Massage Therapy for the Equine AthleteJenna Williams, ESMT
Complementary Therapies andEquine CareThe synergy of conventional and complementary therapies not only offers thehorse owner more treatment options, but provides a “whole” approach to the care oftheir horses. Massage, an age-old treatment that has been used both alone and in conjunctionwith more conventional veterinary medicine and is increasingly becoming popular inthe horse world. Veterinarians are recommending therapies such as massage and chiropractic incombination with other primary treatments.
The Skeletal Muscular SystemSystem of movementMaintains posture700 skeletal muscles60% of total body weight
FasciaSuperficial Fascia Layer
Tendons90% Elasticity10% Elasticity
Contracting muscleRelaxing muscle
Head & Neck SidewaysDownwardsUpwardsForelimb & Hind limbForwardsBackwardsSidewaysTrunk FlexionTrunk ExtensionTrunk Lateral Flexion
10% total body weightMost flexible part of the spineProvides:Support, balance & steeringBears approximately: 60% of total body weightProvides stabilization & supportTransference of forward movementAbdominal & vertebral supportAids in respirationPowerhouse of the horseMain driving force
Dorsal ChainVentral Chain
Causes of Muscle TightnessOverusePulled musclesA blow
Muscle Fiber (cell)Secondary TensionMicrotrama
Brochiocephalic muscleSplenius muscleDorsal Chain
Total Body Weight + Impact
Reactive BehaviorPoor performanceRefusing lead changesReluctance & difficulty with previously easy movementsReduced stride lengthHollowing & not wanting to move forwardedOff in certain movementsTying upBalance and coordinationLateral bending problemsGirth discomfort‘Cold’ BackIncreasing of rollingReluctance to be groomed or saddledDown cast demeanor
Sports MassageFocuses on cause of muscle injuryPain reliever and aids in recoveryPreventative care
The Healthful BenefitsEnhances muscle tone Increases Range of Motion (ROM)Eases muscle tension and spasmLengthens connective tissueBreaks down scar tissueIncreased circulationStimulate lymphatic functionReduces inflammation and swelling in the joints and Increases the production of synovial fluid Generally improves the disposition of the horse
Body Systems that BenefitMuscular SystemCirculatory SystemLymphatic SystemNervous SystemSkin
The Occasions for Sports MassagePre – EventPost – EventMaintenance
StretchingElongates the muscle fibersIncreases Range of MotionReduces tension, stiffness & sorenessReduces injury to joints, muscles & tendonsImproves coordinationMaintains flexibilityImproves stride lengthImproves reflex time responseIncrease oxygenation & nutrition to tissues
ResearchIncreases ROMStride lengths at walk increased by 3.6% or 4.8 inchesStride lengths at the trot increased by 1.2% or 1.7 inchesMuscle tendon & muscle belly diameters increased by an average of 14% - 18%
Management of Accute Tendentits in HorsesMassage Reduces Scar Tissue & Increases Tendon Function
Diagnosis and Therapy of Tendinitis Exemplified by the Athletic Horse"Passive motion and massage will help to increase blood flow and to decrease adhesions."
Research on the Benefits of StretchingStretching increase flexibility in connective tissue around the jointsPain relievingReduces injury
