Massage is defined as the systematic and scientific manipulation of soft tissues of the body for the purpose of improving and maintaining health. Soft tissue is comprised mainly of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Soft tissue is composed of over 60% of the horses’ body weight, most of that weight is the muscular system. When there is tightness in the muscular system, whether it’s from a Trigger Point, an adhesion, or tight muscles, the horse will have limited Range of Motion or less flexibility. Flexibility and range of motion are a measure of the muscular system. Without flexibility or range of motion, our skeletal system would absorb any and all impact. Our bodies are designed to absorb this impact with the elasticity of the soft tissue. 90% of the elasticity in the body comes from the associated muscles, while only 10% comes from the tendons themselves. When there is tension within the muscular system, it might not create a problem initially. But, if left untreated, this will greatly increase the chances of muscle or tendon injuries. It’s just a matter of time before that happens. It is advised to get a therapeutic massage at the first sign of muscular tension or discomfort. This will greatly reduce your chance of injury to the muscles or surrounding tendons.
Any type of training program should include regular maintenance treatments to reduce chance of muscle or tendon injury.
Most athletes and trainers recommend a monthly maintenance schedule to reduce the muscle tension caused by a training program.

If your horse accumulates tension within the muscular system, you will notice a change in performance or behavior.

Common Muscular Problems

• Head tossing
• Shortened strides
• Refuse to change leads
• Difficulty with lateral movements
• “cold back”
• Hip and shoulder lameness
• Head or neck discomfort
• Loss of performance ability
• Change in behavior

Benefits
• Improved circulation of blood which hastens healing times
• Relieves tension and muscle spasms
• Improves circulation of lymph to boost the immune system
• Increases Range of Motion and flexibility
• Breaks down/prevents the formation of adhesions and trigger points (knots)
• Decreases chance for injury
• Can help reduce inflammation and swelling
• Soothes or calms the nervous system
• Helps relieve pain and discomfort
• Speeds recovery from muscular injuries
• Relief of muscle fatigue