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What is the first thought that pops into your head when someone says they had a massage? Relaxation…de-stressing…heaven? How about all of the above PLUS increased healing after an injury, improved range of motion, increased blood circulation, enhanced athletic performance…the list goes on.
The first time I had a massage was during exams when I attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC). After a full hour’s treatment, I left feeling like I was walking on air and I thought, what a wonderful profession it must be where every single customer loves you! That is what sparked my interest in massage. For the next 2 years, I attended the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Bedford, NS. It was the most intensive program where we were required to know every single muscle in the body; its origin, insertion, action and be able to rhyme them off at random during a very stressful oral practical exam. Since massage therapists are health professionals, we have to understand how each body system functions as well. 
During the two years, I specialized in Sports Massage and had the opportunity to work with varsity athletes. Why did I choose human massage and not equine? Well, originally being from Ontario and owning a Quarter Horse gelding named Major Mister, everyone thought that I was going to be attending D’arcy Lane Equine Massage school in London Ontario….however plans changed and I ended up staying in the Maritimes where I met my fiancé. And after that very first massage, where I learned so much, I knew I wanted to do both equine & human.
How is massage useful to the general public and athletes such as equestrians? Whether you work in an office all day or on horseback, repetitive strain can occur, which predisposes those muscles to injury. Here is list of some of the injuries massage therapists can treat:
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow), Constipation, Sprains/Strains, Frozen Shoulder, Nerve Impingements, Headaches, Sciatica and other compression syndromes, Scoliosis, Plantar Fasciitis…
Massage can be good for any type of pain. Many people will seek massage or other alternative therapies because of neck, low back pain, etc. Massage releases endorphins, which help decrease your pain receptors therefore making you feel better.
For the equestrian, massage can aid with relaxing tight muscles and help with postural concerns, such as tight hip flexors. It can make you more aware of muscles that need to be stretched/strengthened, which can benefit your riding posture.
For example, we have all seen those riders we are envious of…those with the perfect posture, they seem to float in the saddle as if they are just a passenger and if that horse were to suddenly veer left there would be no change in that rider’s position. I can bet that we all know someone like that! Now you have also all seen those riders who struggle with sitting straight in the saddle and lose their balance when the horse makes a sudden change. Do you think that if that rider were to receive a massage and get the postural muscles worked on that they would feel an improvement? I certainly believe so!
What if I don’t have any of the above conditions? Is massage right for me?
Massage isn’t just for treatment. We encourage our clients to come see us every 4 to 6 weeks for maintenance as massage acts as preventative care. It’s just the same as how we work with our horses. We don’t wait until their hooves are splitting and lame until we call the farrier, we have our horses on a schedule to make sure they are cared for and are sound. I know as a fellow equestrian, and also having been a working student under two Olympic dressage riders, that their horses get outstanding care and nothing is overlooked…however, their riders and grooms work exceptionally hard to keep these horses in tip top shape and sometimes their body gets disregarded. The horse and the rider are a team. If your horse is receiving every treatment out there to make sure he is the best he can be, but the rider is sore, tight and has pain…how will this partnership succeed? Sure they still may get the high score of the day, but with proper massage care and awareness their score may be even higher.
What can I expect when I come for a massage?
For your very first massage, you will have to arrive a bit early to fill out a form detailing your health history. Any past injuries, surgeries or traumas are to be noted because even though they are healed there may be a reduced range of motion at that joint possibly causing problems down the road or scar tissue. Any medical conditions, medications you are on are to be noted as well. You will also be asked the purpose of your visit or why are you seeking massage therapy. When you are called to the massage room, your massage therapist will look at your health history and ask you questions pertaining to your complaint. The therapist will then do a postural examination which looks for misalignments (ex: right hip is higher than left), do range of motion to see how the joint is moving and if it’s in ideal ranges, and finally will do orthopedic assessment tests to try to find the underlying cause of the complaint and aid with making a treatment plan. Your therapist will then explain her plan for the treatment, what you can expect, how to get on the table…and finally ask for consent to proceed. And your treatment will begin! If it is your very first treatment, do not be shy about communicating with your therapist! Nearing the end of the treatment after you are off the table and dressed, the therapist will assign you with some homecare, which could be stretching or strengthening exercises to help with your main complaint. She will also recommend how often you should come back for treatment, which depends how acute the injury is. Also, feel free to call your clinic or therapist if you are overly sore or have any questions.
How often should I receive a treatment/massage?
If you are coming for maintenance, I would recommend every 4-6 weeks. If you have an acute injury (just occurred and is swollen/red), that will take longer and will require more regular treatments. Remember that 1 treatment will not fix the issue, especially with postural concerns. If you have lived your whole life with rounded shoulders, it is going to take more than 1 treatment and self-awareness to fix it!
Will certain massage treatments benefit equestrians more than the general public?
I believe that any athlete may get more out of a massage treatment because they have become familiar with the muscles that they are working every day. They usually know when they need to go and see their therapist. They are undergoing a high level of repetitive strain each and every time they workout and to achieve greater performance they need a good group of therapists to back them up (massage, physio & chiro.)
Remember, the equestrian is just as much an athlete as a runner or swimmer. You deserve time to recuperate and also to learn how your muscles affect your riding and how they can improve it. Please feel free to ask me any questions or to also book an appointment.
Shannon Lackey, RMT is joining the team at Sackville Wellness & Chiropractic Center. Her plan is to become educated in Equine Massage and combine both aspects of human and equine massage together…possibly at horse shows! Shannon also eagerly anticipates her return to dressage and horses. Her goal is to breed quality Hanoverians for amateurs and professionals and already has her foundation filly by Diamond Hit.
Sackville Wellness & Chiropractic Center
131A Main Street
Sackville, New Brunswick
s_lackey936@hotmail.com
To book an appointment call (506) 536-0051
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