23 Apr 2005
Sharon Osmond is a qualified Equine Muscle therapist (EMT) and Equine Naturopath with the National College of Traditional Medicine. She also has studied Equine Craniosacral therapies for horses, which is a holistic healing practice, using light finger pressure to optimize body movement. When applied correctly, this gentle and subtle technique can be highly effective in addressing a number of conditions in the horse. Horses respond very well to this gentle and non-invasive technique as it directly focuses on the central nervous system.
She also uses herbal remedies for her animals and gets great results.
Sharon not only treats horses but also does the same therapies on dogs.
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues, which achieves the drainage, relaxation or stimulation of the body and promotes an excellent supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle groups.
Massage has a most beneficial effect on the agility, strength, maintenance, ability, performance and recovery time of horses.
Deep tissue and sports massage loosens tight muscle fibres, breaks up adhesions, fibrotic changes (scar tissue) that occur as the result of healing processes following injury or excessive strain and tension.
Lymphatic drainage will assist in detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system.
These massage techniques are very useful for chronically tense muscles that give ongoing problems to horses in training and competition, stress, strain, injury and normal aches and pains associated with aging and the environment.
Most horses, like humans, enjoy massage therapy when it is done with skilled hands and a good understanding of anatomy.
Massage has been proved to assist the healing process and is used widely throughout the world for horses that are suffering acute or chronic pain. Massage aids in faster, stronger healing allowing the body to recuperate back to a high standard of performance following injury and illness. It is also great for horses suffering arthritis to strengthen, repair and rejuvenate joints. Massage is deep acting yet a gentle boost to the immune system.
Bad saddle fit, unbalanced riders and incorrect shoeing or trimming are just a few of the problems leading to chronic or recurring complaints in horses. These issues can be corrected and will make the world of difference to the performance of your horse.
Even mental and emotional demands on horses as well as strains and injuries can cause tension, which may become evident in the musculature. Trauma can also cause stressed muscles.
The young horse also benefits from massage as it learns to relax and gets used to being handled.
Benefits of massage are:
* Promotes well being and good performance
* Aids in healing for most injuries
* Assists in the detoxification process
* Effective in pain management
* Relaxes and renews energy
* Positive effects for range of motion, inflammation and muscle tension and strain
* Preventative against potential injuries
* Excellent for the handling process of young horses
Keep your horse fit and healthy; call an equine muscle therapist today!
Sharon holds workshops throughout the year and talks about natural treatments and the well being of your animals.
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