What To Expect
How To Prepare
During The Massage
Following The Massage
Prior to the equine massage therapist's arrival, please have the following ready:
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Your horse groomed (no coat polishers such as show sheen; just make sure your horse is free of dirt)
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Make sure your appointment is away from barn feeding times
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A list of questions/concerns you wish to discuss
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Develop a game plan or wing it!
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You will need to fill out some paperwork prior to your horse's massage (Waiver form available under Contact tab)
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Payment is ready for the end of your massage
During your horse's massage, you will observe the following:
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Your horse will show signs of relaxation such as sighing, passing gas, defecating, yawning, etc.
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I will conduct a full health check prior to each session. Any horse that fails the health check will not be massaged
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I will use dynamic techniques tailored to your horse for best results
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You may wish to stay during your horse's massage; if so, please refrain from talking or distracting me from your horse's treatment
Following your horse's massage session, please be aware of the following:
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It is perfectly normal for your horse to experience post massage soreness for the first 48 hours
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Ideally, your horse should be turned out or kept from training for the remainder of the day to promote relaxation
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If we discuss any homework/game plans, please make an effort to give them a try!
Benefits of Massage
Muscular
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Increases nutrition to muscles
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Increases elimination of waste products
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Stimulates muscle tone
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Increases range of motion
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Increases muscle working efficiency
Cardiovascular
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Increases circulation
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Strengthens and slows heart rate
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Decreases blood pressure
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Aids in cellular nutrition
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Increases oxygen movement and carbon dioxide disposal
Lymphatic
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Assists in detoxification
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Assists immunity
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Reduces swelling
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Directs lymphatic flow to the nearest lymph node
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Relieves lymphatic stocking up
Respiratory
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Increases elimination of mucus
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Increases oxygen input
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Increases carbon dioxide output
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Increases vital capacity
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Expands bronchial tubes
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Increases local cellular metabolism
Nervous
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Stimulates increased activity of the muscles, vessels and glands
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Pain relief
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Stimulates the gut
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Promotes nutrition of nerves
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Stimulates relaxation
Why Massage ?
If your horse is showing any of these following signs (but not limited to), it could mean that your horse is experiencing pain and is not misbehaving:
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Inhibited motion
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Shortening of stride
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Stiffness
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Head tossing
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Bucking and kicking
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Difficulty with lateral bending
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Tracking unevenly
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Showing signs of resistance or refusals