What is Equine Sports Therapy?
Sports Therapy is the application of any combination of therapies listed below to return muscle or soft tissue to normal function following injury, and to aid in the prevention of future injuries or damage by increasing flexibility and range of motion.
- Sports Massage
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Electrotherapy
- Laser
- Hot / Cold Therapy
- Rehabilitation Exercises
- Rehabilitation Programme
- Passive Stretches
Common Signs of muscular injury or dysfunction:
- Poor Performance
- Off form
- Stiffness / Pain
- Shortened Stride
- Restricted movement
- Cold back
- Lateral stiffness
- Lead changes
- Reaction to girthing up
- Refusing to jump
- Resenting Work
What are the benefits?
Sports Therapy is routinely used by human athletes to maximise performance and prevent injury. These same techniques have been adapted for use on the horse.
- Increase stride length and overall range of motion1
- Improve disposition and decrease stress2
- Improve muscle tone and condition
- Aid preparation pre-race/event and recovery post-race/event
- Detect areas of dysfunction or stress within a muscle
- Ease pain and stiffness and enhance local blood circulation
- Improve joint mobility and muscle extensibility
§1:
The Effects of Sports Massage on Athletic Performance and General Function,
Massage Ther. J., Summer 2002, p92.
Results demonstrated an increase in stride length and corresponding decrease in stride frequency, concomitant with an increase in muscle diameter, following the use of sports massage techniques.
Massage Ther. J., Summer 2002, p92.
Results demonstrated an increase in stride length and corresponding decrease in stride frequency, concomitant with an increase in muscle diameter, following the use of sports massage techniques.
§2:
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Massage to Reduce Stress in the Horse,
J. Eq. Vet. Sci., Feb. 2004, p76.
Results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in heart rate and significantly more positive behavioural response scores following massage.