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Sue Cliff
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The Need For Equine Massage Therapy
As drug free solutions to the movement problems of horses are demanded by horse owners,
massage therapy for horses is rising to meet that need.
Sports massage can be effective in all areas of equestrian sport, from early breaking and
conditioning, through advanced levels of competition. Considering that it is motion
and use that allows muscles to develop, any tightness or restriction will slow the
conditioning process in any athlete, equine or human.
Catching minor muscle spasms early will prevent major strains down the road, and extend
the competitive life of your horse.
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Once a horse is in condition, the demands of maximum effort in competition
introduce the factor of fatigue. What results is a decrease in muscle pliability and
physical coordination, increasing the chances of a strain type injury. A pre-event
massage treatment can enhance performance, increase power, and provide a
margin of safety against injury, making the difference between success or disappointment.
On the other hand, a post-event massage restores the muscle to
optimum condition after competition, and is more therapeutic in nature to the body &
muscle fibers, while providing all benefits of massage on a longer lasting level.
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The fact that over sixty
percent of the horses' weight is muscle, should provide a clue that many movement problems
may be purely muscular in nature. Massage therapy, and sports massage in particular,
is the safest and most effective way to treat and prevent muscle injuries and enhance a
horse's performance.
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Generally, a muscle problem
will present itself as a swinging lameness or restriction in range of motion. It
could show itself as a resistance to bend in one direction, a shortness of stride, cold
back, unwilling attitude or a decrease in performance.
Read about the Benefits of Massage |
EQUI ESPRIT
Sue Cliff, L.M.T. E.S.M.T.
804 Mill Street
Reno, NV 89502
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