Koper Equine

The superficial muscles and deep muscles work together to provide structural support, movement, and coordination.

These muscle groups interact and influence each other in several ways:

1. Fascia: The deep and superficial muscles are connected through fascia. Fascia provides a means of connection and communication between different muscle layers. Fascia transmits forces generated by the deeper muscles to the superficial layers, for efficient, coordinated movement.
2. Stabilization and Support: Deep muscles, such as those located close to the skeletal structure, provide primary support and stability to the horse’s body. They help maintain the proper alignment and positioning of the skeleton, which is crucial for efficient movement. Superficial muscles, which are located closer to the skin’s surface, assist in providing secondary support, fine-tuning movement, and aiding in balance.
3. Power and Force Generation: Deep muscles are responsible for generating power and force during locomotion. They are generally larger and have a higher density of muscle fibers, allowing them to produce more strength. Superficial muscles contribute to force production as well but often play a role in refining movements and providing finer control.
4. Coordination and Movement: The deep and superficial muscle groups work in coordination to produce smooth and coordinated movements. The deep muscles provide the foundational strength and control, while the superficial muscles add refinement and precision to the horse’s movements.
5. Proprioception: Deep muscles play a vital role in providing proprioceptive feedback to the horse. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and forces acting upon it. The deep muscles have a higher concentration of sensory receptors that provide feedback to the nervous system about muscle length, tension, and joint positioning. This information is crucial for coordinating movements and maintaining balance. Superficial muscles also contribute to proprioception but to a lesser extent.

The interaction between superficial and deep muscles in horses is essential for correct movement, stability, power generation, and coordination. They work together as a functional unit to support the horse’s body and facilitate efficient locomotion.

Massage influences superficial muscles and through their connections to the deep muscles, influences them as well.

Massage with Myofascial Release is a whole body, hands-on approach to balancing tensions in the musculoskeletal system and is an important part of keeping your horse fit, healthy, happy and performing at its best.

Benefits of massage with myofascial release include improved muscle function, improved joint alignment, improved self-awareness, mobilized fascia, an increase in stride length and range of motion, enhanced relaxation and improved overall performance and recovery.