Massages (for the rider)

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freebird

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Posted this an American site, but since I'm moving to the UK hopefully late this year, thought I was ask here!

So we get our horses massages to loosen up their muscles, but what about us riders?!

Do you think a massage therapy "booth" (by a qualified therapist) at horse shows would be appreciated, or do you think people would be too busy to bother? Specifically chair massages. I thought about doing this but not sure if it would be worth it! Curious on what other's think.
 
I've started going for massages (sports massage using trigger point therapy from a lady with a riding perspective) and they have done me the world of good and improved my riding position and relaxed me (plus I get an awesome nights sleep following one) so would defo recommend them!
 
freebird said:
Posted this an American site, but since I'm moving to the UK hopefully late this year, thought I was ask here!

So we get our horses massages to loosen up their muscles, but what about us riders?!

Do you think a massage therapy "booth" (by a qualified therapist) at horse shows would be appreciated, or do you think people would be too busy to bother? Specifically chair massages. I thought about doing this but not sure if it would be worth it! Curious on what other's think.
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I think with chair massages you'd be too limited in the parts of the body you can work on. If you had a massage couch you can work on any part. It might be worth a try - we all get stiffness in certain parts of our bodies - a good session on a massage couch can do wonders!
 
A really good massage leaves me feeling spaced out and a bit achy. I probably wouldn't go for one at an event unless I was only there as a spectator!
 
cowgirl16 said:
I think with chair massages you'd be too limited in the parts of the body you can work on. If you had a massage couch you can work on any part. It might be worth a try - we all get stiffness in certain parts of our bodies - a good session on a massage couch can do wonders!
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Very true, a portable table would be an option!
 
smja said:
A really good massage leaves me feeling spaced out and a bit achy. I probably wouldn't go for one at an event unless I was only there as a spectator!
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Depends on the massage! A deep tissue may leave someone achy afterward. But there are massages for relaxation as well.
 
I have seen a tent at an event once - I think it was at Aston le Walls - offering a 15 minute massage (clothes to be left on). I seem to remember it was more about relaxation and calming nerves than therapy - I guess they aren't going to fix stuff just before you compete; you should get any issues seen to in the weeks before. It's not a great idea to have a deep massage just before strenuous exercise, is it?

I thought it was a good idea but probably most competitors are working to their times and haven't factored in a 15 min massage as well!
 
I have a fortnightly massage it's essential for keeping me going but I can imagine few things I would like to do less at a competition .
 
Andy Thomas used to be the British Eventing Team physio (humans) and had an artic trailer that he used to take to all the 3* and 4* events in the UK to deliver on-site remedial treatment as well as the on-going work that he did with team riders. Andy is on Facebook (Andy Thomas Eventphysio) and I am sure would be happy to talk to you. If you can't find him, then PM me and I will send you his details. He has kept many of us going in the past in a three day, when the horse was fine but the jockey was suffering.

Below the 3* level I think you may struggle to find an audience. :(
 
A friend of mine in England does a combination of horse and rider massage therapy - she believes it's essential to treat both in order to get the best results, which makes sense really. If either is wonky it is bound to affect the other :)
 
Also, just as an addendum to the above, you should check that your qualifications enable you to get insurance in this country and make yourself aware of the implications of RAMP (Registry of approved musculo-skeletal practitioners), which is the output/findings of a 5 year (?) investigation by DEFRA/LANTRA into the para-professionals in the equine industry.
 
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