Sports Massage

Sports massage can be used separately or combined with the McTimoney technique. It is a very popular therapy that enables 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, range of motion as well as improving the animal’s stamina, overall performance and wellbeing. Regular sessions can also help to prevent injury from fatigue or strain and 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
• improved muscle tone and relieves muscular tension
• improved stamina and disposition
• muscles associated with an orthopaedic issue are kept supple and reduces pain
• comfort to muscle injuries
• enhanced performance and gait quality
• improved circulation and lymphatic drainage

 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 seven days after the massage session.