The Equine Video & Manual is a very instructional and informative way to learn Myofascial Release (MFR) and advanced Physical Therapy techniques. We teach the most comprehensive approach to helping improve the performance of the equine athlete. 

Equine MFR from Mark Barnes on Vimeo.

In this video you will learn the biomechanics of injuries and movement dysfunction,how to evaluate and treat performace and structural problems, and very effective treatment techniques.

Equine Video & Manual set is $ 75.00 + shipping

To order email info@somapt.com or call 303-440-3359

What is Myofascial Release Treatment for Horses?
Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that is used to elongate foreshortened connective tissue and muscle. Fascia is another term for the connective tissue of the body that forms a three-dimensional system of support, cushion, and movement. The fascial system forms a web from head to hoof surrounding every muscle, bone, organ, blood vessel, nerve, and cell. Actually, muscle is made up of 98% connective tissue with biochemicals attached that produce a shortening of the connective tissue strands (contraction). When the horse is acutely injured or sustains repeated trauma from training, the fascial system tightens as a protective response.

Over time this can lead to poor muscular biomechanics, altered structural alignment, decreased strength and endurance, and produce overuse muscular compensations. Resultant is decreased performance and functional capacity of the horse. By elongating the fascial system we can restore the efficiency of this system. Therefore, restoring the natural abilities of coordination, strength, and power to the horse. During treatment the therapist identifies areas of hardness or tenderness and applies a gentle pressure into the tissue were the restriction is felt. This is held for 90-120 seconds following the releases through the connective tissue barriers. We have had great success with this treatment approach especially when utilized with other treatment techniques such as joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise programs, and modalities. The combination of these techniques are beneficial in creating pain free movement for the horse.

Is my horse a good candidate for Myofascial Release Therapy?
Any horse can benefit from myofascial release therapy, especially those with a history of injury or lameness. Following are examples of scenarios you may find familiar:

• A history of chronic lameness, injuries, or surgeries
• Decreased performance with no diagnosed problem
• Decreased range of motion
• Pain sensitive areas or trigger points
• Irritability or unwillingness to work

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fascia?
Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from head to hoof. The fascia surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ all the way down to the cellular level.

The fascial system has three basic components: elastin (for stretch), collagen (for strength), and ground substance (a gel like substance that supports and protects the cell).

Generally, the fascial system is one of support, stability, and cushion, forming ligaments, tendons, and fascial sheaths. It is also a system of locomotion and dynamic flexibility forming muscle.

How does the fascial system respond to trauma?
As in humans, the tightening of the fascial system is a protective mechanism that is a response to trauma. This trauma may arise from an acute injury like a tendon strain, chronic compensatory overwork of muscles, or repetitive training techniques.

The fascia loses its pliability, becomes restricted, and is a source of tension to the rest of the body. The ground substance solidifies, the collagen becomes dense and fibrous, and the elastin loses its resiliency. This may be reflected in:

• Swelling and pain
• Decreased range of motion
• Behavioral and training difficulties
• Compression of nerves causing motor or sensory problems

Over time this can lead to poor muscular biomechanics, altered structural alignment, and decreased strength and endurance. This results in decreased performance and functional capacity of your horse.

What is Myofascial Release?
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. The restoration of length and health to the myofascial tissues will take the pressure off of the pain sensitive tissue like nerves and blood vessels, as well as restore alignment and mobility to the joints.

How does Myofascial Release differ from Chiropractic Manipulation or Massage?
Myofascial release addresses the soft tissue restrictions that can lead to altered bony alignment, but does not directly manipulate the bone structure of the horse.

There are varying massage techniques used on horses, such as Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular, all of which have benefits. In many cases, the elastic portion of the fascia is released with good short term results. Myofascial release provides long term results by engaging the entire fascial system and making permanent length changes to the tissue. By elongating the fascial system we can restore the efficiency within the neuromuscular elements and proper mechanical length of the connective tissues. Therefore restoring the natural abilities of coordination, strength, and power to the horse.