Myofascial Release Therapy
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a three-dimensional subcutaneous web surrounding the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It has a resemblence to that of a spiders web. Fascia extends under the skin throughout the horse's entire body from head to tail and is present on all sides. Fascia provides structural support throughout not only our horse's bodies, but also that of our own.
Fascia acts as a continuous tensile force throughout all areas of your horse's body, from macroscopic to microscopic. The fascial system is also the shock absorber of the body, protecting them against injuries and internal or external stresses, and it has a great influence on the immune system and general overall health of your horse.
What is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial release Therapy is a hands-on massage technique that targets the fascial system. Through administering sustained pressure, MFR elongates the fascial tissue with slow, gentle pressure on those restrictions. After working through those restrictions, the tissue becomes more pliable, which relieves pressure from pain-sensitive areas while restoring range of motion. MFR is a slow, gentle process due to fascia being incredibly strong.
Healthy fascia is very flexible and stretchy. It is also very strong. It provides structural support to the horse's body and protects their muscles. Fascia should be able to move freely within the body without any restrictions. When a horse's body experiences any kind of trauma, the fascia loses it flexibility, it can become tight and rigid. This tightness and ridgidity can lead to pain with a loss of muscle function and motion. This fascia restriction can then also lead to compensatory movement patterns within your horse, which in turn places more stress and strain on other muscles within the horses body.
The Benefits of Myofasiclal Release Therapy
Helps to relieve pain.
Improves the health and fluid consistency of the fascia.
Increasing the range of movement and stride length.
Helps improve the glide between the fascia so muscles Etc. can function more freely.
Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Helps to hydrate the space around the cells which helps keep the body lubricated.
Aids towards preventing mobility issues.
Improved blood flow to problem areas.
An excellent way to make them feel better on the outside, so they can then feel better on the inside and vice versa!
