More
than 60% of a horse’s body weight is
skeletal muscle. A muscle injury can take
several months to become apparent. In that
length of time more serious injury could occur.
Prompt attention to minor injuries can prevent
future problems and enhance performance.
Muscles
are bands of fiber which stretch and contract. If
a number of these fibers spasm due to overuse, the
result can be an inability of the muscle to stretch
to full length. When we work a muscle it is subject
to knotting up. This, in turn, can cause the entire
muscle to tighten and spasm, affecting the movement
of the muscle. It can be a searing pain, or just a
mild discomfort. As the spasm becomes more irritated
from on going use, more fibers are added to the spasm.
The larger it becomes the more discomfort is felt.
This can cause the horse to guard that area and use
other muscle groups to compensate. Spasms shorten
the length of the muscle and thus restrict movement.
We can put up with the pain, or seek medical assistance.
A horse is dependent on you, however, their owner.
They cannot verbally tell you that they hurt, so they
relay the message in other ways. Poor performance
can be a result of resistance and temperament can
be affected. Disobedience can be related to discomfort.
When pain is relieved, disposition will improve.
Benefits of Massage and
Acupressure:
Relieving Muscle Spasm / Tension
Increase
Range of Motion
Increased Circulation
Increased Performance
Increased Endurance
Helps to Prevent Injury
Improves Stamina
Improves Flexibility
Relieves Stiffness
Enhances Muscle Tone
Removal of Toxins and Metabolic Waste
Massage
and acupressure techniques can accomplish increased
performance and endurance as well as helping to prevent
injury. It increases circulation reducing muscle tension
& stress, the primary cause of muscle injury.
Blood is a very important ingredient in our makeup.
We could not live without it. It contains nutrients
that help heal the body and keep the body healthy
when it is flowing properly. Unfortunately, sometimes
things happen in our bodies to disrupt the blood flow.
A muscle tightens, scar tissue that has built up from
a previous injury, toxins and waste products that
haven’t been flushed out of the body properly
can all inhibit blood from flowing. This can cause
stiffness, pain, and even numbness. Massaging the
muscles can relax them enough to allow the blood to
circulate better and do what it was designed to do.
Mental relaxation and prevention of muscle atrophy
is also a benefit of massage. It can lessen the risk
of injury from strain or fatigue or be used for rehabilitation.
Regular massage can help guard against future muscle
injuries, relaxed gait, free flowing movements, and
all around wellness
Owners
should do passive stretching exercises with their
horse on a daily routine. If this is done after
massage the muscles will be more receptive. Talk
to Robin about what you can do to help with your
horse’s wellness.
*** Please remember that massage
is not a replacement for veterinary care.
I will be glad to work with your vet to get your horse back out
competing ASAP. ***
