|
Massage is a very beneficial tool for the general health of all
horses.
Massage has a strong healing influence on all animals and
humans. It can be used to recover from injuries as well as to
prevent and relieve stress. It helps trigger the body's
ability to heal by itself.
The following are just some of the effects massage has:
- Promotes healing by stimulating circulation
- Increases flexibility and range of motion of joints
- Relaxes and refreshes the muscles and helps to prevent muscle
cramps and spasms
- Improves detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system by
improving circulation of blood and lymph
- Delivers oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells which are vital
for efficient function
- Helps to remove metabolic by-products from cells
- Can stimulate or have a calming effect on the nervous system
and in turn the cardiovascular system
- Decreases stress and pain through endorphin release
- Resets neural impulses and re-establishes normal
biomechanics
Most horses enjoy a massage which can be beneficial for their
mental state of being if they have no other problems. Horses
which are showing signs of irritability or girthiness can also
benefit from massage.
All my horses enjoy a massage, even if only for a few minutes,
and they will line up in the paddock awaiting their turn.
Even young foals benefit from a gentle massage as it gets
them used to being handled. My 4 week old foal will
walk up to me and demand a massage whenever he gets the chance
- all of his own free will.
  
We offer a range of treatments to suit most requirements:
Full massage - this involves an overall assessment of
your horse’s muscles followed by a full body massage, concentrating
on any problem areas which were observed during the
assessment. I will show you some moves you can continue
to use in your daily/weekly routine to help keep your horse in top
condition.
Specific massage – if you know what your horse’s problem
is, I can concentrate mainly on the problem area(s).
Routine massage – your horse may not have any specific
problems and you may wish to help maintain optimal health with
regular massage.
Pre-event massage – a massage before competition warms
muscles up without expending valuable energy, increases circulation
and can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system.
Stretching enables muscles to awaken and be ready for action.
Post-event massage – a massage after competition enables
muscles to clear lactic acid and other toxins built up during
exertion, assisting a good recovery after an event.
Stretching -
improve your horse's range of movement and elasticity of limbs.
Vanessa Lee is a graduate of the National College of Traditional
Medicine's Equine Myofunctional Therapy course.
AREA COVERED
RYLSTONE
MUDGEE
BATHURST
SYDNEY
LITHGOW
ORANGE
| 