Working Together

The Horse’s Quandary

Fascia and muscle work together

When muscles stay tight fascia clings to them. Over time they BOTH lose elasticity.

Optimal looseness will not be present in our performance horses if a less than ideal range of motion is present anywhere within the body.

Muscles work in a specific manner; they have two ways of moving, they either lengthen or shorten. Healthy muscle must be able to move, to shorten and to lengthen.

Muscles strengthen in the lengthening. Compression causes muscles to get shorter, tighter, and weaker. Once the muscle and surrounding tissue fail to maintain flexibility, become tight and unyielding, range of motion decreases. Muscles work in pairs therefore if they continue to contract without lengthening once again, the muscle becomes shorter and tighter until they cannot stretch out; myofascial tissues lose their ability to glide, slide and twist smoothly over the muscle.

Not only do we now have a decrease in the looseness so desirable in our equine athletes, we lose physical power and strength as well. Contracted muscles do not have power or strength.

Dry myofascia is a very relevant factor contributing to lack of muscle suppleness and contributor to tightness. To put things into perspective myofascial tissue is the “glue that binds the horse together”. It comprises of a densely packed web of protein that surrounds bone, muscle and organs that help muscles communicate with each other.

The first time I observed unhealthy myofascia in a cadaver it reminded me of sticky strands of crisscrossed spaghetti stuck together in clumps. Healthy fascia is dynamic, always moving, separating, twisting and gliding.

Bodywork helps relax contracted and restricted muscle and tissue. It is also instrumental in stimulating the “stretch” reflex, improves circulation, helps remove toxins from the body (inflammation), and aids significantly in reducing sensitivity and tightness in the myofascial tissue.

Bodywork techniques that promote range of motion are an essential part of attaining and retaining looseness. Reducing restrictions take time. In long standing issues it may take several sessions to restore muscle balance.

As a rider, trainer and coach, I like to add the element of properly ridden loosening and strengthening exercises to enhance and compliment Equine Dynamic Bodywurks. (See ‘Shoulder Suppleness’ posted on October 3, 2018)