
Minimize loss in muscle mass for stalled horses
Improve range of motion
Decrease heart rate
Promote visible, relaxation behaviors
Enhance blood flow & wound healing
Massage therapy, whole body vibration or any additional modality encompassed in bodywork is not a replacement for veterinary care. If a serious issue is present, please contact your veterinarian.