Equestrian Massage

The history of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BC in India, where it was considered a sacred system of natural healing. Massage therapy was a practice passed down through generations to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. While nobody can deny the myriad of benefits massage can relieve, did you know sports enthusiasts and hobbyists can seek massage therapy for certain muscle groups? Equestrian massage is just one area that is not very well known but can seriously benefit riders. Here are just some of the many muscles riders typically use. 

• Transverse Abdominis. This muscle helps stabilize between your hips, your ribs, and your pelvis. 

• Obliques. These are our turning muscles.

• Psoas. The psoas is one of the most important hip flexor muscles involved during riding. 

• Iliacus

• Piriformis

• Gluteus Maximus and Gluteus Medius. ...

• Quadratus Lumborum

At Natural Therapy Wellness Center we have developed a therapeutic massage program specially designed for equestrian riders. Many equestrians understand the need to follow a regular exercise program in order to develop the stamina and strength necessary to improve their riding skills, but sometimes overlook the importance of regular massage and bodywork to keep their muscles flexible, relaxed, and balanced. A common issue for horse riders is over-exercised core muscles which leads to an imbalance in the low back. Riders also have unique muscle requirements especially the leg, hip, abdominal, shoulder, and back muscles. Many of these important muscle groups may not be addressed in such detail in a typical massage session.

How does it help?

We once had a client that had a horse that kept going toward the left no matter what they did.  After trying different training methods to no avail, the rider came to us.  We noticed the rider had a very slight misalignment in their hips. This was causing the rider to subconsciously give the horse cues with their legs to go to the left.  We did a lot of massage work to relax the muscles that controlled the hips. The result? A horse that walked straight, a happy rider, and a stronger bond between the two.

Equestrian massage can help you keep and maintain your balance, help you compete, help you move naturally with your horse, strengthen your bonds, and so much more! Soothe your mind and body at Natural Therapy Wellness Center. At Natural Therapy Wellness Center, it is our intention to provide our guests with professional and therapeutic services in a relaxing and friendly environment; we will tailor each treatment to our client’s individual needs. Call Natural Therapy Wellness today at (815) 385-8190 to schedule your appointment! For more information visit our website at mchenrymassage.com.

Sources:

https://www.fireandearthuk.com/blog/2020/9/22/which-muscles-are-used-during-horse-riding

https://florida-academy.edu/history-of-massage-therapy/#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20massage%20therapy%20dates%20back%20to%203000%20BCE,and%20prevent%20and%20cure%20illnesses.