Equine Sports Massage is a specialized form of massage therapy tailored to enhance athletic performance, promote exercise recovery, prevent injuries, promote healing and improve the mind-set of your equine athlete to help it stay in, or return to action.
Equine Sports Massage combines a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, muscular kinetics, the physical demands of their clients’ particular sport, and equine behavior. Techniques include a combination of deep tissue massage, stretching, compression, friction, joint mobilization, and myofascial release tailored to address the specific needs of the athlete, and its owner’s, performance goals.
Sports massage can benefit all horses that participate in physical activities, whatever the level, from weekend warriors to elite athletes.
Here are some key aspects of sports massage
- Pre-event: Sports massage performed before an athletic event or competition focuses on preparing the muscles for optimal performance. It may involve invigorating techniques to warm up the muscles, increase circulation, and enhance flexibility.
- Post-event: After a sporting event or intense training session, sports massage helps in reducing muscle soreness, promoting recovery, and preventing post-exercise stiffness. Techniques used during this stage may include flushing strokes, gentle stretching, and relaxation techniques.
- Maintenance: Regular sports massage during training periods aims to maintain or improve flexibility, improve muscle use, address muscle imbalances, prevent injuries, reduce mental stress, and enhance overall athletic performance.
- Recover and Rebuild: In cases of sports-related injuries, sports massage should be incorporated as part of a comprehensive recovery and rebuilding program. It helps to reduce pain, improve circulation, facilitate the healing, and rebuild muscle strength and range of motion.
Sports Massage can optimize your horse’s performance and mindset, improve recovery process and increase performance longevity. Leaving it out of your regular care and exercise routine leaves a huge hole and a missed opportunity.
Benefits include improved muscle function, improved joint alignment, an increase in stride length and range of motion, improved self-awareness, enhanced relaxation, improved recovery, reduced risk of injury, increased career longevity, and improved performance and overall well-being.
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