Manual therapies and massage

Massage is a simple , gentle and effective form of medical care used commonly in the human and animal world. Equine massage therapy refers to the manipulation of the varied layers of soft tissue structures lying beneath the horses skin. Equine massage works to restore both physiological and psychological balance. The primary practices of massage that I offer are : Equine sports massage therapy , equine remedial massage therapy and equine healing massage therapy. Each of these practices has their own benefits but together these work to collectively restore and heal specific body tissues , working systems and organs.

Benefits:
Drains and stimulates the lymphatic system
Balance the nervous system
Relax and repair muscular malfunctions
Stimulates blood flow and circulation
Stimulates the digestive system , respiratory system and endocrine system
Increased natural range of motion
Increased flexibility
Enhanced muscle recovery
Improved muscle tone
Improved posture
Promotes mental and physical relaxation
Reduced scar tissue
Prevent muscular wastage
Reduced muscular tension
Reduce risk of injury

Cupping therapy

Cupping therapy uses cups that suction onto the skin creating a negative pressure to create a suction effect that decompresses the fascia which separates tissues allowing for increased space, this allows for improved blood circulation and lymph flow which relieves pain and reduce inflammation by drawing blood to the surface of the skin. It not only pulls the skin but also underlying tissues and fascia.

Benefits :
Increased blood flow
Increased lymphatic flow
Break down of fascia adhesions
Improved mobility of tissue layers
Relieving muscular tension

H-Wave Therapy

H-Wave therapy is a form of electrotherapy that delivers h-wave form found in nerve signals known as the Hoffman reflex , which enables a greater and deeper penetration of tissues at a low frequency current, though this frequency can be changed depending on your horses needs . H-waveform is natural to the body, so is often accepted requiring a lower current to stimulate the muscle to contract and relax. This means that this machine is safer and does not cause pain or muscle fatigue.

Benefits:
Improves range of motion and flexibility
Reduces recovery time
Reduces muscle tightness
Reduces muscular spasms
Drains oedema (swelling)
Improves blood circulation
Improves lymphatic drainage as well as removal of toxins

Stretching and Strengthening
Pilates

There are two main aims with stretches and mobility exercises , a healthy body must be a harmony between balance, strength and stability, flexibility.

Pilates is a conditioning system that will increase core stability , strength and body awareness. The aim is to improve posture as well as to relieve tension. Core stability is very important in a ridden horse for effective training and reducing the risk of injury.

Benefits :
Physical and psychological relaxation
Increasing circulation
Promoting elasticity to tendons and ligaments
Promoting delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles
Effective removal of lactic acid
Improve natural stride length
Enhance body awareness and co-ordination
Reducing risk of injury
Improving and maintaining flexibility

Kinesiology taping

Kinesiology tape was developed by a Japanese chiropractor , he wanted to develop a treatment that would support the treatments he offered to humans, a method that supported his patients in-between seeing him. Kinesiology tape is a stretchy , breathable tape made up of cotton , spandex and latex free so good for sensitive skin. With alternating ridges , tape interacts with pain receptors , blood vessels and lymphatic system. The equine skin is very sensitive with far more receptors than the human skin. When kinesiology tape is applied to the horses skin it lifts the skin up , this creates a decompressive effect in underlying tissues. This then increases blood and lymph flow which will provide further oxygen to an area to facilitate toxin removal. The decompression helps to alleviate pain by relieving pressure , reducing pain signals and aiding in recovery of an injury. It also stimulates the sensory plexus , a web of nerve endings at the base of the hair follicles . The tape moves and lifts the hairs which sends a signal to the brain which will enhance proprioception feedback. This feedback is very important in rehabilitation and training , in turn this helps to develop improved neurological pathways as well as keeping your horse injury free and at peak performance.

Benefits:
Increased circulation
Increased natural range of motion
Reduces muscle fatigue
Relieve pain and discomfort
Reduces swelling and inflammation
Assist in toxin removal
Facilitates healing
Help relax muscles
Help activate muscles
Enhance proprioception and re educating the neuromuscular system
Support and stabilise joints, tendons and ligaments