Muscles It Helps| Which muscles does it help? |
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The neckThe multitude of complex muscles and ligaments in the neck have many jobs to do. They support the head and balance the horse’s body. When the horse is galloping the head and neck have to be raised and lowered with every stride. This puts considerable demands on the muscles of the neck. The different carriage of the neck in different disciplines can also predispose to injury. Add on to this the direct and lateral flexion and you can better appreciate why the muscles of the neck would benefit from regular massage.The backThe long band of muscle groups with associated ligaments that run along the back do many jobs including the transfer of energy created in the hind legs. These muscles act as a functional group. Of course the back also has to support the rider and saddle. We sit on the Longisiimus Dorsi muscle but it also has to raise the back, support the head and stay supple as it contracts. This makes the muscles of the back particularly prone to strains and other injuries. The importance of these muscles and their risk of injury was carefully considered in the positioning of the massage units in the Cyclo-ssage Pro Equine Massage System.The pelvisThere are many different muscles that surround the pelvis which works with their ligaments to form an incredible functional unit. They include the largest and most powerful muscles in the horse’s body. Particularly prominent amongst these are the large Gluteal muscles and the Biceps Femoris muscles which contract powerfully as the horse pushes forwards. These muscles are often injured as they create the propulsion for movement and jumping. The Cyclo-ssage Pro Equine Massage System gives particular attention to the massage of this important area.The more the collection, the bigger the jump or the longer or faster the horse is required to go the more the potential for multiple tiny or larger muscle tears. Consider the complex interaction of strength and suppleness required in horses in dressage training. Then there is the rapid release of power that is generated by muscles when a horse is jumping. As we consider these day to day strains on our horses the more we can appreciate why the muscles would benefit from regular massage.
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