During a massage session you will likely hear me talk about fascia. So what is it?
Fascia is an intricate network of web-like, fibrous tissue that surrounds all organs, bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles. It facilitates nutrition, oxygenation, connections, nerve impulses and removes waste throughout the body.
Healthy Fascia moves freely and supports the multiple parts of the body to perform optimally and in sync. Fascia can transfer noiceptive (pain) responses quickly through the body as well as proprioceptive information. It process external stimuli such as cold or hot up to 10x faster than neurons and reacts quicker than muscles tensing before your brain even realises what has happened.
When Fascia becomes restricted it can form adhesions. This is where the fascia becomes 'sticky' and dehydrated. This impacts range of movement, postural changes, pain and overall health.
Many things can lead to damage including injury, hoof imbalance, tack fit, training, nutrition and daily management. Mental stress can lead to physical restrictions.
What is even more interesting is how restriction in one area of fascia can affect other parts of the body. This is known as 'Kinetic Chains' which connect different parts of the body to perform movement, through the fascia. Meaning tension in a horses poll could cause reduced movement in their hock.
That is why during a massage session I will work on the whole of the horse, not just the areas that show obvious discomfort. Normal muscle massage techniques would not fully address these issues, leading to problem areas reforming. Myofascial Release employs different techniques working on the Fascia with a 3D understanding. Aiding in the long-term release of restriction and improved function.
Our understanding of Fascia is still in its infancy, it has only been in the last few years that studies have been carried out. There is a growing realisation that fascia may have a huge impact on many aspects of health and it is exciting to see what other mysteries are uncovered in the future.