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Sports Massage
Similarly to humans (particularly athletes) horses require treatment in order to maintain both their general wellbeing as well as performance. Sports massage involves the manipulation of soft tissue with the aim of injury prevention and restoration of normal functional activity of the body. Sports massage can be of benefit to any horse/pony, from the retired family pet to top competition horses. It can be used as part of the routine care of your horse, or can be used when ridden or behavioural issues indicate that damage to the soft tissue may be the cause. When used during training as well as before and after competition, sports massage aids in the maintenance of muscle health as well as performance. It can also highlight possible injuries- minor muscle damage can remain unnoticed until the damage becomes significant, and may present initially as a slight decrease in performance or a change in behaviour. Early attention to these minor injuries may prevent further damage, enhance performance and improve overall wellbeing.
McTimoney Chiropractic
The McTimoney technique is used alongside soft tissue techniques in order to provide a whole body holistic treatment. John McTimoney founded the McTimoney chiropractic techniques and adapted them across to be used on animals. This is a relatively gentle, whole body technique which aims to re align the musculoskeletal system in order to restore and maintain health, performance and soundness in animals of all shapes and sizes! The spine is constructed of multiple individual vertebrae which are separated by intervertebral discs. The spinal cord runs through the spine, with peripheral nerves running out from here controlling the body systems and the limbs. The structure of the spine allows for some flexibility and movement between individual vertebrae. When one of these vertebrae is no longer aligned correctly with the one adjacent, the joint can no longer move correctly within its normal range of motion and can result in nerve impingement. This is classified as a misalignment. This is what the McTimoney technique aims to address, returning normal movement to these vertebrae in order to allow the animal to move as they should and help to prevent pain, improve performance and generally help to maintain health and wellbeing!
