Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a holistic treatment, dating back 5,000 years with roots in Indian, Egyptian and Chinese cultures, that aims to reduce pain and tension and heal the body. Equine massage is the application of this ancient healing practice to our equine partners to help them achieve the same benefits.
Massage therapy manipulates the soft tissue structures of the body - connective tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and skin - with various strokes, techniques and degrees of pressure.
Our anatomically focused massage utilizes a range of styles to suit the needs of each horse.
Swedish
Swedish massage is a gentle massage that uses long, flowing strokes, kneading, circular motion, vibration & tapping and passive joint movement. This flowy massage is my favorite style for horses new to massage or on a maintenance plan as it's incredibly relaxing.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and deep pressure to alleviate soreness, tightness and chronic muscular pain from the deeper muscle layers. This is much more intense than Swedish, but often time is needed to break up adhesions.
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Sports
Sports massage is a cousin to deep tissue and alternates between deep pressure, soothing strokes and stretching. Sports massage focuses to alleviate tension in areas of the body that experience repetitive strain and improve athletic performance.
Trigger Point
Trigger point massage focuses on painful knots, also known as trigger or stress points. Trigger points are a knot of contracted muscle tissue that causes referred pain in other parts of the body. By breaking up these uncomfortable knots, we restore muscle function.
Aroma-therapy
Aromatherapy massage incorporates the healing powers of essential oils into massage. I use high quality massage oils and have blends aimed towards relaxation and blends for muscular support. Often, I let the horse decide which they'd like for their session. Occasionally, I may add additional essential oils as well.
Massage Benefits
Relieves Pain
& Stiffness
Gentle massage strokes lengthen & stretch connective tissue while rigorous strokes break up adhesions and spasms. This restores proper function to the muscle fibers and allows them to contract and release freely.
Stress Relief
& Relaxation
The gentle, soothing strokes of massage relax the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation/ rest & digest state) and release endorphins (feel good chemicals) in the brain. Not only does this calm and relax the body, but it has an analgesic, pain relieving effect as well.
Boosts Circulation &
Immune Health
Massage strokes put pressure on blood vessels which helps push circulation through congested areas and bring muscles oxygen. This process also rids buildup of toxins and helps flush the lymphatic system, in turn increasing immune health.
Reduces Healing Time & Prevents Injuries
By flushing toxins and moving lymph and circulation through congested areas, generally areas of damage and injury, inflammation is reduced at the site and healing is encouraged. Massage helps prevent injury by reducing adhesions and cellular congestion before it begins.