Latest Articles
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Fasciculations/Muscle Twitches
A fasciculation, or muscle twitch, is a spontaneous, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation, involving fine muscle fibers. You may be able to feel a fasciculation that is too subtle or deep to see. Active trigger points can create a local twitch response. A trigger point is a dense area or knot within a taut band… Read more
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Fascia Is Vital For Transport & Fluid Exchange
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and permeates all structures in the body, including muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. It plays an important role in transmitting mechanical forces and facilitating movement. Fascia is not just a passive structural element, but also an active tissue that can contract and relax. It contains numerous nerve endings… Read more
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Trot Poles Increase Muscle Activity At The Trot
A recent study performed at the University of Tennessee proved that ground poles at the walk increase muscle activity in both the longissimus dorsi (major back muscle group running along the spine) and the abdominal muscles. Ground poles at the trot increase muscle activity of the abdominal muscles. This confirms what we have often recommended,… Read more
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Regular Massage Can Prevent Injury
Regular massage therapy can help to prevent injury by identifying and addressing areas of muscle tension or imbalance before they become a problem. Here’s how: A massage therapist may observe your horse’s posture, gait, and movement, looking for weakness, tension or muscle imbalance. Then they will use their hands to carefully palpate your horse’s muscles… Read more
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How the Sympathetic Nervous System Helps Your Horse in Competition
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) can help your horse during competition by preparing its body for physical activity and performance. When your horse experiences stress or excitement, such as during a competitive event, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a “fight or flight” response. This response can provide a number of benefits to… Read more
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Benefits of Hill Work
Hill work can be both a full body workout and a mental change of pace for your horse. Hill work is great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, topline, balance, coordination, suppleness, range of motion and leg stability. Be sure to introduce hill work slowly starting with a gentle slope at a walk and increase… Read more
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What Is a Muscle Cramp?
Muscle cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. They can affect any muscle group. Muscle cramps can be caused by a variety of factors, including overexertion, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, poor circulation, muscle fatigue, injury, poor nutrition, anxiety, underlying health issues or genetics. They may also be more common in… Read more
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Ruffini Endings In Skin, Fascia And Muscle Tissue
Ruffini endings are specialized sensory receptors, known as mechanoreceptors, that are primarily found in the skin, but they can also extend into other tissues like fascia and muscle. Here’s an overview of Ruffini endings and their role in sensory perception: Structure Ruffini endings are elongated structures that consist of thin, branching nerve fibers within a… Read more
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Move Freely With Massage
The easier it is for your horse to move freely and in balance, the more capable it will be. In other words, set your horse up for success and it will be more successful. When you reduce physical restrictions such as tight/sore muscles or myofascia and targeted exercises that interrupt habitual movement patterns it can… Read more