Manipulation, Massage and Myofascial Release

For horse and rider

By Dawn McCaig Dip MCST (WCST), Dip MCAM (OCEPT), Dip HM (ITEC), EEBW

Myofascial release (Muscle Fascia Release) is used for the release of fascia (connective tissue) which has become stuck, hardened and dehydrated. Fascia is a three dimensional web that surrounds every bone, muscle, nerve, organ and vessel down to the cellular level from head to toe. Restrictions can develop in fascia from trauma, poor posture and repetitive training. These restrictions can create pain, swelling, misalignments, poor muscular biomechanics, decreased range of motion, decreased strength and lameness.

Restrictions in the fascial system can put up to 2000lbs of pressure per square inch onto bones, ligaments, muscles and organs causing the structures to misalign or become constricted resulting in ineffective muscle usage, poor circulation, build up of toxins, strain and eventually trauma/injury.

Myofascial release (MFR) is used as my main modality during a session as it is most effective at facilitating the body's innate healing to realign bony structures and release deep seated tension and trauma.

Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that uses slow, sustained pressure without sliding on the skin, therefore no oil is used. It is a very different sensation to massage. As the stuck, hardened and dehydrated fascia is released you may feel slight pain, prickling, heat and stretch sensations. This is nothing to worry about and is essential to the healing process. Humans will tell me that it is uncomfortable and horses will tend to nip or scratch themselves where the discomfort is.

As the fascia is connected throughout the entire body, you may feel sensations in areas of the body that my hands are not placed on. Likewise, I may find a restriction in your body which you may feel is not linked to your primary complaint, however, all restrictions need to be released.