Equine Massage Therapy
Increasing Numbers of People are Recognizing the Benefits
Equine Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in horses. Equine massage therapy was documented in the earliest cultures such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. Large sections in ancient veterinary books were devoted to massage. Eventually the focus turned from massage and similar therapies to new pharmaceuticals. However, in recent years there has been a major shift back to animal massage therapy. More and more people, including veterinarians, are realizing the benefits to animal massage.
Benefits of Equine Massage
Some of the documented benefits of equine massage therapy are:
- Enhanced muscle tone and range of motion
- Reduced inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain
- Promotion of the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins
- Creation of a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles, releasing tension and relaxing muscles
- Stimulation of circulation by: defrosting frozen muscles, thereby releasing endorphins, which are the body's natural pain killers
- Helping to maintain the whole body in better physical condition
- Reduced anxiety
- Aids in digestion
- Decreased blood pressure
- Stimulation of liver and kidney functions
What Horses Should Receive Massages?
Any horse that is not in shock, has cancer, or has a fever can benefit from massages. Many horses across the country are already benefiting from massages. It is especially beneficial for competitive, lame, heavily worked, sore and older horses. It is very popular among racetracks and show barns. The U.S. Olympic Equestrian team uses massage therapists trained by Equissage Inc., the top training facility for equine massage. Many owners today make massage therapy an essential part of their animal’s health routine.
About Equissage - Equissage was founded and incorporated in 1989 by Mary A. Schreiber. She originally became interested in using massage on animals, because of the outstanding benefits she saw on humans. When she saw the amazing effects it had on her own horses she decided to market her services. Many people began asking her to train others and so she created the Equissage Certificate Program in Equine Sports Massage Therapy.It was to the first program of its kind in the world. And since 1992, Equissage has graduated more than 8,000 Equine Sports Massage Technicians, from every state and 19 different countries around the world. In 2000 Equissage added a certificate program for canine massage therapy.
Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to horses and will greatly improve their performance and physical well-being. The International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork (IAAMB) has a directory of equine and companion animal massage therapists here.
Horse receives a massage after competition
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles