Jack Meagher developed Sportsmassage more than 40 years ago. Prior to this no therapy existed that dealt with sport related injury and more importantly, prevention of injury. Jack is a former professional athlete himself whose career was cut short due to injury. An injury that he believes could have been avoided had such a therapy existed. Ever since, Jack has dedicated his life to improving the performance of athletes. In the 1970’s he began working with horses and realized a great need for this approach to massage for our largest and strongest athlete…the horse. Jack’s method of massage which is known as the Meagher Method of Sportsmassage, has been proven to correct and prevent muscle problems for both people and horses. Jack’s massage techniques were designed to enable the athlete (horse or human) to move more comfortably, without internal resistance (i.e. muscle tightness). Athletic performance is enhanced and the risk of injury is reduced. In 2000 Jack received a grant from the American Massage Therapy Association Foundation for a research project that provided evidence that the Meagher Method of Sportsmassage will increase range of motion therefore increasing athletic performance. Jack Meagher was truly a pioneer in his field developing what is known as “sportsmassage”. He was active until his death in 2005, and his work continues to be the leading authority in the world of sports therapy.

Why does my horse need sportsmassage?

• Any horse engaged in training or competition will benefit with the Meagher Method Sportsmassage as part of his overall health maintenance program.
• You have lots of time and money invested in your horse. The Meagher Method of Sportsmassage is a great way to protect that investment.
• With any conditioning and training program there exists some level of muscle tightening.
• Tight muscles are weak muscles. You cannot condition and strengthen tight muscles.
• The more freely your horse is able to move his body the less likely he is to injure tendons, ligaments and muscle.
• Your horse will tire faster when his muscles are tight.
• Believe it or not, from the moment training for competition begins, most horses suffer to some degree. The human athlete can describe precisely any problems they may be experiencing and will get help or modify their exercise program accordingly. The horse experiences these exact same problems (such as tight and sore muscles) which can, and do, become larger problems because the horse cannot tell us of the initial onset.
• Your horse may feel stiff and lack suppleness. This is a warning sign the muscles are tight.
• If your horse starts to resist certain commands, this is a good indication that he is experiencing muscle tightness and pain.
• The Meagher Method of massage will enable your horse to move more comfortably and free of pain and will enhance athletic performance.

L a e l C o o k
Jack Meagher Certified Sportsmassage Therapist
lael_cook@msn.com 978-821-6961