Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.—St. Francis
- Enhances Muscle tone
- Reduces inflammation and swelling in joints, thereby
alleviating pain - Increases the flow of nutrients to the muscles
- Stimulates circulation and releases endorphins
- Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical
condition - Eases muscle spasms
- Increases synovial fluid in joints
- Lengthens connective tissue
- Generally improves the disposition of the animal
Why Massage?
60% of your horse and/or dog’s
body weight is muscle.
It is the system that is responsible for movement. Maximum function
and comfort in the muscle system will result in the greatest motion
possible.
Muscle soreness can be the result of injury, structural imbalance, over stretching or over use/ misuse. Muscle problems are cumulative. If a problem exists in one area, the animal will have to compensate by tensing up and/ or using other muscle to protect the injured muscle. Any number of secondary problems can then occur which will in turn compromise movement.
Regular massage can aid in the prevention of these issues. Once a problem exists, massage helps to break up the tight knots of adhering muscle fibers which restrict full muscle extension. Massage will find any damaged or potentially compromised area of muscle and restore it to improved function.