This stroke compresses muscle against bone which causes the fibers to spread. This frees restrictions and adhesions allowing the blood supply to move easily into the muscle carrying oxygen and nutrients and removing metabolic waste. Techniques are than uses to detect muscle spasms so these spasms may be treated and thereby relieved. All horses will benefit from a Sports Massage. Sports Massage has been popular among thoroughbreds and Olympic horses and has made its way to the local show-rings and even the backyard and work horse.
All horses have the capability of developing muscle related problems.
All deserve the chance to be rid of the aches and pains. Since muscle does not show up on x-ray it is difficult to detect a muscle related injury. Unlike us, horses can't verbalize their pain so they rely upon their human counterpart to detect it. Therefore, we must learn to recognize behaviors that could be associated with muscle pain. Massage is being recognized throughout the industry as a necessity for a well-balanced mind and body.