Equine fascia and kinetic lines are important concepts for understanding how the horse moves and functions. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. Kinetic lines are the pathways of movement and force transmission that run through the fascia. By studying equine fascia and kinetic lines, we can learn how to improve the health, performance, and well-being of our horses. Some of the benefits of understanding equine fascia and kinetic lines include enhancing the horse's balance, coordination and flexibility, preventing or reducing the risk of injury and pain, improving the horse's posture and alignment.
“Myofascial kinetic lines are a brilliant tool to help understand the mechanisms of compensation, motion, posture and the treatment of the locomotive system.” Dr Vibeke Elbrønd
Dr Vibeke Elbrønd is a veterinary and associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She is one of the leading experts in the field of equine fascia research and education. She has published several articles and books on the anatomy, biomechanics and function of the connective tissue network in horses and has developed a model for describing locomotion using myofascial kinetic lines. Vibeke has presented at a number of our online seminars discussing equine fascia, she loves sharing her knowledge and experience with horse owners, riders, trainers, therapists and vets.
Vibeke will be hosting another online seminar for us on Friday 19 April 2024. This time she will be looking at and discussing the Important Trunk Transitions: Functional Anatomy, Myofascial Integration and Dysfunction. This seminar is suitable for equine therapists and vets and is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field of equine fascia research and education. Vibeke's online seminars are always hugely popular and this on is another you won't want to miss.
In this seminar, Vibeke will look at the fascia, myofascial integrations, functionality and dysfunction of some of the important transitions of the trunk and spine. She will explain how these transitions affect the movement and posture of the horse, and how they can be influenced by training, injury and rehabilitation. Focusing in detail on the cervicothoracic junction, the cranial thoracic aperture, the thoracolumbar junction, the thoracic cavity, the diaphragm, and the lumbosacral region. Vibeke will discuss the diagnostics, assessment and treatment of problems in these areas.
Here's an interview with Gillian and Vibeke for you to enjoy:
What are Trunk Transitions
Trunk transitions are the areas between regions along the spine - for instance, between the thoracic and lumbar region and between the lumbar region and the sacral region. Biomechanically, these regions are important each of them shows a different motion and a different range of motions. These regions are also very vulnerable and during this seminar we will look at all the structures - muscle, organs, vessels, fascia, and the myofascial kinetic lines. We will look at the different dysfunctions that can occur in of the regions.
“There are so many exciting things to understand in all three regions because they each have their own specific functions. It’s important to understand how things work together and the imbalances and anomalies that can occur.” Dr Vibeke Elbrønd
Understanding Fascia and Myofascial Kinetic Lines
Fascia is a term that describes the connective tissue network that surrounds and supports every structure in the body, including muscles, bones, organs and nerves. Fascia is not just a passive wrapping, but an active and dynamic system that influences the function and health of the whole body. In horses, fascia plays a vital role in the transmission of force, the coordination of movement, the protection of tissues and the regulation of fluids.
Myofascial kinetic lines are a way of describing the functional connections and interactions of the muscles and fascia throughout the body. They are based on the concept of Anatomy Trains, developed by Tom Myers, which identifies 12 main lines of tension and force transmission in humans.
Dr Vibeke Elbrønd has adapted this concept to horses and has identified 13 myofascial kinetic lines that correspond to the anatomical differences and movement patterns. These lines help us understand how the whole equine body works as a unit, and how different regions and structures influence each other. They also provide a tool for assessing and treating movement problems and dysfunctions in the horse.