What are the benefits of Sports Therapy & indications of pain in my horse?
ALL FORMS OF SPORTS THERAPY CAN PROVIDE RELIEF AND BENEFIT THE HORSE BY:
RELAXATION:
This is generally the first benefit that comes to mind when talking about massage; it is especially useful for highly-strung horses.
ENHANCEMENT OF MUSCLE TONE:
Creating a positive effect on the whole contracting and release process of the muscle, massage helps prevent muscles from getting hyper-contracted and injured
RELIEVES MUSCLE SPASM AND TENSION:
Hands-on manipulation of the contracted muscle will help the fibres to relax and eventually lengthen back to their normal state
BREAKS UP KNOTS:
Friction applied across the direction of the muscle will loosen up any fibres that were sticking to each other and creating discomfort.
INCREASE CIRCULATION:
The direct pressure dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. Blood supplies the body's tissues and organs with the necessary nutrients and oxygen resulting in: shinier coats, stronger immunity, less strain on the heart, etc..
ELIMINATES TOXINS:
Increased circulation activates the lymphatic system, which absorbs and eliminates the body's waste products and toxins.
INCREASES RANGE OF MOTION:
A better moving horse means more efficient strides, and enhanced strides mean improved gaits.
IMPROVES STAMINA AND ENDURANCE:
With the muscles working freely and with an increased range of motion, the horse is working more efficiently. His stamina, performance and endurance will improve.
IMPROVES DISPOSITION:
Every animal's tolerance of discomfort is different, and some are more patient than others. But a common way for your horse to communicate his objections is to change his behaviour. So, when your friend suddenly starts pinning his ears back when you are saddling him up, he may be hurting somewhere.
HEALTH AWARENESS:
The deep and detailed touch during a bodywork session can pick up any subtle changes in tissues at an earlier stage for intervention and care.
ASSESS PHYSICAL CONDITION:
Tightness in muscles on one side only, changes in temperatures and tension and the reaction to touch can help you to evaluate the success of your horse's training program and type of work.
INDICATIONS OF PAIN
Bucking Pigrooting Rearing
Kicking Biting Bolting
Loss of Condition Lethargy Muscle Tightness
Muscle Spasm Difficulty extending Difficulty collecting
Gait irregularity Overreaction to tough Inflammation
Stiffness Changed disposition Isolated sweating
Decreased performance Despondency Lameness
COMMON CAUSES OF MUSCLE DAMAGE
Poor Saddle Fit Overtraining Overuse
Bad training Bad riding Nervous tension
Lack of warm-up Lack of cool down Unbalanced
Bad footing Farrier issues Dental issues
Injury Conformation defects Incorrect foot balance
Age Lack of fitness Bad riding surface
ENHANCEMENT OF MUSCLE TONE:
Creating a positive effect on the whole contracting and release process of the muscle, massage helps prevent muscles from getting hyper-contracted and injured
RELIEVES MUSCLE SPASM AND TENSION:
Hands-on manipulation of the contracted muscle will help the fibres to relax and eventually lengthen back to their normal state
BREAKS UP KNOTS:
Friction applied across the direction of the muscle will loosen up any fibres that were sticking to each other and creating discomfort.
INCREASE CIRCULATION:
The direct pressure dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. Blood supplies the body's tissues and organs with the necessary nutrients and oxygen resulting in: shinier coats, stronger immunity, less strain on the heart, etc..
ELIMINATES TOXINS:
Increased circulation activates the lymphatic system, which absorbs and eliminates the body's waste products and toxins.
INCREASES RANGE OF MOTION:
A better moving horse means more efficient strides, and enhanced strides mean improved gaits.
IMPROVES STAMINA AND ENDURANCE:
With the muscles working freely and with an increased range of motion, the horse is working more efficiently. His stamina, performance and endurance will improve.
IMPROVES DISPOSITION:
Every animal's tolerance of discomfort is different, and some are more patient than others. But a common way for your horse to communicate his objections is to change his behaviour. So, when your friend suddenly starts pinning his ears back when you are saddling him up, he may be hurting somewhere.
HEALTH AWARENESS:
The deep and detailed touch during a bodywork session can pick up any subtle changes in tissues at an earlier stage for intervention and care.
ASSESS PHYSICAL CONDITION:
Tightness in muscles on one side only, changes in temperatures and tension and the reaction to touch can help you to evaluate the success of your horse's training program and type of work.
INDICATIONS OF PAIN
Bucking Pigrooting Rearing
Kicking Biting Bolting
Loss of Condition Lethargy Muscle Tightness
Muscle Spasm Difficulty extending Difficulty collecting
Gait irregularity Overreaction to tough Inflammation
Stiffness Changed disposition Isolated sweating
Decreased performance Despondency Lameness
COMMON CAUSES OF MUSCLE DAMAGE
Poor Saddle Fit Overtraining Overuse
Bad training Bad riding Nervous tension
Lack of warm-up Lack of cool down Unbalanced
Bad footing Farrier issues Dental issues
Injury Conformation defects Incorrect foot balance
Age Lack of fitness Bad riding surface