Changing Paces, PC  

What is Equine Myofascial Release and CranioSacral Therapy? 

Myofascial Release is a gentle therapy which has a profound effect on the body by elongating and softening the fascial tissue. Fascia is a three dimensional web that surrounds every bone, muscle, nerve, organ, and vessel down to the cellular level from head to foot, or head to hoof. Restrictions can develop in fascia from trauma, infection, poor posture (conformation), and repetitive training. When fascia loses is pliability and the ground substance solidifies, the resulting restrictions can cause pain, swelling, malalignments, poor biomechanics, decreased range of motion and strength, and lameness or unevenness in gaits.  CranioSacral therapy is focused on the fascia and its affect on the neurological tissues in the body, especially the brain and spinal cord. When fascial restrictions affect the cranial bones, brain and spinal cord, it can also impact the horses energy, nerve conduction and even personality.

Equine MFR and CST techniques will release fascial tissue to allow your horse's body to work at it's highest potential. Myofascial release and CranioSacral Therapy are the best and most lasting way to correct structural problems in your horse.

What is the difference between Equine Myfascial Release and Chiropractic? Many people will use equine chiropractic to help structural problems in their horse. Chiropractic can only affect the bone and joint structures by moving the bone. Equine myofascial release will help with the alignment of the bone by addressing the underlying soft tissue problem (muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia) that is causing the malalignment. Bony alignment is dependent on the soft tissue tension and, it can only be where the soft tissue allows it to be. Therefore, to have any lasting effect, the soft tissue has to lengthen to “keep the alignment” produced by chiropractic. These are different but often very complementary therapies.

Myofascial Release for the Rider?

The horse's human needs treatment too. Your body - with it's pain, misalignment and handedness pattern - is reflected in the horse's body, creating a mirror image. You can improve your riding and your horse's performance with myofascial release.

BENEFITS of MFR and CST

 For the Rider

 Decrease:

• Aches/Chronic Pain
• Stress
• Asymmetries
• Imbalance

 For the Horse

• Reduction of inflammation and swellin
• Reduction of muscle and nerve pain
• Decrease of fascial tension
• Elongation of connective tissue, incl muscles
• Increase of power, strength and endurance
• Increase in range of motion and flexibility
• Increase in biomechanical efficiency
• Increased CranioSacral rhythm and symmetry
• Improved neurological function

Is my horse a good candidate for MFR or CranioSacral Therapy?

• Loss of performance with no diagnosed problem
• Shortened strides, unevenness, or loss of good self carriage
• Refusing a lead or cross cantering
• History of chronic lameness, surgery, or injuries
• History of infection or illness (ie EMP, lymes)
• Wringing tail, back soreness, girthiness
• Stiffness, difficulties bending or flexing
• Changes in personality, hypersensativity, or "Temporal tantrums"
• Changes in willingness or tolerance to activities
• Lack of  emotional engagement or "shutting down"

 

Call or email us today for more information about Equine Myofascial Release! 

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