All About Fascia
As an Equine Massage Therapist I already have a good understanding of what fascia is, and the role it plays in the body. But I also know that there is always more to learn and I was excited to see that Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out was going to be presenting a day long online seminar on the subject, followed by 2 in person hands on days.
A great opportunity to consolidate and expand my knowledge as well as the chance to discuss ideas with other therapists and immerse myself in the subject.
The first day of this 3 day course will also be available as a stand alone seminar to purchase from the Horses Inside Out Academy for any Equine Professional, horse owner or enthusiast that would like to dive deeper into anatomy, physiology and function of fascia in the horse’s body.
In this blog I thought it would be good to share with you a snippet of what is included in the seminar, and perhaps it will whet your appetite to take a look for yourself and learn more about this wonderful structure in the body.
Let’s look as some of the basic questions we are going to want to ask when venturing into this subject.
What is fascia?
There are many definitions of fascia, and in fact new definitions are being created all the time as we learn more about fascia through research. Here is one of the definitions Gillian shares in the seminar.
“Fascia is the tensional, continuous fibrillar network within the body, extending from the surface of the skin to the nucleus of the cell. This global network is mobile, adaptable, fractal, and irregular. It constitutes the basic structural architecture of the human body.” Guimberteux and Armstrong≤ 2015.
What is fascia made from?
Fascia is made from a number of components
• Fibroblasts • Collagen fibres • Elastin fibres • Reticular fibres • Ground substance
Are there different types of fascia in the body?
Yes, fascia can be
· Superficial (Loose areolar)
· Intermuscular
· Visceral
· Deep (Epimysial fascia & Aponeurotic fascia)
Wow, that’s a lot to take in already isn’t it!
But as Gillian says ‘Understanding the anatomy and functions of fascia can help us improve the way we palpate and assess soft tissue, understand and assess movement, posture and asymmetries and the efficacy of the techniques we use’.
In the seminar each area is drilled down into including images and videos of fascia in dissection, helping to give a clear visual understanding of how fascia really looks and functions. I have to admit this is one of my favourite bits as it helps as a therapist so much when you have a visualisation in your mind of what is beneath the skin of the horse you are working on or assessing.
What are the functions of fascia?
Fascia has many functions including:
· Connection of body tissues
· Protection of organs
· Metabolic functions
· Recovery following trauma (scar tissue)
· Storage of adipose tissue (energy store, insulation, cushioning)
· Accommodates nerves, sensory receptors, blood vessels
· Proprioception
· Reduce friction from muscle movement (hyaluronic acid)
· Force transmission (movement & stability)
· Structure & support framework
Again, Wow, this just shows how important fascia is for the body to function and why we should know more about it and how we can help to keep it healthy and functioning well.
What happens if Fascia is dysfunctional?
Facia dysfunction can affect so many aspects of the body, including:
· Muscles, individually & in groups
· Myofascial chains & the whole system
· Posture
· Motor function & movement patterns
· Sensory perception
· Tensegrity
· Strain on the musculoskeletal system
· Mobility & regeneration ability
How can we help prevent fascia dysfunction or restore the health of fascia?
· Hydration
· Nutrition
· Sleep
· Movement
· Fitness
· Massage
· Stretching & range of movement exercises
· Exercises for neuro stimulation
· Posture & symmetry
· Hoof balance
· Tack fit & design
As Gillian often says ‘to rest is to rust’ or one of my favourites ‘motion is lotion’ and this is so true when it comes to fascia where slide & glide, elasticity & hydration is key.
I hope this gives you an insight into the very basics of the theory behind fascia.
I really am just scratching the surface here!
If you search my previous blogs you will be able to learn more about Myofascial Chains and also practical manual therapy techniques that you can use to assist in fascia health. These are things I have studied with Gillian in the past and use in my practice every day with every horse.
Gillian’s All About fascia seminar is incredibly in depth and full of detail and visuals to help you understand this complex subject. I would highly recommend purchasing this from the academy and getting lost in the world of fascinating fascia!
Jess