What is Equine Massage Therapy?
Equine massage therapy uses a variety of massage techniques and strokes to stimulate blood flow to different areas of the body. Encouraging the circulation of blood flow and bringing oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body, while removing lactic acid build up will also eliminate other metabolic waste from the body. This will encourage the injured muscles to heal and the healthy muscles to stay flexible and free from pain.
Massage will benefit every horse, from pasture horses to the athletes that will start an exercise routine, or when they start their training. They will get sore just as we do when starting an exercise program.
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I will always require a consultation & evaluation for every horse to insure the best customization of massage to each individual horse that I work with, but also making sure they get a full body massage from the head to the hoof.
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I will work closely with you, your veterinarian, farrier, and chiropractor to benefit the whole horse.
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When NOT to Massage: If the horse has cancer, fever/infection, shock, pregnancy, infectious diseases, showing neurological symptoms, or Infectious skin conditions.
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** Massage should NEVER be used in place of Veterinary care**
Kinesiology Taping
What does it do and where does it come from?
The use of kinesiology tape can activate or relax different muscle activities, depending on the type of application. It can support and stabilize tendons/ligaments while still allowing full range of motion. The tape is flexible, breathable, and has no restrictions making it great for everyday use. Kinesiology tape can be kept on for as long as possible, but is recommended to be taken off after 10 days for reapplication.
It was developed by a Japanese chiropractor by the name Dr. Kenzo Kase for the use on human body to support his body adjustment treatments. Development and production of the tape took place in the mid 70's. By the end of the 80's, Japanese and Chinese athletes were seen wearing the kinesiology tape. During the 2008 Olympic games, kinesiology taping grew in popularity and spread through the nations. Four years later, at the 2012 Olympic games, it became a standard for all athletes. Since the taping was successful with people and becoming more popular across the nation, it was only a matter of time before owners started using them at home on all equines of different work loads.
Taping can be customized to benefit any horse. It can be used on equine athletes, if the equine is moderately ridden, pulls heavy equipment or driven. Including the everyday pasture horse.