Sports Massage

Sports massage can be used separately or combined with the McTimoney technique and is a very popular therapy to enable the horse to perform at an optimum level.

Sports massage is the therapeutic application of hands-on techniques long recognised for the purpose of increasing circulation and range of motion as well as improving the animal’s stamina and overall performance and wellbeing. Regular sessions can also help to prevent injury due to fatigue or strain and also treat soft tissues compensating for injuries or for rehabilitation following injury.

There are many benefits of sports massage, including:

Improved gait quality, range of motion and flexibility
Improves muscle tone and relieves muscular tension
Improves stamina and disposition
Muscles associated with an orthopaedic issue are kept supple and reduces pain
Provides comfort to muscle injuries
Enhances the performance and gait quality
Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage

Claire Warman applying deep tissue massage to horse's triceps muscle

As part of her Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Manipulation, Claire wrote a research study on “The Effects of Sports Massage on Horses with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness”. Her results showed that sports massage increased and maintained stride length following hard exercise 7 days after the massage session.