WENDY DIXON EBW
Equine massage, as in humans, has considerable benefits, in that it improves circulation, relaxes muscles, aids digestion and by stimulating the lymphatic system assists in the elimination of waste products Assisting the circulation expedites the flow of nutrients and oxygen that revitalise the body. Massage is extremely beneficial post competition to eliminate lactic acid built up during exertion, to relax tight muscles and to ensure that any tightness does not continue through to another muscle group. Signs of muscle soreness, can be irrational sour behaviour, irregular gaits and inability to go forward. Therapeutic techniques can assist injury, spasm and fatigue by freeing the muscles of waste products and releasing spasm in the muscle. Massage prior to competition is excellent because stretching muscle fibres allows for better recoil thus enabling greater movement which can lessen the possibility of muscle tearing. Massage also reduces warm up time, therefore saving valuable energy prior to competing. Sports massage is a necessary and acclaimed therapy with human athletes. The expectations of humans on the equine athletes are high and therefore should receive the same consideration. ````````````````````` excerpt from IEBWA websiteAustralia now has its own division of the International Equine Body Worker Association. This means that horse owners will know their massage therapist or equine body worker has met international standards which is now recognised throughout the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. What does this mean to horse owners? Horse owners have access to equine body workers who have met a standard of education accepted in all of the above countries. This level of education is anatomy based so that your therapist is able to converse with your veterinarian. They are aware of the fundamentals of saddle fitting and gait analysis, with the opportunity to study further advanced topics if they want to specialise. There are two levels of membership. Professional members have studied courses with Equinology Inc, which is one of the most extensive programs available worldwide, and Associate members have studied at other facilities approved by the association. This may change as other colleges bring their courses up to the level presented by Equinology and reflected in the field by their graduates. When you employ an Equine Body Worker to assist you with your horse's wellbeing you can be assured of their educational background. This not only refers to their initial foundation course work, it includes an ongoing continuing educational requirement each member must complete to show they are willing to keep up to date with what is available for your horses. This way IEBWA ensures that members are actively interested in maintaining and enhancing their skills and knowledge within their chosen profession. An Equine Body Worker is educated as to what is their responsibility within the equine health industry and it is important that horse owners can rely on their equine body worker conducting themselves with the highest professional ethics and staying within the realms of their education. A strong emphasis is placed upon equine body worker's functioning closely with your veterinarian and other health professionals to ensure the best possible care for your horse. Client confidentiality is maintained at all times by IEBWA members. The owner of the horse or person responsible for the horse can be assured that the Equine Body Worker will not act as a substitute for veterinarian attention nor will the Equine Body Worker pass diagnosis or diagnostic comments on any condition of the horse ```````````````````````
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