Equine Sports Therapy (EST) is similar to sports therapy and rehab for humans. It is complementary to traditional medicine and is non-invasive. The therapist aims to decrease pain, accelerate the healing process and reduce the chance of further injury. Equine Sports therapy increases circulation, range of motion, and flexibility while decreasing muscle spasms, tension and edema, promoting tissue drainage, relaxation and enhancing performance. Although EST can cover many modalities, massage and stretching are usually the most widely used. Other modalities are: acupressure, aromatherapy, applied kinesiology, saddle and tack fitting, nutritional assessment, and dental assessment.

WHAT TYPE OF CONDITIONS CAN EQUINE SPORTS THERAPY BE USED FOR?

Difficulty extending or collecting
Difficulty moving laterally
Edema and inflammation
Hematomas
Joint injury and sprains
Muscle Atrophy
Muscle imbalance
Muscle soreness and strains
Muscle spasms
Muscle Tension
Performance injuries
Restricted or decreased range of motion (ROM) in the body
Stiffness
Tension
Uneven gait

A regular program of Massage and Stretching helps to improve performance by maintaining or regaining optimal ROM, co-ordination and balance. This reduces injury by decreasing the tension on joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.