The Fascial System

The body’s fascial system provides support, protection, biomechanical linkage and movement for the entire body.  It is the very foundation of form and function in the body.
Fascia is tough connective tissue comprised of elastin, collagen and a fluid ground substance which spreads throughout the body as a three-dimensional web from head to toe (hoof or paw) without interruption.  You could remove everything from the body-every bone, muscle, organ, etc.-but you could never remove all of your body's fascia.  Fascia surrounds EVERY muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ, all the way down to the cellular level.  Restrictions can develop in fascia from trauma, poor posture and repetitive training.  Standard tests such as xrays, MRI, blood work, etc. will not show fascial restriction.

Fascia's Response to Trauma

The tightening of the fascial system is a protective mechanism in response to bodily trauma and injury.  The fascia loses its pliability and becomes restricted and the surrounding collagen becomes dense and fibrous.  The ground substance in which fascia is comprised of begins to solidify, creating a source of tension for the rest of the body-especially when compounded with the inflammatory process.  These fascial restrictions slowly affect the quality and quantity of motion, function of arteries, nerves, blood vessels, soft tissue, bone and organs.  These restrictions can create pain, swelling, skeletal misalignments, poor muscular biomechanics, decreased range of motion, decreased strength and lameness. 

Information from Mark F. Barnes, PT, MPT, DPT, Equine Physical Therapist