What is fascia?
Fascia is a thin tissue that surrounds every single structure in the body. Nerves, muscles, organs, blood vessels, etc. are all surrounded by fascia. You can picture it like a large interconnected web. Fascia is made up of densely packed collagen fibers and, when healthy, is highly elastic, innervated, vascular, and hydrated.
Fascia provides support to all structures in the body. It also acts as a shock absorber and communication network throughout the body.
What happens when fascia is unhealthy?
When fascia is restricted, this can cause adhesions that are similar to scar tissue and cause pain or discomfort. Since the entire network of fascia is connected, pain can sometimes be felt in areas that are not near the source of energy. A common example of this is when a horse presents with hind leg pain or lameness, but the actual injury is in the front end of the horse. The original restriction can cause compensatory pain/movement in other areas of the body that might not seem connected. Hydration and movement are supremely important for keeping fascia healthy.
How can I fix fascia pain/problems?
Keep your horse well hydrated and allow lots of movement to prevent problems. Massage can help break loose restrictions in the fascia when they do occur. Kinesiology taping decompresses the fascia and promotes circulation of fluids to the fascia. Since fascia is highly innervated, it can be a common source of pain. Restrictions in fascia put pressure on pain receptors and cause them to yell at the brain that a certain area is uncomfortable. Kinesiology tape lifts the hair/skin and decompresses those pain receptors which turns down the “volume” of the pain message sent to the brain. The fascia wave application shown below is applied with alternating direction and tension to help break loose the restrictions in the fascia.
Benefits of equine sports massage: increased range of motion, improved disposition, relaxes spasms and adhesions, relieves tension, enhances muscle tone, increases circulation, and stimulates the lymphatic system.
Contact me to schedule a massage for your horse*
Kelsey Bault Horsemanship, LLC
Equine Sports Massage and Therapy
Helping horses perform their best through horsemanship and healing.
*Ask your vet if massage could help your horse
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