Real-Life Communication
A racehorse owner is worried about the stiffness her horse, Thunderbolt,
exhibits each time she brings him out of the stall for his morning exercise.
She is concerned that Thunderbolt won't be able to run fast because of his
stiff muscles. He may have to be prematurely retired.
You overhear
this and suggest that the horse could greatly benefit from a sports massage.
This is the first the owner has heard of the remedy. She is interested in
helping her horse and asks you questions about the technique.
"You
don't have to do much reading on the job, but you need to have read a great
deal to learn all about the muscle groups, about techniques and massage,"
says Amy Harrison, an equine sports massage therapist.
Read the following
passage and answer the owner's questions:
Sports massage
therapy (SMT) is a form of massage first used on Russian athletes. It has
since been developed for horses. SMT aids in preventing injuries and loss
of mobility. It also restores mobility to injured muscles and maintains the
entire body in better physical condition.
Not only does it boost athletic
performance and endurance, but it extends the good health and overall life
of the horse.
SMT enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion
while easing muscle spasms. It hastens the elimination of waste products and
toxins. At the same time, it promotes more rapid healing of injuries.
SMT
lengthens connective tissues. It also reduces the danger of fibrosis (the
buildup of too many fibers in an organ). It relieves inflammation and reduces
swelling.
SMT increases the flow of synovial (lubricating) fluid to
the joints. One of the greatest benefits of SMT is the fact that a horse no
longer in pain is a very happy and agreeable partner to work around.
(Excerpted
with Amy Harrison's permission from the Freedom of Movement web page)
Questions
- Where was this type of sports massage therapy first developed?
- Name three benefits of equine massage.
- What does sports massage therapy actually do to the muscle tissue?