The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Written By Ellie Robinson

One of my strongest beliefs in terms of physiotherapy treatment is that manual therapies should always be used in the first instance, supplemented with electrotherapies as appropriate and supported in-between treatments with exercise prescriptions and rehabilitation programmes. During my training, the very first treatment technique we were taught was massage therapy, and I completely understand why. Massage not only becomes a more in-depth assessment of each horse, but also has countless benefits including;

  • relief of muscular tension and stiffness

  • reduced pain and spasm

  • improved joint range of motion

  • improved muscular flexibility

  • enhanced athletic performance.

I don’t doubt the strong evidence behind electrotherapies, but massage therapy is also strongly supported with scientific studies and I really do believe in the results it can produce, hence why manual therapies are always a cornerstone of my physiotherapy treatments.

Ellie x

Ellie Robinson
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