Equestricare does Myofascial Release as a stand alone treatment as well as in conjunction with other therapies in our Sports Therapy Consultations.


 

What is Myofascial Release?

"Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential "time element" has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate".  JF Barnes, Founder.

Myofascial Release allows the collagen fibres of the body to re-align in a pattern that allows maximum strength and function.  As a therapy it looks at each horse as an individual.

Whilst Myofascial Release is a gentle therapy, it has a profound effect on the body tissues.  Do not let the gentleness deceive you.  The therapist picks what treatment to do depending on what they find when they asses your horse.  The important factor of Myofascial Release is the depth of the therapy and the time element.

What are the benefits of Myofascial Release?

  • Reduction of inflammation
  • Reduction of muscle and nerve pain
  • Decreasing fascial tension
  • Stretching and elongating tissues
  • Increase of power, strength and endurance
  • Increase metabolic efficiency
  • Increase biomechanical efficiency

horse massage

What are the components of Myofascial Release?

  • Soft Tissue Mobilisation - Treats the elastic portion.  Soft tissue mobilisation breaks up cross links and stretches the tissue from A to B.
  • Cross Hands - In cross hands the therapist crosses their hands and skinks into the tissue.  They take out the slack by moving their hands away from each other and then hold.  The hands then move the tissue from point A to wherever the body wants to go.
  • Compression - In compression the therapist sinks into the tissue, pushes their hands towards each other and holds.  Then they move with the tissues from point A to wherever.
  • Direct Pressure - In direct pressure the therapist just sinks into the tissue for 90-120 seconds and holds.
  • Facilitation of Energy - With facilitation of energy the therapist holds their hands on either side of a part of the horse.
  • Traction/Distraction - The therapist takes a part of the horse away from them, holds and then slowly releases back to the body. Ie. Tail pull,
  • Scar Release - The therapist goes into the area, moves the fibre clockwise, and holds.
  • Rebounding - The therapist uses a rocking motion to enhance fluid flow.
  • Unwinding - The release of a restricted area.

Can I do Myofascial Release myself?

No.  Myofascial release is a highly qualified form of therapy.  If you would like to learn this form of therapy we can put you in touch with some courses.

 

Contact Equestricare at equestricare@equinesportstherapy.com.au for more information or to make a booking.