Does massage therapy truly benefit the horse and is there a science behind it? To some of you massage therapy may seem like a luxury or maybe even a waste of time. But there is real value in “sports” massage for your equine partner. Sports massage isn’t just about relaxation and pampering. Yes, your horse will get the added benefit of relaxation but a sports massage is a focused technique that targets specific origins of the body in need of rehabilitation or comfort. My goal is to address all areas of concern or pain while leaving your horse in a more relaxed and hopefully, pain free state. My clients have seen what massage can do for their horses. But you may still be curious or skeptical so let’s focus on the scientific reasons why massage is good for your horse, from promoting healing to preventing pain and injury…
"Overall, a horse's lymph flow is relatively slow and kept up especially through movements. If a horse has to stand still for a prolonged period of time, stasis may occur in the lymphatic system, and legs may swell."
Whether your horse is hurting from an injury, a slip & fall or has spent a lot of time in the practice pen, massage is a great way to keep your horse performing optimally. Massage will keep soft tissue relaxed and better able to handle the hard work we put our horses bodies through. Massage increases blood flow back to the sore muscles which improves circulation of the lymph system. “The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease. A horse has about 8,000 lymph nodes throughout their entire body; while humans have only about 400 to 600. Lymph nodes clean and detoxify lymphatic fluid given off from blood vessels in the horse's body. Massage is an important tool that aides in keeping the lymphatic system healthy.
Many times, when we encounter a problem with our horses, whether it’s performance based or behavioral, it stems from muscle tension and soreness. We’ve all heard someone say they have a knot in their back or neck that’s sore. That knot is actually individual muscle fibers that cluster together. This leads to a shortened muscle and diminished/loss of muscle function. Educated hands can find the knot & use compression and massage to help it release. Educated hands are important… many times you can find a sore muscle but you will not relieve the pain without finding the “point of origin” and working there. Without knowledge of anatomy, you will not know where to find that point of origin. Consistent, preventive massage can teach the muscle to stay long and loose instead of bunched up into a knot. Keeping the muscles in a relaxed state helps maintain body alignment. Proper body alignment is key to warding off musculoskeletal aches and pains that can lead to nerve compression, pain & decreased performance level. When we balance the muscles, the joints work more smoothly and your equine partner performs at their optimal level.
Heather Cannon
Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist
(941) 650-4746
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