FAQ Answer Page

Q: What is Sports Massage?

In trying to detail the numerous bennefits of Sports Massage I did a little research. What I found is that more often than not, others can explain the art of what (we) massage therapists do far better than I can summarize while mysteriously keeping the words to a minimum. Wanting to respesct both the authors of these descriptions & the integrity of my business, I've enclosed some links to pages I've found particularly helpful in that explaination.

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/alternative_therapies/massage081099/

http://foothealth.about.com/od/exercisefeet/a/Sportsmassage.htm

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/sportsmassage.htm

Q: When is Sports Massage applied?

A: Sports Massage is known as 'the perfect warm up' so you may use it to loosen up prior to a lesson, competition, etc. Other areas Sports Massage is very beneficial:

As an aid in recovering from injuries (once cleared by your veterinarian)
Decreasing the stress on your animal's body due to a strenuous work out or competition
General maintenance to aid in the increasing of agility by increasing the elasticity of muscles (horses are 60% mucsle!) thus lowering the risk of muscle related injuries
Increasing over all health due to the decreasing of toxins & promotion of circulation aiding in the movement of vital nutrients to all muscles

Q: Is my animal a candidate for Sports Massage?

A: There are a few contradictions that would not allow a massage therapist to work on your animal. They are as follows:

Your animal is currently in shock
Your animal's temperature is abnormally elevated (fever)
Any type of known cancer is present (exceptions may be made if previous written consent is given by your veterinarian)
Your animal is currently taking any blood thinners (ie. Lasix, etc)
Your animal is excessively aggressive & thus the therapist is in bodily danger

Aside from these exceptions, a program can be customized for all cases.

Q: How many sessions will it take before I see improvement?

A: All animals are different. That being said you should begin to see results as soon as the 2nd or 3rd session. If no noticeable results are seen after the 3 sessions, we often recommend you consult with your veterinarian before we continue to treat your animal. Massage is not a cure & should be used in conjunction with your normal health care program as recommended by your vet.

Q: Is there an evaluation fee?

A: A free evelauation is available upon request. Please feel free to contact us to set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. We look forward to discussing your animal's situation & needs with you so we can work together to improve your animal's over well-being.