EQUINOX HEALTH
"Realize the Potential, Relieve the Pain"
EQUINOX HEALTH
"Realize the Potential, Relieve the Pain"
Equine Stress Point & Massage Therapy.....
Equine Stress Point & Massage Therapy.....
Stress Point therapy is an effect tool which allows for an overall view or "map" of tension patterns and soreness. There are 26 stress points on each side of the horses body. The stress points are where ligaments and tendons come together in that muscle group (origin or insertion point). Nerve irritation due to misalignment, stress, fatigue or injury can cause these stress points and muscle groups to become tight and begin to shut down. When this happens the muscle groups do not get the oxygen they require and they become very susceptible to minor or major rips and tears.
When one area of a horse is stressed, the entire system compensates and supports the affected area to continue providing for function. Stress contributes to muscle tension, and such tension either acute or chronic, may even lead to injury because of inhibited range of motion. Muscle tension is contagious, beginning with a few muscle fibers and spreading to surrounding fibers until an entire muscle or muscle group is compromised. Muscle tension and structural weaknesses are rarely symmetrical from side to side. This leads to distorted movement, asymmetrical movement and limited range of motion, reducing a horse's ability to perform.In the majority of cases muscle disorders can be traced to a particular incident. They may become troublesome as a result of events such as a sharp blow or they may result from fatigue, overstretching (where they may tear), cooling down too quickly (especially after overheating), incorrect posture or improper hoof function and development, a fever or disease, a structural or systematic imbalance or even poor nourishment.
After the stress points and muscle groups are examined, manual pressure is applied to the stress point, then the muscle group is massaged. Massage therapy increases circulation bringing a fresh supply of blood and oxygen, removes toxins from the area such as lactic acid and can alleviate spasms. This is an effective form of treatment providing relief of muscle tension, thereby promoting relaxation and initiating the body's own innate healing.
