Latest Articles
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The Art of Somatic Movement & Exercise
The word somatic means “of or relating to the living body,” A somatic movement is performed consciously and with the intention of focusing on the internal experience of the movement rather than the external appearance or result of the movement. Somatic education uses somatic movement to improve motor control and sensation. Somatic movement education can… Read more
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Elements of Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release refers to a collection of techniques for separating layers of fascia, releasing restrictions and restoring elasticity and hydration. Restricted fascia will often lead to undiagnosed pain, exhaustion and immune system dysfunctions. Specific releases for different parts of the body vary, but generally include gentle application of pressure or sustained low load stretch to… Read more
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Funny Faces During A Massage
My horse makes funny facial expressions when it gets a massage. What do they mean? Behavioral scientists have done research on equine facial and behavioral expressions related to their feelings about the job they were doing or about to do or had just finished doing. Here’s what they say; Relaxed snorting is related to expressions… Read more
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Understanding Muscle Adhesions
Muscle adhesions, also known as myofascial adhesions, are areas of fibrous tissue that form between the layers of muscle and connective tissue, known as fascia. These adhesions can occur as a result of muscle injury, overuse, lack of use or repetitive motion. Muscle adhesions act like internal scar tissue, and the spots can become tight,… Read more
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How Rib Stripping Can Help Your Horse Move More Freely
Your horse’s ribs are intimately involved in breathing, bend, swing, rotation and lift. Your horse’s ribs need to be able to move. Your horse has 18 pairs of ribs (probably; some have 17, some 19). 8 ribs connect directly to the sternum and 10 ribs connect through fibrous tissue to the costal cartilage of rib… Read more
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Components of Fascia
Components of Fascia Fascia is composed of cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM includes two main elements: a fibrous component and a hydrated gel-like substance called ground substance. Cells within fascia are responsible for producing, regulating, breaking down, and maintaining all ECM components. Cells Found in Fascia Fibroblasts The primary cells of fascia.… Read more
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3 Layers Of Myofascia
The horse’s body is interconnected by layers of fascia, a very thin but strong 3D web of connective tissue that envelops everything in layers, whole muscle groups down to each individual cell. Myofascia refers to the fascia that wraps, connects and supports muscles. Every muscle has three layers of fascia; the endomysium, the perimysium and… Read more
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Fascia Is Part Of A Body-Wide Communication Network
Fascia is part of a body-wide communication network. It conducts nerve impulses faster than muscle tissue. Fascia has many sensory receptors: Massage can interact with these receptors to reduce pain and myofascial tension, reset muscle tone and improve posture, range of motion and self awareness. Massage stimulates the proprioceptors in the muscles, tendons and joints… Read more
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There Are 4 Categories Of Fascia
In 2007, the inaugural International Fascia Research Congress was tasked with establishing a ‘functional’ definition for the fascial system. The goal was to create and clarify the term “fascial system,” promoting clear and unambiguous communication internationally, across disciplines and professions related to fascia. This is the definition they proposed: The fascial system consists of the… Read more