Did you know? Myofascial release has been used for many years to successfully treat musculoskeletal dysfunction in humans. It has proven to be extremely effective in elongating foreshortened connective tissue and restoring movement.
Why is Myofascial Release Needed?
As in humans, the tightening of the fascial system is a protective mechanism that is a response to trauma. Let’s remember, fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of your horse’s internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. Myofascial trauma may arise from an acute injury like a tendon strain, chronic muscular work, or repetitive injury from poor training techniques. The fascia loses its pliability, becomes restricted and is a source of tension for the rest of the body. This loss of pliability is further exacerbated by an inflammatory process.
Over time this can lead to poor muscular biomechanics, altered structural alignment and decreased strength and endurance. This tightening will also produce overuse muscular compensations. Resultant is decreased performance and functional capacity of the horse.
How to Perform the Technique?
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that facilitates a stretch into restricted soft tissues. A sustained pressure is applied into the tissue barrier after 90-120 seconds the first release will be felt. The practitioner follows the release into a new tissue barrier and holds. After a few releases are felt the tissue will become soft and pliable. This restoration of length and health to the myofascial tissues will take the pressure off the pain sensitive tissue like nerves and blood vessels, as well as restore alignment and mobility to the joints.- Equinetheraputic.com
Want to try a simple release technique of your own? Check out Dr. Pat’s “Mane Pull Release” video: