Benefits of sports massage, passive stretching and myofascial release
Over used, over stretched and over loaded muscles are often subject to tissue lesions which can restrict the motion and create pain.
As an Equine Body Worker, I use massage techniques to locate stress points on the horse and break them up to relieve muscle spasm and tension and enhance muscle tone.I also use myofacial release techniques to release the tension in the fascia and allow the body's musculature and bones struture to heal itself.
Sports massage and myofascial release increase blood circulation in the muscle tissue, leading to the increase in the horse’s range of motion as well as improvement of the horse's stamina and overall performance. They can be used as a preventative and maintenance therapy, as well as a rehabilitation therapy following injury:
Prevention – to reduce the risk of injury due to fatigue or strain by highlighting the presence of subtle tissue changes.
Maintenance – to provide comfort to the muscles before, during and after training or competing.
Rehabilitation – to address soft tissues compensating for injuries.
Benefits of massage:
·Improves gait quality, range of motion and flexibility
·Improves disposition and stamina
·Improves muscle tone
·Improves blood circulation
·Relieves tension
·Provides comfort to muscle injury
·Stimulates waste and toxin elimination
·Reduces tactile defence
Benefits of passive stretching:
·Allows for a greater range of movement
.Reduces strain on tendons and ligaments
·Maximizes tendon and muscle elasticity
·Develops a longer stride as shoulders move with greater freedom
·Improves the range of motion in hips and shoulders - easier lateral work
·Improves flexibility in upper arms - reduces risk of injury during stressful demands
·Reduces fatigue as muscles and joints are more flexible
·Improves circulation to all tissues – less effort during warm-up is required and energy is conserved for athletic exertion