Therapeutic massage is helpful when muscle tissue becomes tight and knotted from overuse and over-stretching. If a muscle cannot fully contract or fully release from a contracted state, the horse cannot move properly. The end result is pain, restricted motion, and an unavoidable decrease in fitness. Circulation becomes impaired and healing cannot take place efficiently. As a result, the horse may be unable to perform at the expected level.

Massage is said to help increase blood and lymph circulation, release muscles from spasm, and promote overall relaxation which contributes to health. Even anxiety and fatigue can be reduced through the proper use of massage techniques. Sports massage is used both pre- and post-event, primarily as a preventive to severe muscle strain or injury. When a muscle injury cannot be avoided, time and nature provide the actual healing. However massage, properly applied under veterinary guidance, will help speed up the natural healing process.