What is myofascial therapy, and what are the benefits for horses?
Myofascial therapy, sometimes called myofascial release (MFR), is a hands-on therapy that works to relieve tension and restrictions in the fascial system. Fascia is the connective tissue network that surrounds and permeates all soft tissues, nerves, bones, and organs. This technique helps improve flexibility, circulation, and overall movement by addressing adhesions and tightness within the fascia. Fascial work can help horses with issues such as:
Chronic stiffness or tension
Gait abnormalities
Postural imbalances
Nerve pain and suspected compressions
Relief during periods of restricted movement due to injury or surgery recovery
Scar tissue-related discomfort and restrictions
Digestive upset
Unexplained behavioral changes related to pain or discomfort
What is the fascial system?
Our horses' bodies - as well as our own - are enveloped in a remarkable web of connective tissue called fascia. The myofascial system refers to the relationship between our muscles and the fascia that surrounds and supports them. Myers 2009 described the body as “one big muscle in 600 fascia pockets”. Simply describing individual muscles as their function, origin, insertion, and innervation is outdated; it’s convenient for learning, but does not accurately describe body locomotion, interaction, and biomechanics (Schultz, Due, and Elrond, Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals.)
Fascia acts as a dynamic scaffold, providing stability, protection, and transmitting forces throughout the body. It's a living matrix connecting and permeating every tissue and organ, enabling efficient movement and maintaining structural integrity. Fascia is also a sensory organ, incredibly rich in nerve endings and mechanoreceptors, and plays an important role in proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of the body in space), as well as nervous system regulation.
Recent studies of equine fascia have described many “myofascial lines” in horses. A myofascial line refers to a continuous chain of muscles, fascia, and connective tissue that work together to transmit force, coordinate movement, and maintain balance in a horse’s body. These lines help distribute tension and support posture, much like in human myofascial lines.
The most commonly addressed fascial lines include:
Dorsal Line: Runs along the topline, influencing spinal extension and posture.
Ventral Line: Supports flexion and core engagement.
Lateral Line: Affects side bending and balance.
Spiral Line: Helps with rotational movements and coordination.
Photo courtesy of fasciaguide.com
How does myofascial therapy differ from traditional equine sports massage?
While both therapies aim to improve comfort and mobility, myofascial therapy targets the fascial system specifically, rather than just the horse’s muscles. Traditional massage techniques focus on muscle relaxation through kneading and pressure, whereas myofascial release typically uses sustained pressure and stretching to release fascial restrictions at a deeper level. The innervation of fascia is about six times greater than in muscles, which indicates the importance of the fascia in relation to pain perception in the musculoskeletal system (Schultz, Due, and Elrond, Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals). While traditional massage techniques also affect the fascia, being that fascia surrounds and permeates muscles, I prefer myofascial work because it benefits the tensegrity of the entire body, rather than just particular muscle groups.
Tensegrity is a structural principle where the balance of tension and compression maintains stability. In the equine body, fascia acts as a tension network that distributes forces efficiently, allowing movement to be fluid and coordinated. When fascial restrictions develop, this balance is disrupted, leading to compensation patterns and discomfort. Myofascial therapy helps restore tensegrity by releasing restrictions where necessary, and allowing the body to move harmoniously again.
How does myofascial therapy help nerve compression and pain?
Nerve release through myofascial techniques focuses on freeing up areas where nerves may be compressed or restricted due to fascial adhesions. Nerves are meant to glide through fascial layers, and when nerves are trapped within tight fascia, it can cause discomfort and pain, numbness, emotional dysregulation, and miscommunication between the brain and muscles. Myofascial techniques help create space around these nerves, allowing for proper function and pain relief.
How does myofascial therapy address scar tissue?
Scar tissue forms as a natural response to injury or surgery, but it can also create adhesions that restrict movement and cause discomfort. By addressing fascial restrictions around scar tissue, horses can regain efficient movement patterns and experience less compensatory strain elsewhere in their bodies. The techniques used in myofascial work help to remodel the scar tissue by encouraging collagen fibers to realign in a way that restores elasticity and mobility. Over time, this can lead to increased range of motion, reduced pain, and improved performance. By reducing fascial restrictions associated with scars, we can help prevent secondary issues that may arise from altered biomechanics and compensatory movement patterns.
How does myofascial therapy affect the viscera and digestion?
The fascia does not only surround muscles and bones - it also encases and connects the internal organs (viscera). Restrictions within the fascial system can influence the position and function of these organs, leading to discomfort and systemic imbalances. Myofascial therapy helps by freeing up restrictions around the organs, improving their ability to move and function properly. We can support digestive health, enhance respiration, and reduce tension in areas such as the diaphragm and ribcage through myofascial therapy. This can improve gut motility, core stability, and overall comfort.
How do you use myofascial therapy in your sessions, and is there an added fee?
Myofascial therapy, like craniosacral therapy, is a cornerstone of my approach to equine bodywork. All of the modalities that I have learned, and any of the “tools” that I use such as light therapy, kinesiology tape, and stability pads, blend seamlessly in my sessions. For that reason, there is no additional charge for any of them; everything I may need to reach for when I work with your horses is inclusive in your session fee.
You can read more about how myofascial and craniosacral therapies work together HERE.
What do I need to do to prepare my horse for myofascial therapy?
As with any bodywork session, you want to set your horse up for success by eliminating unnecessary stress. Your horse should not be hungry and expecting a meal, so if your horse is not fed free-choice, please make sure that they have received adequate time to eat before their session. Exercise earlier in the day is fine, but the horse needs to be fully cooled out and allowed time to eat and rest before the equine therapist arrives. A quiet area needs to be provided, and sheltered from the elements (sun, wind and rain). A stall or paddock is preferred, or held by a handler in the barn aisle. Tying up the horse or using cross-ties does not typically allow for necessary movement of the horse’s body and head throughout the session.
Equine therapy session with Kaiti Elliott of Free to Be Equine.
Please handle your horse with understanding and compassion. While myofascial release is not done with quick movements or excessive pressure, intentional therapeutic touch is still very different from touch to scratch or groom a horse. If your horse has areas that feel tender, it is their right to say no to that touch. As the handler, your goal should be to keep the therapist safe, but not at the expense of the horse’s consent to the work. Therefore, if your horse seems uncomfortable or stressed, pointing this out to the therapist is part of your duty as the handler. The therapist will be watching closely for this as well. Never punish the horse for expressing a need during a bodywork session! If they need to move, we allow them to do so, even if they aren’t moving in a way that we would prefer. This is an imperative piece of effective bodywork.
How did you learn this modality, and can you share any resources for further learning?
This is an important question to ask anyone who is working with your horse - what are your qualifications?
Almost all of my equine therapy certifications and continuing education have myofascial work as an integral piece of the education, including my initial Equine Performance Therapist certification completed in 2015, Equine Craniosacral Therapy Levels 1 and 2 completed in 2023/2024, Equi-Tape Practitioner certification completed in 2021, and the Nerve Release Self Study completed in 2024.
I have also attended several webinars with the authors of this extensive study:
Elbrønd, V.S. and Schultz, R.M. (2021) Deep Myofascial Kinetic Lines in Horses, Comparative Dissection Studies Derived from Humans. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 11, 14-40. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2021.111002
I highly recommend their book - “Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals” by Rikke M Schultz DVM, Tove Due DVM, and Vibeke S Elbrond DVM PhD.
You can find another great resource about equine myofascial lines at EQUUS-SOMA.
Are you on Vancouver Island and think your horse could benefit from this holistic approach of equine bodywork? Contact me to set up an appointment, or learn more about my sessions here.
You can also read the FAQ page about Craniosacral Therapy.
Thanks for reading!