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Is Your Horse Muscle Sore? Equine Massage Could be the Answer!

Published on Friday, September 9, 2011 in Health

Recently, following a week long show where my western performance gelding (Teddy) worked fairly hard in rather heavy sand, he was displaying muscle soreness and wasn't moving as correctly as he should in right canter.

Following the show I spoke to Jo Phelps of Jo Phelps Horse Massage who suggested that maybe she could help Teddy with her equine body work and sports massage techniques. Jo is a certified Equine Body Worker (EBW) and a professional member of the International Equine Bodyworkers Association (IEBWA).

Jo came to my place and spent an hour working on Teddy, firstly she took down his history and observed the way he moved.  She then systematically assessed and evaluated his entire body for symmetry and posture using a variety of modalities and techniques. When I asked what she would be doing Jo said, "I work to a routine with regard to 80+ points, concentrating on muscle origins and insertions, stress points and nerve junctions. I work to release muscle spasms and improve circulation".

 
I didn't tell Jo specifically what Teddy was doing wrong to see if she could determine what problems he might be having from what she found during the treatment.  Jo's discoveries matched up with what would be causing him to not use his hind end properly, especially in right canter and she carried out alot of work in this area to help him out.

Teddy appeared to thoroughly enjoy the treatment and spent the whole time slobbering all over me and trying to nip in return for the lovely massage he was receiving.  Following the treatment Jo reported her findings and showed me stretches/exercises that I could use daily to help improve his flexibility (especially in an area where he had an old injury), movement and overall well being.

Jo also set up a life-size horse painting showing all the different muscles on the horse and explained to me exactly where he was having problems, which was very interesting.  

I didn't notice an immediate change when I worked him next but over the following weeks there was definite improvement. Overall, I think the massage was beneficial and Teddy certainly enjoyed it!

 

What are the benefits of Equine Body Work and Sports Massage?

In summary, to improve a horse's performance and enhance their health and wellbeing.  Some of the many benefits of equine massage include:  

  • Improved stamina
  • Enhanced performance and gait
  • Increased range of motion
  • Improved circulation
  • Release of muscle spasms
  • Reduction of tactile defensiveness

 

What does Equine Body Work involve?
Equine bodywork, as the name suggests, covers the entire horse's body. The style of bodywork that Jo performs is similar to sports massage in humans.
 
Equine sports massage is the therapeutic application of hands on techniques recognised for the purpose of increasing circulation and range of motion as well as improving the horse's stamina, overall performance and wellbeing.
 
Equine sports massage also relieves muscle tension and enhances muscle tone. Subtle changes are detected at their earlier stages for intervention and care. In any performance horse regardless of the type of work done by the horse this knowledge is invaluable. Small issues can be resolved before they develop into something larger - a benefit of having your horse on a regular monthly massage schedule.
 
Equine sports massage concentrates on muscles that dysfunction, which may limit the range of motion and eventually create discomfort.  Stress and tension in any part of the body will have an adverse effect. This can show up as a physical problem or a behavioral issue. As we know only too well horses avoid any movement causing pain! The horse's movement is adapted to a new way of moving and muscles compensate to assist another weak or injured muscle. Over time the dysfunction or the substitution can become the cause of pain instead of the initial problem.
 
Jo Phelps is based at Peachester, Queensland and can be contacted via email jo@jophelpshorsemassage.com, on mobile 0438 28 4948 or in the evening on 07 5494 9924.  Visit Jo's website www.jophelpshorsemassage.com for more information.
 
If you are keen to try Equine Body Work for your horse there are reputable practitioners located around Australia, as detailed below:
 
Carly Hannaford
Bridgewater, SA 5155
P: 0401 333 821 or (08) 8388 1605
 
Natalie Smith
Riverstone, NSW 2765
P: 0411 113 045
 
Leisa Vogel
Wodonga, Victoria 3690
P: 0406 002 459 or (03) 57261103
 
Another Queensland equine massage practitioner is Shousharny, who uses a slightly differnt technique called Equine Deep Tissue Massage and Stresspoint Therapy.

www.shousharny.com
email@shousharny.com

P: 0431 628 480

 

story: Jo Johnson/Horsezone


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