Application
Myofascial release uses sustained hands-on pressure into a fascial restriction for several minutes in one area. Therapists who are skilled in Myofascial Release have developed their proprioceptive senses to detect fascial restrictions throughout the horse's body with their hands. Myofascial restrictions cannot be found on any of the standard tests done today such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or EMGs; consequently, they often go undiagnosed.
How can Myofascial Release help tendons and ligaments?
Tendon and ligament injuries are common in the competitive equine world. Because of the limitations that fascial restrictions place on the contractile elements of muscle, muscle strength is inhibited by approximately one third of its normal strength in the presence of fascial restrictions. So fascial restrictions not only affect flexibility, but also limit a horse's inherent strength and stability. Muscles will fatigue more quickly because they will have to overcome the enormous tensile strength of a fascial restriction. Muscle and tendon strain is then likely to occur where there is fascial restriction.