If the capacity of one muscle is reduced it can cause problems with the surrounding muscles, restricting the gliding motion.  Performance and movement are determined by the muscles’ abilities to contract and glide, so needless to say when movement is restricted the horse is certainly not performing to the best of its ability!

Owners should consider using massage as part of the ongoing care and maintenance of their equine partners.  It should be considered if your horse has received a blow; if he has done too much work when he is not physically fit enough; if there have been quick cool downs after hard heating work as often excess lactic acid occurs (“tying up”); or if the posture is not in balance or the tack is poor fitting.

Massage is actually a very important tool as it encourages healing by creating blood flow through muscle, re-oxygenation of damaged muscle and moves toxins out of the system.  Massage relaxes contracted muscle, which in turn removes the strain from the connective tissue and allows for the realignment of bones.  It maintains a good and healthy range of motion by releasing fascial tightness.