SERVICES

I am a trained Equine Sports Therapist and so therefore I am specifically trained in the musculoskeletal system as opposed to a chiropractor for example who has more of an understanding of the skeletal system. I treat the muscles of the horse to enable freer and improved movement achieving greater range of motion.

How the horse presents themselves and their posture, as well as the way they move can give a lot away as to what is wrong, so these are the first tools that I use to decide which areas may be most problematic. Palpation and manipulation are ways in which the horse is then subsequently treated.

Techniques include:

Trigger Point - Each muscle has potential trigger

points which can become activated by a number of reasons.

Trigger Point Therapy is part of Remedial Massage Therapy

where direct pressure is applied to specific or tender muscle

tissue to achieve pain relief and a reduction in muscle tension..

Myofacial Release - This can take longer than other

methods but it proves to be very efficient at reaching the

deeper muscles and fascia lines of the body.

Range of Motion Stretches - New research has shown

stretching before exercise can weaken muscles in the

immediate future. Therefore, it is more beneficial to stretch when the muscles are already warmed up. So after exercise is more preferable! I can demonstrate stretches to owners to perform in between visits to maximise the effects of the therapy I give.

I am also trained in Kinesiology Taping®, through Rock Tape UK, which is a therapeutic taping technique. This is a method (see above picture) designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process. At the same time it also provides support while stabilising the muscles and joints without restricting the body's natural movement. Subsequently it has been shown to be effective at enhancing performance and recovery as well as prolonging the effects of physical therapy.

NEW!!!

I am now stocking the Epiony Heat Pad...it will very quickly become part of your daily routine!!!

✅ Tight and sore muscles

✅ Horses that naturally carry tension (reduces stress)

✅ Cold backed

✅ SI issues

✅ Kissing spines

✅ Those undergoing rehabilitation

🐴 It is not only for horse use and has 4 temperature settings so can be used even in warmer weather.

🐴 Brand ambassadors Olympic event rider Jonny Evans and International dressage rider Katie Cowell find this product a hugely important part of their daily horse care routine. They have found that it has improved performance and general overall health of the horses.

Epiony have a great website to find out more about the product. Any pads ordered through me i will apply a discount to. I will be using this within my treatments so clients can see it being used and it’s benefits.

RRP £129.99

When you may need the help of a therapist?

There are many horse care variables which are in our control such as suitable living conditions, correct nutrition, competent farriery and veterinary care. However, sometimes we lose control of these in the case of injury or illness. In the instance of this a veterinary opinion is required (you don’t want to be massaging over broken bones!).

Before I make an appointment to come out and treat any horse I ask for some basic information and require veterinary approval by sending out a patient approval form to the relevant vet. Only once the vet gives me signed approval would I then book the horse in to be treated. This is the law according to the Veterinary Act of 1966 and letting any ‘professional’ treat your horse without obtaining this would leave your horse exposed to unqualified treatment and inadequate insurance.

If while I am treating the horse I find anything significant or concerning I will report it back to the vet to add to their notes and will maybe advise vet referral if I feel further investigation is necessary. Some other reasons why you may requite the help of a therapist include:

Change in behaviour
Reduced performance
Reluctance to work
Asymmetry in motion
Muscle atrophy or hypertrophy (uneven building of muscle or muscle tone)
Cold backed/irritable when taking up
Uneven shoe wear