Services

Table of Contents

Benefits of Massage

Sports Massage Therapy can be used for a wide variety of different reasons. Massage can be both an invigorating or relaxing experience for the horse. As a result, all horses can benefit from massage.

The benefits of massage can include:

  • Improved circulation

  • Reduced tension

  • Reduced stiffness

  • Improved removal of waste build-up such as lactic acid

  • Improved muscle tone and strength

  • Relaxed muscle spasms

  • Adhesion prevention and relief

  • Improved range of movement and suppleness

  • Prevention of discomfort and injury

  • Improved recovery


My Services

Sessions last approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the type of treatment. All new clients begin with an initial session which includes information gathering about your horse and his/her lifestyle, followed by a static and dynamic assessment of your horses conformation and movement. Standard sessions cost £35, please see the SC Equine Sports Massage Facebook page for details of current offers and special pricing.

All sessions are followed up with a summary of the treatment, and appropriate stretches and/or exercises are tailored to and provided for each horse.

Prior to treatment, permission from your veterinarian must be sought, I will request your registered vet details prior to treatment.

Some of the different types of massage service I offer are described below:

  • Maintenance Massage

  • Check-up Massage

  • Competition Warm up Massage

  • Competition Recuperation Massage

  • Rehabilitation Massage

Types of Massage

Maintenance Massage

A maintenance massage appointment is considered a routine appointment which serves to raise awareness of any areas of tension or discomfort in the horse. Using massage routinely provides your horse with a relaxing experience which can address issues before they become problematic. Modern day life for a horse brings many strains to a horses body, massage therefore works with the conformation and biomechanics of your horse to keep them comfortable and free within their movement.

Check-up Massage

A check-up massage appointment operates similarly to a maintenance massage appointment. Check-up appointments may be requested when an owner/rider notices a difficulty/unsoundness/change in performance in the horse. These appointments specifically target the noted concerns in order to investigate areas of trouble. It is important to note that health and soundness concerns should be discussed with your vet, alongside your selected support team (e.g. Farrier, Massage Therapist, Dentist, Chiropractor, etc.)

Competition Warm-up / Recuperation Massage

Massage is an incredibly useful tool for the competition horse. Competition within all disciplines causes strain and muscle fatigue to a horse, although the type and source of strain can differ between sport and breed. Using massage prior to a competition can allow your horse to feel and perform at his/her best on the big day.

Using massage after competition is even more useful. Competition can cause strain through athletic movement performed within sport, but strain from other aspects are often underestimated. Competition days often involve travel to venues which can cause muscle fatigue from the strenuous task of balancing themselves within a moving vehicle. Further, horses are often required to stand within or tied to horseboxes/trailers for periods of time through the day, this can cause stiffness and muscle fatigue - particularly in the colder seasons! Using massage after competition can therefore relieve many aches, pains, and strains that result from busy competition life, supporting your horses recovery and strength going forward.

Rehabilitation Massage

Rehabilitation Massage are intended towards horses who are undergoing rehabilitation from injury or ill health. Injuries may often require periods of stable or field rest, the first often causing a great deal of stiffness and boredom. Rehabilitation massage can both work to keep your horse supple and relaxed on rest, but also promote re-strengthening and suppling on re-commencement of work. In cases of rehabilitation massage, a high degree of veterinary involvement is maintained throughout the process.

Please contact me for further information and prices.