SOFT TISSUE REPAIR

As well as looking at the benefits of massaging a horse to maximise performance during the event it is also worth considering how massage can help when things do not go quite to plan.
Problems are more often seen on the cross country course due to the speed and demands asked of the horses and the fixed fences that are required to be jumped. 
As a massage therapist there are several techniques that can be used to help a horse after a trauma such as this but the horse must receive veterinary attention first to ensure the horse has not sustained any severe injury. 
There are three phases to soft tissue repair: -

• Inflammation
• Cell Proliferation
• Remodelling

Massage has many benefits for the horse needing help to repair damage or rehabilitating: -

• Influence and enhance venous and lymphatic flow
• Improve tissue fluid interchange
• Enhance general body recovery, post activity
• In cases of tissue damage, enhance normal recovery and ensure healing is by first intent, through retaining tissue mobility and reducing the risk of scaring and/or adhesions.

 Ice is a very effective widely used method of treatment for muscle injuries too.  If ice is applied in the acute phase it is believed to substantially decrease the extent of the damage achieved through: -

• Reduced pain
• Reduces the risk of cell death by decreasing the rate of metabolism
• Decreases the amount of bleeding into the injury site, reducing swelling
• Reduces muscle spasm