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Benefits and Types of Massage
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| Maintenance | Despite being called ‘sports’ massage, the therapy can be beneficial to every horse, of all sizes, shapes, ages and disciplines. From retired companions, pleasure hacks and youngsters up to driving, endurance, high level competition and racehorses. All horses will benefit from regular treatments to boost general health and well being, and detect minor problems when they first appear before they can develop. Massage also helps to improve and prevent any uneven muscle development, tension and sore spots.
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| Pre-Event | Can be used to prepare the horse for competition by efficiently warming the muscles, stimulating circulation to improve oxygen supply, improve stamina, suppleness and performance, and reduce and the risk of injury. Directed massage based on the horse’s temperament can also focus the horse mentally and prepare for competition.
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| Post-Event | Massage can be given following an event to minimise the effects of fatigue by enhancing lactic acid removal, reducing muscle spasm and helping the body recover thereby reducing the risk of stiffness and soreness.
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| Schooling Problems | When a horse learns to carry a rider he must also learn to adjust and adapt his body and the way he moves to re-balance. If left untreated small points of tension can develop and lead to the horse becoming stiff, one-sided, unbalanced, tense and resistant. What can commonly be perceived as a horse being ‘naughty’ can often simply be caused by discomfort or the horse finding simply tasks difficult due to muscle tension at points around the body. Massage detects and relieves these minor problems, keeping the horse supple and balanced.
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| Remedial & Rehabilitation | Massage can be greatly beneficial post operative, following injury, throughout box rest, during recovery and the return to work. Stimulating circulation and lymphatic drainage, maintaining muscle tone and flexibility, preventing muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, massage also facilitates healing, promotes relaxation, shortens recovery time and reduces the risk of re-injury.
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