Amy’s Holistic Equine Therapies

A great read some really good insight into fascia 💗 and explained better than I ever could 😬

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FEKn8V25H/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fascia and the Tension Cycle: How the Body Adapts—and Gets Stuck

What begins as a normal, protective response in the body can sometimes become a pattern that’s hard to undo.

A small injury, strain, or even repeated stress can create tension in the tissues. Over time, the body adapts to that tension—and if it isn’t resolved, the system can become organized around it.

This is how helpful becomes limiting.

Fascia, Fibroblasts, and Tension in the Horse

Fascia can tighten and compress surrounding structures—nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, and the extracellular matrix (ECM)—reducing their ability to move, glide, and communicate effectively.

A key driver of this process is the behavior of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.

What Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts Do

Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are the primary cells responsible for maintaining and remodeling fascia.
• Produce collagen and ground substance
• Respond to mechanical load and movement
• Help maintain tissue elasticity and hydration

In a healthy system, fibroblasts support adaptability and resilience.

Myofibroblasts

Under certain conditions—such as injury, inflammation, or sustained tension—fibroblasts can transform into myofibroblasts.
• Have contractile properties (similar to smooth muscle)
• Generate and maintain tension within the tissue
• Continue responding to mechanical stress when tension persists

This is beneficial during short-term healing, but becomes problematic when it continues long after it’s needed.

How This Creates Restriction

When myofibroblast activity remains elevated:
• Fascia becomes denser and less elastic
• Tissue layers lose their ability to glide freely
• Nerves may become mechanically restricted
• Blood and lymph flow can be compromised
• The ECM becomes less fluid and more resistant

This creates a system where:

Tension reinforces tension

Effects in Key Areas of the Horse

Thoracolumbar Fascia & Back Muscles

This region is critical for force transmission between the front and hind end.

When fascial tension increases:
• The back becomes rigid or guarded
• Reduced ability to lift and swing through the topline
• Decreased shock absorption
• Altered coordination between limbs

You may see:
• Hollowing
• Shortened stride
• Resistance to bending or collection

Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi connects the forelimb to the trunk and helps coordinate movement and stability.

With increased fascial tension:
• Reduced ability for the forelimb to reach forward freely
• Increased load through the shoulder
• Reduced ability to control ribcage movement
• Compensation patterns through the back

Pectoral Muscles

The pectorals support the trunk between the forelimbs.

When restricted:
• Decreased ability for the thorax to lift and stabilize
• Reduced shock absorption
• Increased strain through the forelimbs and shoulders

Where Massage Therapy Fits In

Massage therapy helps interrupt this cycle by changing the environment the tissue and nervous system are responding to.
• Reduces excessive mechanical tension within the fascia
• Improves glide between tissue layers
• Supports circulation and lymphatic flow
• Provides clearer, more organized sensory input to the nervous system

This can help shift fibroblast and myofibroblast activity away from persistent contraction and toward a more adaptable state.

Rather than forcing change, massage:

Creates the conditions for the body to let go of unnecessary tension

The Bigger Picture

When fascia is under chronic tension:
• Movement becomes less efficient
• Load is distributed unevenly
• The nervous system receives less clear input
• Compensation patterns develop

Over time, this affects performance, comfort, and durability.

Why This Matters

Myofibroblasts are not the problem—they are part of a protective and adaptive response.

The issue arises when:
• Tension is never resolved
• The system does not return to a more relaxed, adaptable state

Final Thought

Movement reflects how the body coordinates itself under load.

Fascia doesn’t just tighten—it adapts.
And when that adaptation becomes chronic, it can restrict movement, communication, and function throughout the entire system.

https://koperequine.com/fascia-immunity-and-the-role-of-manual-therapy/

Love this pre and post Bowen treatment of regular client Miss Trinket 💜 This girl has come so far and the dedication of her owner is what makes the difference. Trinket was very unsure of her early day treatments but now we are really seeing results. I often take photos of just how they want to stand and the posture before a treatment then after and I also like to take photos of standing them square before and after but what I love about this is we didn’t stand her up for either photo this is just how she choose before and after. Trinket is a competition horse who has a team of us work on her. Her owner has figured out a great routine that suits her thats consists of a Bowen treatment then a follow up PEMF treatment either 7-14 days before or after.

I always carry kinesiology tape in my float it’s always handy to have for horses and humans but in this case also handy to reinforce some tack malfunctions 🤪🤪

Yes you can ride with kinesiology tape 😁 Not only is it good for support, relaxation but also proprioception but the most important thing is listen to your horse what feedback are they giving you 💗

Beau and Junior having a big drink after getting a treatment. Always ensure water is available post a bowen treatment as it stimulates the lymphatic system and is part of the detoxing process 💧

Doc the standie has been out of proper work for about 6wks he has a few niggling body and posture issues recently (a continueing work in progress) he started hand walking poles and walking straight lines 2 days ago and to help him balance and lift his core I applied a core taping for 2 days. The day before a hoof trim I applied the core taping (slightly altered as he was also tight in his pectorals) just to help him for the trimmer as it takes a lot of balance and core strength to hold a leg up for a length of time when you have been out of work, unfit and struggling with your body 🤪 I then re applied a core taping the next day to do poles and straight lines removed tape today and you can see the small changes in his body and posture (still lots to work on!) 💗 This also highlights the importance of good foot care it really is a holistic approach to keep our horses body healthy and functional 💗

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas 🎄 Thank you for all your support I am truly grateful and feel very privileged to work on your equine babies 💗 Have a lovely Christmas to you all 💗