​Before the session begins, a clinical history is taken which provides valuable information to confirm any old injuries or reasons which that affect movement and function. Lily will always consider your horses behaviour as this an indicator of comfort levels and past trauma. Following this, Lily will assess the horse both statically (at stance) to observe conformation, muscle balance and general condition and will then watch the horse dynamically (whilst moving) to determine asymmetries and movement abnormalities.

 

 ​Throughout the session, a variety of techniques are used to improve the horses balance, suppleness or injury healing which can benefit all horses; from the elite performance horse, to the field companion. Lily is trained to use low-level laser therapy, kinesio tape, positional releases, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, heat therapy and remedial exercises.

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Muscle dysfunction limits the horses range of movement, results in discomfort and causes the body to work out of balance which can eventually cause deterioration. The aim of a sports massage is to restore function in affected muscles that are not able to release themselves.​ A single tight muscle can have a serious impact on the way the horse moves and the surrounding areas. Therefore, acknowledging the ‘minor’  injuries as they appear can prevent more serious problems from arising in the long-term.​​​

When sports massage is used regularly and on a consistent basis, it can produce positive effects which build upon themselves with each session. These include:

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• Improved stamina

• Increased ROM

• Increased gait quality

• Increased circulation

• Reduced tactile defence

• Provides comfort to muscle injuries​​​​