ALTHEA EQUINE THERAPY
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Equine Massage Therapy

What is Equine Massage Therapy?

Equine massage is a hands-on therapy. It involves a qualified practitioner using various techniques to manipulate the horse's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The goal is to improve the horse's overall health and well-being by:
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  • Increasing flexibility and range of motion
  • Reducing muscle tension and pain
  • Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage
  • Promoting healing after injuries
  • Reducing stress and anxiety

Equine massage is becoming increasingly popular for both performance horses and leisure horses. It can be used as a preventative measure to help keep horses healthy and performing at their best, or as a therapeutic treatment to help horses recover from injuries.

Appointment types

There are two main reasons to consider booking an equine massage: routine maintenance and addressing specific issues.
  • Routine Maintenance: For horses in good health, with no underlying conditions and light workloads, a program of around once month massage is a good option. This helps maintain their mobility and well-being.
  • Addressing Specific Issues: If your horse is showing signs of discomfort or performance issues, massage can be a helpful tool. Signs that your horse might benefit from a massage include behavioural changes like grumpiness during grooming or tacking up, or physical signs like struggling with stiffness, difficulty with collection or flexion, or a resistance to bending. ​In some cases, you may wish consult with a vet or Elesebeth may refer to your vet before determining a treatment plan. This could involve more frequent massages (weekly/bi-weekly for a short period, working to space treatments out).
Here's a quick summary:
  • Maintenance: Monthly (1-2 times)
  • Addressing Issues: Consult with a professional to determine frequency (possibly weekly for a short time)
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    ​All horses are different and Elesebeth will work with owners to plan a suitable schedule for wellbeing & available budget.

When might my horse Benefit from massage Therapy?

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​Massage therapy can be beneficial for your horse in a variety of situations, from routine maintenance to specific injury treatment. 

Prehab (routine maintenance treatments): Regular massage sessions can help improve your horse's flexibility, range of motion, and circulation. This can help prevent injuries and keep your horse performing at their best.

Remedial work: If your horse is showing signs of muscle tension, soreness, or stiffness, massage therapy can help to relieve these issues and improve their comfort.

Rehabilitation / injury support: Massage therapy can be a valuable tool in helping your horse recover from injuries. It can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing. Often, massage therapists work alongside veterinarians and other therapists to create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Scar tissue release: Massage therapy can help to break down scar tissue that can form after an injury. This can help to improve your horse's range of motion and flexibility.

Pre-competition: A massage session before a competition can help to loosen your horse's muscles and improve their performance.

Conformation support: Massage therapy can help to improve your horse's posture and alignment. This can be beneficial for horses with conformation issues that can lead to pain or discomfort.

Emotional health (anxiety, relaxation): Massage therapy can have a calming effect on horses, which can be helpful for anxious or stressed horses.
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Elesebeth is a member of ​The National Association of Registered Equine Massage Therapists
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Treatment


​Initial treatments last up to 1.5 hours. This allows extra time for a full assessment including history, conformation and locomotion assessment to identify any problem areas. 

​Treatments are led by the horse and continually adapted following their responses throughout.

Where needed fascial release, Heat Therapy & Red Light Therapy are also included during Massage Therapy treatments. These modalities can also be requested as a stand alone treatment.

A clear aftercare plan including stretches for your horse are provided to support muscular health in-between treatments. 

Treatment requirements 

  • Horses must be reasonably clean, dry and on the yard ready for their treatment at your appointment time
  • Payment via cash or bank transfer is required upon completion of the treatment 
  • Cancellation or alterations of appointment time require 48 hours notice, or will incur full charge (Discretion may apply) 
  • Allowance for rest post treatment (Typically 24 hours of non ridden work unless receiving pre  competition treatment or regular treatment)
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Due to recent (2020) changes in the Veterinary Act as a Musculoskeletal Therapist Elesebeth no longer requires Veterinary approval prior to your appointment, unless your horse is undergoing current treatment or investigation. In these circumstances Elesebeth is happy to liaise with your Veterinarian on your behalf.
If any concerns arise before or during the treatment Elesebeth will refer your horse to your Veterinarian for further investigations. 
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  • Home
  • About
    • Therapies >
      • Equine Massage Therapy
      • Fascia Release
      • Heat Therapy
      • Red Light Therapy
      • Meridian Therapy
      • Botanicals
    • Blog
    • Offers
    • FAQ's
  • Reviews
  • Fees & Booking
  • Retreats
  • Shop
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact