Skin rolling is a technique used to release muscle knots and fascial adhesions near the skin.
Skin rolling uses the thumb and fingers to gently lift the skin from the muscle below. You can then roll the lifted skin forwards along the direction of the muscle fibers or move to a new spot and lift the skin again. A related technique places 2 fingers on a spot and gently moves the skin in a circle over the muscle below, feeling for how and where it moves most freely.
Skin rolling can break up adhesions and restore tissue mobility that has been affected muscular overload, dehydration, stress, muscle trauma, lack of movement or scarring. It’s most often used on the neck, chest and around scars and joints.
Skin rolling stretches and loosens collagen bonds, suppling skin, fascia and related muscle knots and helping the skin to move more freely across structures.
The skin rolling stimulates circulation and helps create a little more space between the tissues. Oxygen, nutrients and easy communication between cells are vital to help repair any damaged cells and contribute to faster healing.
Skin rolling encourages relaxation by increasing the production of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These hormones promote positive feelings. I find that some horses absolutely love skin rolling and will fall asleep to it and some just don’t but do enjoy the circles. Let them choose.
Leave a Reply