Equine massage therapy has become an increasingly recognised part of horse care, with many owners turning to trusted products to improve wellbeing and support recovery. Equilibrium is at the forefront of massage therapy innovation. Their product range has been developed using research-led insights, and studies have shown significant positive impacts on equine muscle condition, relaxation and movement*.In the following article, we outline key findings from independent studies into the Equilibrium Massage Back Pad and Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad to help our customers better understand how Equilibrium massage therapy can become an integral part of their equine care routine.Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back PadThe Equilibrium Massage Back Pad: Research FindingsEquilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense: Research InsightsMassage Therapy Support with the Massage Mitt HotspotRedpost Equestrian: Here to HelpThe Equilibrium Massage Back Pad: Research FindingsIn 2007, Myerscough College conducted an investigation into the short-term effects of massage therapy on horses backs, assessing any changes observed in:Back flexibilityStride lengthIndicators of relaxationEquilibrium Massage Back PadHorses in the treatment group wore the Equilibrium Massage Back Pad and these results were compared against a control group.Key Findings:The study identified several measurable short-term changes in the treatment group, including:An increase in spinal range of motion (deemed significant)Static arch and dip measurements of the spine were taken using a flexi-ruler, comparing spinal range of motion prior to treatment and after treatment. Significantly greater arch and dip measurements were recorded in the treatment group, which suggested improved flexibility and freedom of movement throughout the horses backs.Promotion of Overall Relaxation (deemed significant)Stress and relaxation were measured by taking salivary cortisol levels, measuring heart rate and recording behaviour. The heart rate results showed a significant difference between the control and treatment group, inferring that the horses treated with the massage pad were more relaxed due to the effects of the massage.Increase in stride lengthThe treatment group did show some increase in stride length in comparison to the control group.Interpretation:The data, indicative of improved relaxation, could suggest that horses receiving Equilibrium massage therapy experience improvements to their overall wellbeingHorses could demonstrate improved performance because the data suggests improved spinal flexibilityWe would also expect relaxed muscles to assist with improvements in flexibility and movement, and so we might expect to see evidence of this in the performance of competition horses (such as those performing dressage movements or jumping technical fences).Shop the Equilibrium Massage Back Pad HereEquilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense: Research Insights More recently, Equilibrium expanded their product range with the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad. This innovative product combines all the benefits of Equilibrium massage therapy alongside the controlled application of therapeutic heat.An independent investigation led by saddle fitter Jasmin Gutsell in 2024 explored short-term changes in equine back dimensions following use of the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad.Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back PadStudy Summary10 horses (ages 10-14) in regular trainingHorses were assessed before and after two sessions on separate daysThe sessions comprised of 30 minutes use of the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad (massage and heat) and a walk and trot lunge sessionA flexible curve ruler traced the shape of the back at six anatomical points (including the saddle tree point, a key load-bearing area under the saddle).Lunging was incorporated as part of the 2024 study to examine both massage and exercise effects.Outcomes and ImplicationsStatistically significant changes in back dimensions were recorded after a single session with the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back PadMost measured areas showed increases in dimension, interpreted as muscle expansion likely linked to increased blood flow and muscle activationSome areas showed a decrease in size, thought to reflect muscle relaxation or fluid redistribution rather than loss of muscle tone.There was no strong correlation between the changes observed following use of the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad and those seen after lunging. These results showed that the effects of the Heatsense pad were different from those produced by lunging, suggesting that massage with heat may influence the muscles in ways that exercise alone does not. This supports the suggestion that the Heatsense pad has the potential to be used effectively as a warm up or preparatory tool before exercise or competition.The Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad has the potential to maximise your warm up before training sessions or competitions.Shop the Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Back Pad HereMassage Therapy Support with the Massage Mitt HotspotThe Equilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot draws on the same research as the Heatsense pad in its design, but allows more targeted application to specific muscle groups. Offering vibration therapy with an optional heat hotspot setting, the Equilibrium Massage Mit Hotspot can be used to complement other hands-on treatments and contribute to recovery and care.Equilibrium Massage Mitt HotspotShop the Equilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot HereRedpost Equestrian: Here to HelpHere at Redpost Equestrian, we understand that investing in top quality products requires careful consideration. To make these big decisions easier, we offer trial options for some of our Equilibrium massage therapy products. If you would like further help selecting which Equilibrium massage therapy product is best for your horse, or more information about our trial options, talk to a member of our friendly team in store or give us a call on 01803 812040 to find out more.Shop Equilibrium Massage Therapy Products HereShop All Equilibrium Products Here*Initial paper fromMyersoughCollege from 2007Everything You Need To Know About the Latest Horseware Ice-Vibe Therapy RangeEquilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense: Study Shows Measurable Changes in Horse Back DimensionsEverything You Need To Know About The Catago FIR-Tech LED PadTried & Tested: Epiony Equine Heat PadThe post Equilibrium Massage Therapy: Supporting Equine Comfort & Performance first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.