Integrated Bodywork

 Integrated bodywork is used to describe different methods of techniques integrated into one bodywork session. Using different techniques targets every horses individual needs. Some horses respond better to the Masterton techniques, some prefer manual massage. Equine massage, acupressure and joint manipulation are all combined together in each bodywork session.

 Equine Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. 

Jemma uses different methods during massage treatment and can feel for any muscle swellings, tightness, spasms, trigger points and uneven muscle tone across your horse’s body.  

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Massage  has a number of beneficial factors.

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Relieves Muscular Tension​

Massage stimulates the 'relaxation response'. This is a physiological state where the heart and breathing rate decreases, blood pressure goes down and there is a reduction of stress hormones. This leads to an increase in a hormone called serotonin which leaves the animal feeling happy.

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Reducing Soreness and Fatigue

Massage increases blood circulation which leads to more oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues. It also helps to manually mobilize metabolic waste from the tissues. Lactic acid build up in a muscle will make the muscle tight and sore.

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Trigger points

Trigger and stress points can be eliminated or greatly reduced due to stimulation during a massage.

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Muscle Fibers and Weak Muscles

Specific massage techniques manually separate muscle fibers which lead to a reduction in myo-spasms in the muscles. Massage also helps to tone weak muscles, muscles contractions take place during massage.

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Increased Range of Motion

Range of motion is improved when muscles tension is eliminated. The amount of movement the joints have is controlled by the movement the muscles allow. Tight, tense muscles will not allow joints to move optimally.

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Decrease of Pain

Massage therapy will stimulate the Mechanoreceptors of the cells. Mechanoreceptors inhibit Nociceptors ( pain sensation cells) The more Mechanoreceptors that are stimulated, the less pain receptors will be firing.

Massage also stimulates the release of endorphins, this causes an euphoric state of mind.

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