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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm

Emily Thorp- Equine & Human Sports Massage Therapy

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Emily Thorp- Equine & Human Sports Massage Therapy

Equine and Level 4 Human Sports Massage Therapist. Over 10 years experience. What is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?

Equine sports massage works on the horses’ muscular system where issues are an extremely common and underestimated cause of pain. Did you know that minor muscle injuries can take up to 90 days to become apparent? These issues can manifest themselves in many ways. The pain can cause stress that will have a negative effect on how the horses’ body functions. The pain can be constant or intermittent,

easing one moment then coming back the next. Often the rider will know the horse is not ‘right’ and this is sometimes difficult to communicate; or the cause of the lameness or lack of well being and mobility is not being identified or keeps on returning. It is not always a training issue - have your horse checked

As an Equine sports massage therapist we can identify areas of muscle malfunction that can be causing pain through injury or subsequent compensatory problems, then treat the cause not just the effect. It is a highly effective, non invasive treatment that can profoundly improve your horses’ performance and quality of life.

04/03/2025

Looking forward to working alongside 🐴 Offering regular sports massage to both horses and humans starting this Friday ⭐️🙌

14/02/2025

Why Abdominal Strength is Key for a Healthy Back!

Did you know that your abdominal muscles play a HUGE role in how well your back moves? If you struggle with flexing (bending forward) or extending (arching back), your core might be the missing piece!

How Do the Abs Help?

✅ Core Stability – Your abs and back muscles work together to support posture and movement. Weak abs can cause the back muscles to overcompensate, leading to stiffness or pain.
✅ Flexion (Bending Forward) – Strong abs help pull your ribcage toward your pelvis. If they’re weak or tight, this movement can feel restricted.
✅ Extension (Arching Back) – The lower back muscles create extension, but the abs provide counterbalance. If your core lacks strength, your back may struggle to move freely.

How Can You Improve It?

Try these simple exercises to strengthen your core and improve back mobility!

🔹 Pelvic Tilts – Lie on your back with knees bent, tilt your pelvis to flatten your spine, then release. This activates deep core muscles.
🔹 Dead Bugs – Lie on your back, extend one arm and the opposite leg, keeping your core engaged. Swap sides. Great for core control!
🔹 Bird Dogs – On all fours, extend one arm and opposite leg, keeping your core tight. Improves stability and coordination.
🔹 Planks – Front and side planks build endurance and strength for a well-supported back.
🔹 Cat-Cow Stretch – Helps with spinal mobility while engaging and stretching the core muscles.

Stronger abs = a happier, healthier back! Give these a try and feel the difference. 💪

12/02/2025

Why Heavy Weights Are Great for Osteoporosis

When we think of osteoporosis, we often picture frail bones and a fear of fractures. But did you know that lifting heavy weights could be one of the best ways to protect and strengthen your bones?

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weaker and more fragile, making them more prone to fractures. It’s common in older adults, especially women after menopause, due to lower bone density.

How Can Strength Training Help?

Your bones are living tissue, constantly breaking down and rebuilding. Just like muscles, they respond to stress and resistance by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercises, particularly heavy weights with low reps, stimulate bone growth by increasing the force placed on bones.

Why Heavy Weights?

Many people think osteoporosis-friendly exercise should be light and high-rep, but lifting heavier with fewer reps can be even more effective. Here’s why:

✅ More Bone Stimulation – Heavier loads create higher mechanical stress, encouraging bones to rebuild denser and stronger.
✅ Stronger Muscles = More Protection – Muscle strength supports joints and reduces the risk of falls.
✅ Hormonal Benefits – Lifting heavy weights helps regulate hormones like osteocalcin, which promotes bone growth.

Best Exercises for Bone Health
• Squats & Deadlifts – Strengthen hips, spine, and legs, which are common fracture sites.
• Overhead Press & Rows – Build upper-body strength to support posture and balance.
• Lunges & Step-Ups – Improve stability and strengthen leg bones.

Final Thoughts

Osteoporosis doesn’t mean you have to avoid strength training—it’s a reason to embrace it. Lifting heavier weights in a controlled, safe way can increase bone density, improve strength, and reduce fracture risk. So next time you hit the gym, remember: strong muscles mean strong bones!

10/02/2025

❄️ Preventing Muscle Soreness in Horses & Riders During Winter Training ❄️

Winter brings crisp rides and muddy fields, but it also increases the risk of muscle stiffness and soreness—for both horse and rider! Cold temperatures can reduce circulation, making muscles more prone to tension and strain. Here’s how to keep moving comfortably this season:

🐎 For Horses:
✔️ Warm-up thoroughly – Start with in-hand walking or long, low stretching under saddle. 10-15 minuets
✔️ Cool down properly – Let your horse walk after work to prevent stiffness.
✔️ Carrot stretches – Regular stretching helps release tension and improve flexibility.

🏇 For Riders:
✔️ Stretch before riding – Focus on hips, lower back, and shoulders to stay supple.
✔️ Stay warm – Layer up with base layers and heated clothing to prevent tight muscles.
✔️ Work on posture – Poor alignment in the saddle can lead to muscle imbalances. Both horses and humans benefit from massage therapy to stay comfortable and perform at their best—even in the colder months! If you or your horse need some extra support this winter, get in touch. 📩

03/02/2025

What Does KT Tape Do and Why Does It Help?

KT Tape, short for Kinesiology Tape, is a stretchy, adhesive tape designed to support muscles, joints, and tendons without restricting movement. It’s popular among athletes, but it’s also beneficial for anyone dealing with muscle or joint discomfort.

How Does KT Tape Help?

KT Tape works in several ways:
1. Reduces Pain: By lifting the skin slightly, it reduces pressure on pain receptors, helping to alleviate discomfort.
2. Improves Circulation: The lifting effect also creates space for better blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and inflammation.
3. Supports Muscles and Joints: It provides gentle support to muscles and joints, helping improve stability without limiting mobility.
4. Enhances Body Awareness: KT Tape can improve proprioception (your body’s sense of position), which can help with posture and movement efficiency.

Who Can Benefit from KT Tape?

KT Tape isn’t just for professional athletes. It’s great for:
• Athletes (runners, cyclists, equestrians) needing support without losing range of motion
• People with joint instability or muscle fatigue
• Post-injury recovery (like sprains, strains, or bruising)
• Chronic conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or even mild arthritis
• Everyday aches and pains from repetitive tasks or poor posture

01/02/2025

Stretching the iliopsoas muscle in both horses and riders is key to improving performance and comfort. This deep hip flexor plays a major role in posture, balance, and movement. Tightness here can cause stiffness, discomfort, and even affect performance in the saddle. Regular stretching keeps the hips flexible, improves mobility, and helps prevent injuries—keeping both you and your horse moving freely and comfortably.

27/01/2025

Bicep Tendinitis: What You Need to Know

What is it?
Bicep tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects your bicep muscle to your shoulder.

Why does it happen?
• Repetitive overhead movements (e.g., throwing, lifting).
• Poor posture or muscle imbalances (weak triceps)
• Wear and tear over time.

How do you know you have it?
• Pain or tenderness at the front of your shoulder.
• Pain when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back.
• Weakness or clicking sensations in the shoulder.

What makes it better?
• Rest and avoid aggravating movements.
• Ice the area to reduce inflammation.
• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Massage or physiotherapy to ease tension and support recovery.

25/01/2025

Why Every Horse Benefits from Regular Massage – Even If They Seem “Fine”

As an equine sports massage therapist, one of the most rewarding days for me is spending time on a yard treating multiple horses. Today, I had the pleasure of working on a professional showing yard Team Holder and it reminded me just how important it is to focus on every horse—not just the ones showing signs of discomfort or stiffness.

Many people think massage is only for horses with obvious issues, but here’s the truth: regular maintenance is the key to keeping horses performing at their best.

Why Treating Every Horse Matters
1. Spotting Small Changes Early
Horses are incredibly subtle when it comes to showing discomfort. Regular treatments allow me to spot minor muscular tension, stiffness, or imbalances before they turn into bigger problems. These small adjustments can make a huge difference to their overall comfort and performance.
2. Prevention is Better Than Cure
Ongoing massage helps prevent issues like muscle fatigue, tightness, or unevenness that can lead to injuries. Just like athletes, horses benefit from consistent care to stay in top condition.
3. Improved Performance and Recovery
Whether they’re show horses, eventers, or happy hackers, all horses benefit from being supple and balanced. Regular massage improves circulation, aids recovery after hard work, and helps them move more freely.

Massage isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about maintaining health, improving wellbeing, and giving horses the best chance to thrive ❤️🐴

20/01/2025

What Are Compensatory Effects in the Body?

Our bodies are amazing at adapting when something isn’t working as it should. If a muscle or joint is injured or under strain, other muscles will step in to help. This is known as compensation. While it can keep us moving, it can also lead to long-term issues.

💡 Here’s an example:
If you have a tight shoulder, your neck or upper back muscles might take on extra work to make up for the restricted movement. Over time, this can lead to tension headaches, poor posture, or even pain in other areas like the lower back.

🔗 Why Does This Happen?
The musculoskeletal system is interconnected. When one part is out of balance, the whole system adjusts—but not always in a way that’s sustainable.

🛠️ How to Help:
• Stretch and strengthen muscles to restore balance.
• Practice good posture and alignment in daily activities.
• Consider sports massage to release tension and address imbalances.

Your body works hard for you—why not give it the care it deserves?

Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how massage can help ease tension and restore balance!

18/01/2025

Why Following Your Sports Massage Exercises is Key to Recovery

Body:
After your sports massage, you might be sent home with a set of exercises to follow. These aren’t just suggestions—they’re an essential part of your recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Here’s why they’re so important and what they actually do for your body:

✔️ Improves Blood Flow: Movement increases circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, which aids in healing and reduces soreness.

✔️ Strengthens Weak Muscles: Targeted exercises help rebuild strength in areas of imbalance, reducing strain on surrounding muscles and joints.

✔️ Increases Flexibility and Mobility: Gentle stretches and movements improve range of motion, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable.

✔️ Breaks Down Scar Tissue: Controlled movement prevents stiffness and helps break down adhesions, promoting better muscle function.

✔️ Prevents Future Injuries: By strengthening and stabilising your body, exercises reduce the risk of re-injury and long-term discomfort.

Skipping these exercises can slow your progress or even undo the work we’ve done during your session. Even just a few minutes a day can make a massive difference!

Struggling with your exercises or need adjustments? Let me know—I’m here to support your journey to feeling your best.

16/01/2025

How to Keep Your Rotator Cuff Muscles Healthy and Strong💪

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that play a vital role in the stability and mobility of your shoulder joint. Whether you’re an athlete, a manual worker, or simply going about daily life, maintaining the health and strength of your rotator cuff is essential.

In this article, we’ll explore what the rotator cuff does, why it is so important, and how you can keep it strong and injury-free.

What Does the Rotator Cuff Do?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles:
• Supraspinatus: Assists in raising your arm.
• Infraspinatus: Helps rotate your arm outward.
• Teres Minor: Supports external rotation and arm stability.
• Subscapularis: Assists in rotating your arm inward.

These muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint with a wide range of motion. The rotator cuff ensures the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) stays securely in the shallow socket of the shoulder blade.

Why Is the Rotator Cuff Important?
1. Stability and Movement
The rotator cuff allows you to move your shoulder in almost every direction. From reaching overhead to throwing a ball, these muscles provide both mobility and stability.
2. Injury Prevention
A strong rotator cuff protects the shoulder from injuries, including dislocations, impingements, and tendon tears.
3. Daily Activities
Even simple tasks like lifting groceries, brushing your hair, or gardening rely on the rotator cuff.
4. Sports Performance
For athletes, especially those in sports like swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, the rotator cuff is critical for maintaining strength and precision.

How to Keep Your Rotator Cuff Healthy and Strong
1. Stretch Regularly
• Perform gentle shoulder stretches to maintain flexibility.
• Try a cross-body shoulder stretch: Bring one arm across your chest and use the opposite hand to hold it for 15–30 seconds.
2. Strengthen the Muscles
Focus on exercises that target the rotator cuff:
• External Rotation with Resistance Band:
Secure a resistance band, hold one end in your hand, and rotate your arm outward while keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees.
• Lateral Arm Raises:
With light weights, raise your arms to the side until shoulder height, then slowly lower them.
3. Maintain Good Posture
Avoid slouching, which can strain the shoulder muscles. Practice keeping your shoulders back and down.
4. Avoid Overuse
Give your shoulders time to rest if you’re engaging in repetitive overhead activities. Overuse can lead to tendon inflammation or tears.
5. Warm-Up and Cool Down
Before any physical activity, warm up your shoulders with dynamic stretches. Afterward, cool down with gentle stretches to reduce muscle tension.
6. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you experience persistent shoulder pain or discomfort, consult a sports massage therapist for advice and treatment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping Warm-Ups: This increases the risk of injury.
• Ignoring Pain: Discomfort is a sign that something might be wrong—don’t push through it.

Conclusion

Your rotator cuff is a small but mighty group of muscles that play a crucial role in your shoulder’s function and overall quality of life. By incorporating simple stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine, maintaining good posture, and avoiding overuse, you can keep your rotator cuff healthy and strong. Prioritizing its care will help you stay active and prevent injuries for years to come.

Take care of your shoulders—they do more for you than you might realize!

Address

Farnham

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm

Telephone

+447500895979

Website

http://www.thorpsportsmassage.com/

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