Equine Sports Massage
Equine sports massage techniques and facilitated stretching are the most effective therapies for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system, which is key in all aspects of the horse's life, as well as their riders too.
Over time, exercise can create muscle tension and can lead to stresses on the horse's joints and associated structures, creating pain and potential injury.
Nikki is a fully qualified professional equine sports massage therapist. She brings her knowledge and ‘hands-on’ experience to each massage. She tailors each session to suit the horses needs. Nikki’s overall focus is to promote recovery, prevent injuries, and enhance the horse’s performance and mental well-being.
Nikki uses a mix of traditional massage techniques including effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression, shaking, vibration. When necessary she will also combine soft tissue and fascia release, along with facilitated stretching.
The Benefits of Massage can:
What’s involved in the appointment?
Nikki will carry out an initial assessment of the horse, which usually involves watching the horse move in various gaits, and potentially carrying out functional movement tests similar to what she uses for people. Prior to commencing massage Nikki will palpate over the horses body to read and understand the musculature of the horse, and identify problem areas.
Nikki encourages for the owner/rider to be present at time of massage to allow for deeper discussion and investigation of the horse, and potentially ridden relationship between horse and rider.
The first treatment is usually 90 minutes, and follow up appointments generally range from 45 to 60 minutes. (Veterinary consent is required in a majority of cases. This will be discussed at the time of booking).
How do I know if my horse needs a massage?
Massage therapy is beneficial in almost any situation, it doesn’t matter if your a ‘happy hacker’ or a top competitor, or if your horse is under a rehabilitation programme. Massage can be used pre or post exercise as well as inter-competition environments.
It’s important not to wait for your horse to express pain or lameness. In some cases horse’s may be un co-operative or behave dangerously, which is very often a sign of the horse being in discomfort.
At times, Nikki encourages communication between other professionals involved with the horse. These may include the farrier, dentist, saddler, riding coach/instructor. In some situations, Nikki will refer the horse to the vet or an alternative professional such as an Osteopath, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Acupuncturist.
Equine sports massage techniques and facilitated stretching are the most effective therapies for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system, which is key in all aspects of the horse's life, as well as their riders too.
Over time, exercise can create muscle tension and can lead to stresses on the horse's joints and associated structures, creating pain and potential injury.
Nikki is a fully qualified professional equine sports massage therapist. She brings her knowledge and ‘hands-on’ experience to each massage. She tailors each session to suit the horses needs. Nikki’s overall focus is to promote recovery, prevent injuries, and enhance the horse’s performance and mental well-being.
Nikki uses a mix of traditional massage techniques including effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression, shaking, vibration. When necessary she will also combine soft tissue and fascia release, along with facilitated stretching.
The Benefits of Massage can:
- Improve performance and temperament
- Improve suppleness, range of movement and mobility
- Relieve muscular soreness, pain and tension
- Aid in breaking down scar tissue
- Release mental tension and aid in relaxation
- Aid in recovery following competition or training
- Benefit to the rehabilitation of injured horses
- Enhance circulation, enhance immunity and the removal of toxins
- Prevent from further injury, identification of muscle in-balance and muscle overuse.
What’s involved in the appointment?
Nikki will carry out an initial assessment of the horse, which usually involves watching the horse move in various gaits, and potentially carrying out functional movement tests similar to what she uses for people. Prior to commencing massage Nikki will palpate over the horses body to read and understand the musculature of the horse, and identify problem areas.
Nikki encourages for the owner/rider to be present at time of massage to allow for deeper discussion and investigation of the horse, and potentially ridden relationship between horse and rider.
The first treatment is usually 90 minutes, and follow up appointments generally range from 45 to 60 minutes. (Veterinary consent is required in a majority of cases. This will be discussed at the time of booking).
How do I know if my horse needs a massage?
Massage therapy is beneficial in almost any situation, it doesn’t matter if your a ‘happy hacker’ or a top competitor, or if your horse is under a rehabilitation programme. Massage can be used pre or post exercise as well as inter-competition environments.
It’s important not to wait for your horse to express pain or lameness. In some cases horse’s may be un co-operative or behave dangerously, which is very often a sign of the horse being in discomfort.
At times, Nikki encourages communication between other professionals involved with the horse. These may include the farrier, dentist, saddler, riding coach/instructor. In some situations, Nikki will refer the horse to the vet or an alternative professional such as an Osteopath, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Acupuncturist.
Did you know more than 60% of the horse’s body weight is muscle and small muscle injuries can take up to 90 days to become apparent!
Equine Sports Massage is also available as part of
Equi-Flex
Horse & Rider Biomechanics.
Equi-Flex
Horse & Rider Biomechanics.