|
|
|||||||||
Despite what you may think, massage is not a 'new age' fad or
trend. Massage and other holistic therapies have a long documented history in human health care. Historians have learned
that massage therapy was actively practiced in Ancient China and Greece as part of normal healthcare. In modern times,
with the arrival of the industrial age, natural therapies were pushed aside in favor of the quick fix that pharmaceuticals
could provide. We have since learned that drugs come with unintended consequences like allergic reactions and interactions. As
a result, many of us are now returning to a more wholesome, natural approach to health and wellness.
Horses benefit from massage the same way that people do. When you consider that both humans and horses are mammals and have somewhat similar musculoskeletal systems, it is not hard to understand that the animals experience muscle strain, injury, spasm just like we do. Furthermore, many of the activities that we ask horses to perform often place great stress on the their anatomy - jumping and polo are two prime examples.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
Any horse, regardless of age, breed or occupation can and will benefit from massage. Massage enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion. It assists in balancing the body by treating the body as a whole, rather than each individual part. Massage reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain. It promotes healing by increasing the flow of nutrients and fresh oxygen to the muscles, and carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
Massage creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles. When tension is released, muscles relax. It also stimulates circulation by opening tight muscles, thereby releasing endorphins - a natural pain killer. Improved circulation also results in excretion of toxins through the skin.
Massage helps maintain the whole body in better, and more supple physical condition.
HOW, WHEN WHERE TO MASSAGE
Massage can be appropriate before or after an event. It is however, important to give the muscles adequate time to recover before returning to work. A pre-event massage helps to loosen and warm the muscles up, thereby contributing to increased range of motion. A post-event massage is excellent to ease aching muscles that are overexerted and stiff.
Massage is best delivered to the horse in a calm, quiet setting where the horse is comfortable. Loud noises and distractions do not permit the horse to focus on its own body and experience the release of tension. It is acceptable for a horse to eat during a massage, but only after the head and neck areas have been treated. It is critically important to have plenty of fresh water on hand, as thirst will increase during and after massage.
A post-massage walk is a must. Walking briskly for 5-10 minutes helps the horse's body re-educate itself, and prevents post massage stiffness. The walk enables the horse to create new muscle memories that improve the overall effectiveness of the massage. Turning a horse out is not an adequate substitute.
WHEN NOT TO MASSAGE
If a horse is in shock, has a fever over 101, or has uncontrolled bleeding it is inappropriate to massage a horse. The profession is divided when it comes to cancer. Since massage stimulates both circulation and metabolism, it can 'feed' a cancer. Cancer cases require a written veterinary authorization for massage.
A horse that is very aggitated and nervous may not make a good massage candidate. We cannot force massage on an unwilling 1,000 pound animal. The safety of the horse and therapist must always be of paramount importance in deciding whether to pursue therapy or not.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT MASSAGE THERAPY IS NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR APPROPRIATE VETERINARY CARE. CONSULT WITH YOUR VET PRIOR TO THERAPY IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HORSE'S OVERALL HEALTH.
Horses benefit from massage the same way that people do. When you consider that both humans and horses are mammals and have somewhat similar musculoskeletal systems, it is not hard to understand that the animals experience muscle strain, injury, spasm just like we do. Furthermore, many of the activities that we ask horses to perform often place great stress on the their anatomy - jumping and polo are two prime examples.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
Any horse, regardless of age, breed or occupation can and will benefit from massage. Massage enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion. It assists in balancing the body by treating the body as a whole, rather than each individual part. Massage reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain. It promotes healing by increasing the flow of nutrients and fresh oxygen to the muscles, and carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
Massage creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles. When tension is released, muscles relax. It also stimulates circulation by opening tight muscles, thereby releasing endorphins - a natural pain killer. Improved circulation also results in excretion of toxins through the skin.
Massage helps maintain the whole body in better, and more supple physical condition.
HOW, WHEN WHERE TO MASSAGE
Massage can be appropriate before or after an event. It is however, important to give the muscles adequate time to recover before returning to work. A pre-event massage helps to loosen and warm the muscles up, thereby contributing to increased range of motion. A post-event massage is excellent to ease aching muscles that are overexerted and stiff.
Massage is best delivered to the horse in a calm, quiet setting where the horse is comfortable. Loud noises and distractions do not permit the horse to focus on its own body and experience the release of tension. It is acceptable for a horse to eat during a massage, but only after the head and neck areas have been treated. It is critically important to have plenty of fresh water on hand, as thirst will increase during and after massage.
A post-massage walk is a must. Walking briskly for 5-10 minutes helps the horse's body re-educate itself, and prevents post massage stiffness. The walk enables the horse to create new muscle memories that improve the overall effectiveness of the massage. Turning a horse out is not an adequate substitute.
WHEN NOT TO MASSAGE
If a horse is in shock, has a fever over 101, or has uncontrolled bleeding it is inappropriate to massage a horse. The profession is divided when it comes to cancer. Since massage stimulates both circulation and metabolism, it can 'feed' a cancer. Cancer cases require a written veterinary authorization for massage.
A horse that is very aggitated and nervous may not make a good massage candidate. We cannot force massage on an unwilling 1,000 pound animal. The safety of the horse and therapist must always be of paramount importance in deciding whether to pursue therapy or not.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT MASSAGE THERAPY IS NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR APPROPRIATE VETERINARY CARE. CONSULT WITH YOUR VET PRIOR TO THERAPY IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HORSE'S OVERALL HEALTH.
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Mobile provider of holistic therapy products and services for
horse and rider.
Contact us @ miequinetherapy@aol.com or call 248.921.6322