FAQ about using massage guns on horses…

FAQ about using massage guns on horses…

Can massage guns do harm? 

Massage guns, just like any tool or technique, can absolutely do harm in the wrong (uneducated) hands. Because of how powerful they are, they absolutely have the potential to overwork muscles and make them sore, or agitate an existing issue. That’s why it’s crucial to become educated in equine anatomy, contraindications, and massage gun techniques  before using one on your horse- so you can help them as you intend to! 

Is the gun better than your hands?

That depends- I prefer myofascial release over massage guns because I think it’s more effective, and has longer lasting benefits than massage guns. I also prefer to teach beginners specifically massage with their hands before promoting they use massage guns, because I think it teaches “feel” and important skills such as knowing what your horse’s tissue looks like and being able to feel muscular knots and fascial adhesions, but most importantly I think it’s safest to start with your hands because it’s harder to hurt a horse with your hands than with a tool. 

The overall “thing” about any tool is that they give you some kind of leverage or enhanced effect. That’s the good and bad thing about them. The good is that you can use it on your horse and it’s less tiring than using your hands, but the bad is that it’s easy to over use it, or use it on an area you shouldn’t , and potentially cause damage to your horse. 

So, overall: I still prefer my hands to a massage gun, and still recommend learning massage therapy to beginners who want to do something for their horse. Massage guns can be an excellent method of helping your horse, but proper technique and knowledge of anatomy is crucial for you and your horse’s safety.

When + how can I use my massage gun most effectively?

As I mentioned earlier, the “how” is a bit more complicated than I can go over in one post- I would say anyone who wants to use a massage gun on their horse should take a course in it, either in person or online. As for the “when”- research has shown that using a percussive massage gun right after exercise is the most effective time to prevent Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. So I’d recommend after your ride, especially more strenuous ones!