|
|
|
|
||
 |
Horsepower...
Through the arts of Myofascial Release and advanced Physical Therapy techniques, we teach the most comprehensive approach to helping improve the performance of the equine athlete. We use a problem-solving methodology to evaluate and treat biomechanical, and structural problems. 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 functional movement. In my other practice treating professional and elite human athletes, myofascial release has been an important tool for increasing strength, power, and overall athletic performance in high level athletes. Over the past ten years, I have been applying this approach to the rehabilitation of horses. I have seen amazing results. Just like the professional athlete, the performance horse sustains injuries that have resultant soft tissue tightening and compensatory neuromuscular activity. These dysfunctions can be evaluated and treated successfully with MFR techniques. 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:
|