Explore Equine Massage

What is stress point massage therapy?

 

This technique was developed by Jack Meagher, a pioneer in helping create what we know as “sports massage.” Through many years of working on humans and horses Jack developed stress point therapy as a technique to treat the underlying cause of problems athletes face. According to Jack, “No athlete should have to wait to be hurt before getting help.” Horses are the ultimate athletes.

 

Many of the injuries our equine friends suffer from are caused by muscle strain, which is cumulative in nature and the majority of these strain type injuries are preventable. When muscles are tight they shorten, this means the fibers making up the muscle are in a state of contraction. Muscles that are in excessively contracted states can not release quickly or completely, reducing flexibility and range of motion. Unfortunately this can trigger a cascade of events because muscle tightness does not localize to effect just one area. The tightness will spread from one muscle group to another, causing further symptoms of restriction and pain.

 

Stress point therapy targets specific areas to assess for knotted tissue causing dysfunction in the body. The massage technique uses direct pressure and cross-fiber friction on an exact spot of tissue spasm to release the spasm and restore normal function to the muscle. These tissue spasms cause big problems in athletes; they will restrict the motion and normal function of the muscle fibers. If not released, the muscle tightness will lead to reduced freedom of motion and decreasing performance, or when severe enough, causes symptoms to make the horse completely off in that area.

 

Stress point therapy is one of the main techniques I use when giving your horse a massage. It is my joy and privilege to help horses release their muscle pain and dysfunction. Contact me today to set up an appointment for your equine partner to help keep them functioning their best!