SPORTSMASSAGE
Jack Meagher is responsible for developing the technique and also the term "sportsmassage" which is now known as the Meagher Method of Sportsmassage Therapy. This therapy has been shown to prevent and correct muscle problems for both people and horses. The goal is to enable the athlete to move more comfortably, without internal resistance ( muscle tightness) which will enhance athletic performance. Without muscle tightening the body's natural synchronization (sense of timing) is restored and becomes a much more efficient machine. Another goal of Jack's work is to reduce the risk of injury. This is huge, for any athlete. Continued exercise on even a mildly tight muscle, can (and often does) lead to injury. A muscle that cannot accommodate a movement placed on it can pull or tear. Tendon, ligament, and other injuries can also result from incorrect movement and stress from compensation due to simple muscle tightening.
Sportsmassage is unique. Most, if not all, other massage methods are restorative techniques, done after the competition or at the end of the day mostly for the purpose of relaxation and relief from tight, tired muscles. After extensive research and with his knowledge of science and sports, Jack realized that massage for sports really should be performed before the activity, to protect and prepare the body for the activity. Its a preventative technique designed to help the athlete before they get hurt. Exercise after the massage becomes part of the treatment by activating and lengthening the muscle fibers. Jack transformed massage to a science that could boost performance and at the same time help prevent many common sports injuries. And although this therapy can be used for both prevention and correction, its better to avoid a problem than to treat one.
As a result of meeting with and working on professional riders, Jack adapted the same technique he used on his human clients to their horses. He considered horses to be the worlds largest and strongest athletes. They are subject to the same effects of strain and overexertion that accompany exercise and conditioning as the human does. The body has to work harder and will tire faster when muscles are tight. Jack's method of sportsmassage provides that extra level of protection to reach that level of performance that training and exercise alone can't reach. Even a tiny increase in stride length can be the difference between winning and placing, the extra inch a horse can propel himself in the air - or the extra tight tuck of his knees - can be the difference of a rail down, or not. That extra freedom in the shoulders can count for better test scores. Sportsmassage gives the athlete an edge.
Jack Meagher was truly a pioneer in the world of sports and massage and is responsible for the development of this unique muscular treatment targeted at helping athletes. Not only did he coin the term "Sportsmassage", he wrote the book. Although he sadly passed away in 2005 he continues to be a leading authority in the world of sports therapy today.
