by Theresa Assad
Introduction:
Bodyworkers are not veterinarians . They are not there to take on the role of a veterinarian but to provide a service of support, to relieve symptoms and the underlying cause of the problem. First and foremost, to do no harm.
The bodyworker facilitates greater function to the horse.
A muscle can’t strengthen if it’s not supple.
Performance horses that are fit and at the top of their game, performing at the peak of their performance are most prone to injury. They are working in a small margin and are always right on the edge of exceeding the ability of the tissue.
Causes of soft tissue injuries:
- Trauma
- Age
- Breeding
- Compensation for rider weakness
- Compensation for injury
- Fatigue – Over training
- Nutrition
- Supplements
- Environmental (e.g. manger or hay net heights)
- Housing, fencing, turn-out, other horses.
- Stable size.
- Occupation – Past and present.
- Arena or roundpen footing – conosistant, or too shallow, or too deep, too hard, too soft, cement or dirt, etc.
- Injury
- Tack issues – saddle fit, pads, blankets. Direct pressure over time causes tissue injuries and damage.
- Surgery – horse compensates.
- Rider not balanced.
- Horse training for the wrong job, etc.
HOW BODYWORK BENEFITS THE HORSE:
- Increased Range of Motion (ROM) and strength.
- Increased stamina
- Improved disposition – willingness and ability to perform. Overcome resistance without force.
- Increased circulation
- Reduction of tactile defence.
- Reduces pain.
- Potential to prevent future injuries.
- Re-education of the body and neural pathways.
- Return your equine athletic partner to full sport-specific function.
Goals of bodywork:
- To reduce pain.
- Enhance tissue repair.
- Improve function and performance.
Conclusion:
Since massage and bodywork helps to keep muscles relaxed and supple, it lowers the risk of injury significantly.
Improved learning and training and increases connection and trust. Bodywork lengthens connective tissue which contributes to increased ROM which leads to improved performance, improves muscle tone and reduces stress levels in competitive horses.
Bodywork releases areas of tension and addresses postural issues, addresses dysfunctional movement patterns, increases blood flow to the tissues, promotes flushing out of cellular waste and excessive fluid, thus promoting healing, improved circulation and supports the lymphatic systems which supports the body’s defence against disease.
Releases endorphins which decreases pain. Decreases joint inflammation and benefits ulcer-prone horses.
Bodywork can identify areas that need attention early and address those areas before the issue exacerbates, particularly if the horse gets regular bodywork.
Conclusion:
Bodywork is beneficial to most horses in work and an important complementary modality for high performance training and performance.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION – WOLF’S LAW.
BACK DYNAMICS GOVERN LIMB DYNAMICS – DR DEB BENNETT PhD.