Muscle Therapy restores balance to the muscular and skeletal systems.

Injured or painful areas need to be treated and range of motion restored through manipulation.

When done correctly Trigger points or Stress points that cause muscle soreness and decreased flexibility can be eliminated. These can be caused by sudden trauma, like slipping or falling, or may develop from stress and strain of physical exertion and repetitive movement.

Muscle Therapy decreases muscle pain and muscle tightness which can even pull the skeleton out of balance. Heavily exercised muscles lose their capacity to relax causing chronically tight muscles that are more susceptible to injury, pulls and tears.

Muscle Therapy and stretching help prevent injury and re-injury by increasing range of motion and restoring flexibility. Massage also helps to speed recovery from injury by increasing circulation and removing metabolic waste.

What can you expect from a session?

Initially an evaluation will be done of your horse's structure, range of motion of joints and limbs and his movement. Your saddle fit may be reviewed as well. After the first massage the therapist can determine how soon she should come back for a follow up treatment. If your horse is in good condition a regular schedule of 3-4 weeks is appropriate to maintain healthy muscles. If there are problems or you are competing or exercising heavily, more frequent treatments may be necessary. But generally you will be able to go to a maintenance schedule.

You will receive a detailed progress report at each visit, to keep for your records. Clients are presented with a written report with pictorials (see example to left) identifying the work that was done on your horse and/or your horse's needs.

Please keep in mind that massage is not a substitute for proper veterinary care and you should always consult your veterinarian first when there has been an injury.

Does your horse need a massage?

Here are some possible indications:

• Flinches away or act aggressive when you touch certain areas?
• Refuses certain movements and or canter leads?
• Bend or ride better in one direction than the other?
• Takes a long time to warm up or feels uncoordinated or stiff anywhere?
• Has a sore back or recovering from injury or strain?