Kim Dolan, Certified Equine Massage Therapist, received her training at the Institute of Equine Therasage in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of therapy. The Hopi Indians of the Western United States used it on many animals, especially their horses.

Sports massage differs from other forms because it focuses more on the cause of muscle injury with the intent of relieving muscular pain and assisting in the PREVENTION of future injuries of those muscles.

BENEFITS OF SPORT MASSAGE:

• Increases red cell counts
• Improves blood and lymph circulation
• Increases fluid in the joints
• Reduces anxiety and fatigue
• May increase speed of natural healing process
• Enhances muscle balance
• Helps prevent injury
• Eliminates toxins
• Soft tissue damage does not show up on x-rays
• Improves circulation
• Enhances muscle tone
• Increases range of motion
• Relieves muscle spasms
• Increases immune system
• Reduces swelling and inflammation in joints
• Relieves stress and tension
• Increases circulation of lymphatic system and enhances elimination of waste
• Lubricates joints
• Increases mental clarity
• Reduces allergies
• Generally promotes a positive disposition
• Increases the ability to heal and function harmoniously.

The following excerpt is from “Equine Sports Medicine” – by Jack Meagher.

“Physical therapy is the consideration of the problem ‘after the fact’ of injury. Sports Therapy considers anything less than maximum efficiency to be a problem, and could lead to a more serious one. It goes beyond the problem itself – to the underlying cause. No athlete should have to wait to be hurt before getting help.

Until it is realized that the muscular system (60% of the horse’s total body weight and the system responsible for motion) is a predominate cause of motion problems, many things will remain a mystery that should not be mysterious at all.

Muscles can be an entire cause or a reflection of a deeper cause. It is always proper to eliminate a deeper cause first – this is veterinarian expertise.

Sports massage is the only therapy specifically oriented to prepare a total body or an individual muscle for exercise. It produces a degree of freedom and ease of motion beyond that which a body can achieve for itself. When applied properly, massage can do no harm – only good. Our equine athletes deserve free motion.”