Myofascial Release
What is Myofascial Release?
Fascia is the body tissue that defines the body’s organs position, gives functional structure, and enables integration between the different body systems. It is suggested that fascia may be essential in equine thoracolumbar spine stability and the requisite substructure for equine stability, posture, and movement. Poor posture, overuse of muscles, or stress due to repetitive exercise may affect the horse’s muscle and fascial tissue tone. Resulting regions of tension and facial restrictions are known as trigger points, which may lead to significant myofascial pain, both locally and at a distance in the horse’s body.
How Does Myofascial Release Work?
Fascial restrictions can be caused by a variety of factors including the way the horse has repeatedly moved or due to direct trauma and injury. The aim of Myofascial Release is to utilize a variety of techniques to mobilise the fascia tissue, so that these restrictions and any tension built up are eliminated. The result is restored function of the fascia and fascial chains throughout the horse’s body.
How Does Myofascial Release Help the Horse?
This manual therapy not only removes restriction in the fascia that allow muscles to glide over each other freely, but it can accommodate the improved movement of associated joints, allowing a freer movement and restore joint range of motion and enhanced physical performance.
Massage
Again, massage uses a variety of different strokes. With the therapy being mainly applied to the locomotory muscles but also affecting fascia and the lymphatic system. Massage may be used in conjunction with myofascial release, Masterson Method, and McTimoney Chiropractic techniques.
How Does Massage Work?
Massage aids in reducing tension in soft tissues as well as improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, restoring nutrient flow and removal of waist products such as lactic acid from the area being treated. Massage also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the muscle to relax and prevents long term constriction that may have a compensatory effect on other tissue such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
How Does Massage Help the Horse?
Massage results in reduced tension in the horse’s body and an enhanced feeling of wellbeing for the horse.
Regular treatment of McTimoney animal manipulation, Masterson Method techniques, myofascial release and massage will all benefit the horse’s nervous system, fascia and muscles tissues, and joints. All working towards optimal neurological efficiency and improved musculoskeletal balance. Thus, enhancing the animal’s wellbeing and physical performance.
These therapies alone will not prevent issues arising. It is also important for the owner to correctly maintain the horses’ management including teeth, tack, and training, to achieve optimal performance.
