| Curatio Horse Massage by Melanie Southard |
What is Equine Body Work?
Equine Body Work is a therapeutic application of deep tissue massage, or
‘sports massage’, used for increasing circulation and range of motion
providing the horse with improved performance and stamina. The massage
routine uses several different types of techniques to achieve long lasting
results for your horse.
In the field of training horses, tissue damage comes into play. I train my
horses to that fine line of fitness, trying to push the line out further without
stepping over it. Often the cross over is not noticed until it's to late. This is
where I come in as a Equine Body Worker. I want to prevent this incident
from happening.
Sports massage gives you a dynamic tool to use in the care of horses.
Melanie Southard will help to open your eyes and make you aware of things
that escaped your notice previously. Subtle changes are detected at their
earlier stages for intervention and care. In the performance horse, as well
as the trail horse this knowledge is invaluable.
Arthritis, joint problems, torn or over extended muscles and ligaments,
injury and surgery are some of the more common ailments that massage
can benefit as well as increased flexibility and reduced physical and mental
stress which is invaluable in muscle injury recovery.
What is Stress Point Therapy?
The Equine Body Worker checks over 80 muscle stress points during the
massage routine and uses direct pressure and cross fiber friction to
release the tension or ‘spasms’ in the muscle tissue. A spasm or tight
muscle occurs when the muscle fibres cannot release completely.
What is a Trigger Point?
Contracted, tight, and tense muscle fibres (refered to as a knot)within the
muscular tissue.
There are around 40 stress point locations situated around the horses
body, there are 7 sites that almost guarantee to house muscular
stress.........
What kind of horse benefits from Equine Massage?
What are the benefits of massage?
Please note:
Veterinarian approval must be sought before embarking on a massage
program for your horse.
Massage is not a replacement for proper veterinarian care.
Equine Body Work is a therapeutic application of deep tissue massage, or
‘sports massage’, used for increasing circulation and range of motion
providing the horse with improved performance and stamina. The massage
routine uses several different types of techniques to achieve long lasting
results for your horse.
In the field of training horses, tissue damage comes into play. I train my
horses to that fine line of fitness, trying to push the line out further without
stepping over it. Often the cross over is not noticed until it's to late. This is
where I come in as a Equine Body Worker. I want to prevent this incident
from happening.
Sports massage gives you a dynamic tool to use in the care of horses.
Melanie Southard will help to open your eyes and make you aware of things
that escaped your notice previously. Subtle changes are detected at their
earlier stages for intervention and care. In the performance horse, as well
as the trail horse this knowledge is invaluable.
Arthritis, joint problems, torn or over extended muscles and ligaments,
injury and surgery are some of the more common ailments that massage
can benefit as well as increased flexibility and reduced physical and mental
stress which is invaluable in muscle injury recovery.
What is Stress Point Therapy?
The Equine Body Worker checks over 80 muscle stress points during the
massage routine and uses direct pressure and cross fiber friction to
release the tension or ‘spasms’ in the muscle tissue. A spasm or tight
muscle occurs when the muscle fibres cannot release completely.
What is a Trigger Point?
Contracted, tight, and tense muscle fibres (refered to as a knot)within the
muscular tissue.
There are around 40 stress point locations situated around the horses
body, there are 7 sites that almost guarantee to house muscular
stress.........
- Splenius and Rhomboid meeting
- Rhomboid and Trapezius meeting
- Brachiocephalic
- Latissimuss Dorsi
- Infraspinitus
- Longissimuss Dorsi and Gluteal meeting
- Tensor Fascia Latae (just below point of hip)
What kind of horse benefits from Equine Massage?
- Competition horses (barrel horses, cutting and reining horses, roping
horses, eventers, showjumpers, polo ponies, dressage horses, race
horses, endurance horses etc..). - Horses and ponies in regular work and competing at weekends.
- Riding school horses and ponies.
- Horses and ponies on box rest or recovering from an injury.
What are the benefits of massage?
- Increases the range of movement
- Improves stamina
- Provides comfort to muscle injuries and reduces scar tissue
- Enhances performance and gait quality
- Improves circulation
- Assists in the removal of toxins post competition and helps avoid the
onset of stiffness - Detects and corrects muscular dysfunction
Please note:
Veterinarian approval must be sought before embarking on a massage
program for your horse.
Massage is not a replacement for proper veterinarian care.
| "Its all about the horse" |